House of Representatives Supports English-Taught Courses The House of Representatives has voiced its support for English-taught courses, citing compelling reasons that underscore their value. Inclusivity and Accessibility: * English is the official language of the United States, making English-taught courses more accessible to a wider student population. * International students and non-native speakers benefit from the opportunity to study in an environment where they can fully comprehend the material. Economic Benefits: * English proficiency is a key skill for career success in a globalized economy. * English-taught courses provide students with the language skills they need to compete in the international job market. * Businesses and industries require multilingual professionals, and English-taught courses help meet this demand. Educational Quality: * Research indicates that students learn more effectively in their native language or a language they are proficient in. * English-taught courses allow students to engage with the material more deeply and achieve higher levels of comprehension. * They also facilitate critical thinking, discussion, and collaboration among students with diverse backgrounds. International Collaboration: * English-taught courses promote international collaboration and exchange. * They provide students with opportunities to interact with peers from other countries, fostering cultural understanding and global perspectives. * They contribute to the development of a more interconnected and diverse international community. The House of Representatives recognizes the importance of English-taught courses in enhancing education, accessibility, economic growth, and international collaboration. By supporting these programs, the House demonstrates its commitment to providing all students with equitable and berkualitas opportunities to succeed.The Influx of International Students in the Netherlands: Debates and Concerns
The Influx of International Students in the Netherlands: Debates and Concerns Statistics Netherlands reports a significant rise in international student enrollment in the Netherlands over the past decade, with three-quarters of master’s programs now taught entirely in English. This influx has sparked a debate in the House of Representatives, with concerns raised about the extent of internationalization in higher education. The proposed bill by outgoing Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf outlines criteria for determining which programs may offer non-Dutch language courses. Existing English-language programs must meet these criteria or switch to Dutch within a specified time frame. However, numerous exceptions are built into the bill, allowing programs to justify their continued use of English based on factors such as labor market shortages, regional location, or international connections. Critics argue that the exceptions are too broad and could potentially exempt every bachelor’s program in the country. They also question why master’s programs are generally exempt from the language requirement. Conversely, university administrators highlight the economic benefits of attracting international students, particularly in regions with labor market shortages. They emphasize the need for more flexibility in the exemption criteria to accommodate the diverse needs of different sectors and regions. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on English-speaking staff and the retention of international students in the Netherlands after graduation. The education union urges an extension of the transition period to minimize job losses. The political parties’ positions on the bill remain unclear, with some questioning the impact on the housing market and English dominance, while others focus on the benefits of internationalization. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed in its current form or revised to make it more restrictive. The direction of the discussions will become clearer when members of the House submit written questions on June 27th.
English-Taught Courses Benefit Students, House of Representatives Affirms The House of Representatives has issued a statement supporting the continued use of English-taught courses in higher education. The statement highlights several advantages of English-language instruction, including: * Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown that students who learn in English perform better academically. They achieve higher grades, have better retention rates, and are more successful in graduate school. * Enhanced Career Prospects: English is the global language of business, science, and technology. Students who master English have a significant advantage in the job market. * Increased Cultural Understanding: English-taught courses expose students to different cultures and perspectives. This broadens their worldview and prepares them for a globalized society. The statement acknowledges that while some students may benefit from learning in their native language, there are compelling reasons to prioritize English-taught courses. The House argues that the benefits of English-language instruction outweigh the potential drawbacks and that it is essential for ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. Opponents of English-taught courses have raised concerns about the exclusion of students who are not proficient in English. However, the House maintains that institutions of higher education have a responsibility to provide support for students who need it. This includes offering English language classes, tutoring, and other resources. The statement emphasizes that the use of English as the language of instruction does not diminish the importance of preserving and promoting other languages. Universities should continue to offer courses in a variety of languages and support research on language and culture. In conclusion, the House of Representatives strongly supports the continued use of English-taught courses in higher education. It believes that English-language instruction provides students with significant advantages and is essential for ensuring an equitable education for all.
