THE UPEI SUN,Thursday,March 15,1979,page 2

Backlash to Differential F 663

by Roseanne McCabe

If fees for foreign students at the University of Prince Edward Island increase, Islanders could be shortchanging them- selves of an education.

Higher fees could mean foreign students won't dioose to come here and P.E.I. could lose its only real avenue for inter- national contact.

Threat of higher fees looms after the Maritime Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) recommended the three provincial government reduce its foreign student grants by $750.

Unless universities are willing to take the loss, foreign students could face higher fees.

Dr. Peter Neincke said he 18 not sure What the

Maritime premiers will decide. And, if fee hikes are possible, if government reduces foreign students

grants, he said: "With financial pressure already on the universities, there is a likelihood of at least some type of hike."

The Maritime Provinces wouldn't be the first. mtario, Quebec and Alberta have already accepted a differential fee system.

UPEI has 54 foreign students - not a great nmber,Last year alone UPEI received 442 applications and accepted 44. Majority of applications were from Hong Kong and Malasia.

The influence of foreign students would be missed on P.E.I. , culturally,

economically and spiritually, '

says Baird Judson, advisor to the overseas students. The foreign students have a "missionary" presence - they enrich lives, he- says. Emmanuel Amobi, 24, of Nigeria, junior business administration student at

Summer School 1979

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I s W H O. I? \S

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situated on a 500 acre tract of land at Lennoxville amid the rolling hills of the Eastern Townships of Southern Quebec.

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Subjects offered include:

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()n and off-campus accommodation is available at reasonable prices.

Recreational facilities int lude: live theatre, indoor

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gym, golf, rifle shooting, etc. For course 6. J. Marcotte, Director listings Office of Continuing Education mfg'rga’fifn’ Bishop's University Contact: Lennoxville, Qué. HM 127 (8] 9) 569-9551 ‘ -

the university, says "in- creasing fees for foreign students would Work against the university and

hurt the Island. UPEI is no: as well—

known as some western

universities. But cheaper ‘

fees attract foreign students. If fees increase, these

students may as well apply

to other more well-known universities, he says.

He says P.E.I. should wait before increasing fees, to see if UPEI gets the influx of foreign students from other universities. Then, if UPEI has to increase fees, . then chances of some foreign students staying is greater.

Prof. Judson who teadaes engineering courses says professors have to teach classes that are "not even full anyway", so in fact foreign students are not costing the university any _ more; professors still have to be paid.

He says a decision to cut foreign students grants would be a political move by government to win the public's favor.

Mr. Anobi says P.E.I. would even hurt its tourist industry by hiking fees.

If by losing students they lose "an important avenue for international contact," this does not help P.E.I.'s image to the tourist.

Mr. Amobi says choosing UPEI was "a leap into the dark" for him which he has never regretted. "'Ihere's a lot to learn from this Island apart from school— work," he says.

Mr. Amobi,representing students at regional, provincial and national conferences, has had much exposure to other parts of Canada, and other students.

'Ihere exists on P.E.I.

a "sincerity" to learn

about foreign countries, he says. He has also spoken

to high school students,

city and provincial leaders, - women's groups and to the elderly.

. youthful exuberance," says

Lshould be organized and financed to promote students

f ‘

"The intrinsic reward for me, as I explain my country, is that I see a real sincerity, as the part of Islanders an inquisitive- mess to ~_s.tudyr.ar1d tealsam about;others," he says. .

He says influence of _ foreign students increases the scope of the Islander, and lets both cultures see the "carmmalities".

The students affect religious attitudes here, as well. Mr. Amobi, Prof. Judson and fourth year physics student Chester N9 of Hong Kong says overseas students and Canadian students differ in this way. Religion plays an important part in the life of Nigerian and Hong Kcng youth, but is not nurtured amcng many Canadian youth.

"Young people in Nigeria preach the gospel with

Mr. Amobi. And Prof. Judson says Canadian parents often fail to communicate basic faith to their daildren.

However on P.E.I. basic Christian principles seem more alive ,- than in large Canadian cities and Mr. Ng says ','this adds to the ., peace’and tranquillity"of the Island.

Mr. Judscnwho with Dr. K.S. Jammu operate the volunteer advisory services for the overseas students says the Island is not "maximizing" on the foreign students and their knowledge of the countries.

Overseas student services

in the Island community. As it is now, it's strictly volunteer, and he and Dr. Jannu co-ordinate their activities into the communi as well as they can.

Dr. Jammu wasla foreign student himself in 1959 at the University of 'I‘ortnto. He says the "intermingling of students leads to in- sight into cultures. But Canadians can be generous in keeping fees dcwn only if they can afford it.

by 5. Peter Losh'”

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