Duivelse verleiding - Univers

They don’t contribute
Another problem with international students seems to be that because they
are not well integrated into the society, ‘they do not contribute to the local
economy’, said Sander van den Eijnden in an interview with the Volkskrant.
Van den Eijnden is head of the Dutch organization for internationalization
of higher education (Nuffic). This argument becomes much weaker when
you think about everyday student life. Blommaert says: “They rent rooms,
eat in restaurants, take the bus, go to see movies, buy groceries... What is
contribution to the local economy if this isn’t?” Chinese students don’t only
dine in Chinese restaurants, nor do they rent rooms from Chinese owners.
Thus, the money circulates within the country though the hands of Dutch
owners and companies.
They cost us money
Up until now, European students who work at least eight hours a week can apply for
a grant. For many of them this opportunity, along with the loan, is the main source
of funding their studies. However, the State Secretary Zijlstra plans to increase the
requirement from eight to fourteen hours a week. The argument is that the rules
for Dutch students are getting stricter, so it’s only fair to restrict financial benefits
for foreign students as well. According to the association of Dutch universities
VSNU, such a measure is counterproductive and it will significantly slow the study
pace. Blommaert also disagrees with Zijlstra’s measure. “I myself wouldn’t have been
here if it wasn’t for a system of welfare and higher education subsidies. Changing this
system will result in the exclusion of many excellent students.” The lack of financial
pressure for students is one of the main advantages of studying in the Netherlands.
“If we lose this advantage, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot”, the professor thinks.
For Van Liempd it is a question of a well-defined strategy: “There is a contradiction in
the government’s position. On the one hand Zijlstra sees a potential in China, but on
the other hand they’re making domestic rules stricter for international students. The
government lacks a broad internationalization policy.”
They are ‘normal’ immigrants
Jan Blommaert, himself being a knowledge
migrant, makes a clear distinction between
general immigration figures and the increase
in the number of international students.
“The days of attracting immigrants are
certainly over. Migration to the Netherlands
is effectively discouraged and regulated.”
Nonetheless, so-called smart migration is
increasingly important. It is crucial for the
universities to attract and invest in international
students. “Foreign students shouldn’t
be seen as migrants. The politicians should
approach student mobility as an economic
opportunity, and not as a sociological
nightmare.”
When it’s warmer
than 15 degrees I get
incredibly sweaty
under my armpits
Column
Awkward!
International .25
You walk on campus and you see someone approaching from
the opposite direction. You know that person from student
parties, but in a state of non-intoxication you haven’t a clue
what to talk about. There is this awkward moment in which
you say ‘hi’ and hesitate for a split second whether to stop and
talk or keep on walking. The other person takes advantage of
your indecisiveness and throws in the dreaded ‘what’s up?’.
You have no choice anymore. You have to make small talk.
Here are some tips on how to make the chitchat much less of
a cliché.
When the conversation starts with a statement about the
exceptionally beautiful weather, respond: “It’s not so great for
me. When it’s warmer than 15 degrees I get incredibly sweaty
under my armpits. Look, do you see it?”
When asked about your well-being, list all the things that are
wrong in your life. Complain about your back pain. Complain
about troubles in your relationship. Complain about a broken
toe nail, and don’t forget to describe in detail how much it
hurts. Sharing is caring.
Give a backhanded compliment. Say that you love someone’s
haircut, and that it’s sooo much better than the old one. So
much better. Really.
When asked about your studies, describe in detail the progress
of your thesis. Say what chapter you are working on, which
paragraphs you’ve finished, and which sentences you find
problematic. Don’t forget to list all the sources you’re
us ing. They probably want to know all about it, they’re just
too polite to ask.
When asked about your plans for the summer, say that you
won a trip to the Caribbean in the Albert Heijn contest. You
can’t stress the fact that they pay for the tickets, private bungalow
on a beach, cocktails with paper mini-umbrellas, and a
day with Captain Jack Sparrow, enough.
Note: I shall not be held responsible for your social alienation
and eventual loneliness.
Sonia Kolasinska
is a third-year
Liberal Arts
student.
Univers
12 april 2012