Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör evaluated the topic of international student mobility and education tourism.
“Universities are open to those who wish to study without discrimination based on religion, language, race, or color”
Stating that the root of the word “university” comes from “universe” and therefore universities have an obligation to keep their doors open to all people who wish to study and produce science, without discrimination based on religion, language, race, ethnicity, or color, Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör said, “The education provided at a university trains qualified individuals not only for a specific society, nation, or country, but for all humanity. The science produced at universities is also offered for the service of all humanity. Universities, by virtue of their mission, are institutions that operate according to universal values and criteria, without any discrimination.”
“University campuses are living spaces of multinationalism”
Noting that humanity has evolved from primitive times to the present day through the ideas developed and scientific knowledge produced at universities guiding humanity, Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör continued:
“Wherever they are in the world, university campuses are living spaces for multinationalism, multiculturalism, multilingualism, multi-ethnicity, and all kinds of diversity, plurality, and difference. Since science is universal, what could be more natural than universities, as centers of scientific production, also possessing the characteristic of universality?
Intellectual interaction and scientific information sharing also enable people worldwide to be aware of each other’s existence, communicate, and integrate.”
“For the establishment of democratic understanding and a more peaceful world…”
Explaining that the diversity, plurality, and mutual recognition and acceptance of differences on university campuses have a positive impact worldwide, Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör emphasized, “The tolerance of diversities and differences to coexist forms the basis for solving many problems in the world. Therefore, diversity and plurality on university campuses are important for the spread of tolerance, the establishment of peace, the integration of democratic understanding, and the creation of a more peaceful world.”
“All countries in the world take education tourism seriously”
On the other hand, Güngör also noted that international student mobility means a type of tourism, and continued:
“All countries in the world take education tourism seriously in this regard. When you visit any university in any country, the first thing that catches your attention is the diversity of language, religion, race, and color on campus. No one asks ‘Why are they here,’ nor do they find it strange, exclude them, or marginalize them. Everyone knows that they are valuable guests of that country who must be protected.
International students are an important source of income for our country. We all know that our country allocates significant resources for its international promotion, as well as the efforts shown in this direction. For the strengthening of international prestige, the country’s gaining power within the global economy, ensuring social welfare, and increasing social and cultural interaction, it is important for the country’s inbound tourism mobility to gain momentum.”
“Smear campaigns against international students…”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör stated that no matter what ideological or political view one holds, everyone must agree on this point, and international student mobility should be addressed from this perspective, saying, “Unfortunately, in recent days, some political circles in our country have launched smear campaigns against our international students. It is not easy to understand the reason for this. Making generalizations based on isolated incidents harms our universities and damages the country’s image. If there is a problem somewhere, the well-intentioned approach is to report the problem to the authorized units without generalizing it and to make efforts for its solution.”
“Each one is a cultural ambassador for our country…”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör also stated that there is a confusion between international students and asylum seekers or migrants, saying, “Our international students come to our country to receive educational services. They contribute to increasing the quality of education and science in our universities, and they also transfer significant foreign currency to the country. They are our guests. When they complete their education and return to their own countries, each of them continues to contribute as a cultural ambassador for our country. We should only and solely be proud of our international students who study at universities in Turkey and spread all over the world. Instead of trying to drive them away from our country with smear campaigns, we should all stand by them and encourage them to come to our country.”
“Strengthening university academic staff at an international level is important”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör also pointed out that the arrival of international students in our country should be encouraged, saying, “This aspect of our higher education policies needs to be strengthened. For this, it is primarily important to strengthen the academic staff of our universities to be qualified to provide education at an international level. Improving the research and scientific infrastructure conditions of universities is crucial at this point. On the other hand, there are currently over 200 universities in our country. Some of these are located in Anatolian cities. Establishing universities, especially in regions that have not yet completed their development process, is important for accelerating the development process.”
“Ensuring a planned flow of international students prevents potential problems”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör also noted that the conditions of the region where the university is located should be taken into account when admitting international students, concluding her words as follows:
“Prioritizing universities in large cities for international student admissions, and ensuring a planned flow of international students to universities in other regions, based on their development processes and under constant observation, can largely prevent potential problems.
In conclusion, the admission of international students to our universities is of great importance for the economic development of the country on one hand, and for social and cultural interaction at a universal level on the other. Instead of making generalizations based on isolated problems, delving into the root cause of the problem and formulating solution proposals would be a more sincere and meaningful contribution. Encouraging our universities with appropriate academic staff qualifications, research, and scientific infrastructures to admit international students will positively contribute to our country’s development in various aspects.”
