Overseas students

Press, 30 April 1988, Page 20

Overseas students

i Sir,— : read with interest your editorial of April 23 concerning overseas students at New Zealand universities. As a student, I say instead that there are few benefits arising from having these students in our country. Asian students, in particular, seldom mx with New Zealand

students, and there is definitely no “widening of the cultural horizons of New Zealand students" that I am aware of. As for a “richer campus life," these students are seldom io be seen at university social functions — happy hours, steins (and, dare I say ;it? drinking horns), but will instead ire found studying at the library or a Friday or Saturday night. — Yours, etc., . j SPENCER BROWN. April 23. 1988. Sir,—The unease expressed in your editorial (April 23) is being felt’ throughout the university system. Not only ere overseas students being affec ed but so is the ivital research edrried out by universities, student welfare services, lecturer/student ratios, and the career prospects of thousands. For some time now the Government has ieen saying how important further education and training is apd how the young people will determine the future success of his country. Empty words! Why doesn't the Government put its money where its mouth is? Universities, like ind vidual students, face financia hardship. Young people are being turned away. Some say up to 10,000 applicants were rejected this year alone. What a sadj reflection on the Government. Who said New Zealand had an open entry university system? — Yours, elc., I ; JEFF MONTGOMERY. ; i Lincoln College, April 26, 1988. I