早稲田社学 2011 IV

In Medieval times, the choice was simple. A Christian man of means could enroll at one of a handful of universities, two of which were in England. Since then, continents have been discovered, everyone has got smarter and richer, and students have grown more demanding. How competitive are British universities today?

Although America leads the world in attracting foreign students to its campuses, Britain and Australia are not far behind. Almost 672,000 foreigners were enrolled in American universities in the autumn of 2008, compared with 183,000 in Australian universities and 342,000 in British ones in 2007 (the most recent year for which data are available).

The global recession has not dented the demand for higher education abroad, especially in English-speaking countries. On November 16th a study by the Institute of International Education, which is based in New York, reported that record numbers of international students are now studying in America. Most of these come from India and China, although a modest but increasing number are British. Australia has also reported strong demand from these countries and others.

Higher education, whether at home or overseas, is especially attractive at the moment because the alternative for many young people is unemployment. But it has long been recognised that the better-educated earn more. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a rich-country think-tank, recently found that ― even after taking into account tuition fees, lost earnings while studying and extra taxes paid―a male graduate can expect to earn ￡48,800 more over his working life than a man who had the qualifications to go to university but did not do so (The benefit for female graduates is lower because women in general work and earn less than men).

The number of university students in Britain rose by 5% between 2003 and 2007. Overseas students increased at a sharper rate, rising by more than 20%. Many more foreign students ― those from the European Union pay the same tuition fees as their British counterparts whereas those from other countries are charged far more ― are now enrolled on British campuses. A weaker pound should make the prospect more attractive. Tuition fees and accommodation at an elite institution in Britain cost international students about ￡18,000 a year―roughly the same as in Australia but less than in America, where costs are closer to ￡24,000.

But trouble is brewing. Changes to the student-visa system this year have left thousands of foreign students stranded at home and as angry as wet cats. On November 12th, Gordon Brown announced a review by the Home Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. They are to pronounce by December 11^th.

The prime minister is right to be worried. Tuition fees paid by overseas students total more than ￡1.5 billion a year, money used to subsidise the teaching of British students. A report published last month by Universities UK, which represents university heads, reckons international students spend a further ￡2.4 billion off campus each year . One way or another, universities contribute ￡33.4 billion to the national economy, it concludes, including ￡5.3 billion of export earnings Letting universities prosper creates winners all round.

(Adapted from The Economist)

1 According to this article, which TWO of the following are true?

a. In the distant past, it was extremely easy for anyone to enter British universities.,

b. Studying in a foreign country is considered better than studying in one's own country

c. Of all the English-speaking countries, Australia is the most inexpensive place to study.

d. Many young people are thinking to go to university in order to put off finding a job.

e. It costs more to study at a prestigious school in Britain than in the United States.

f. Many students from the European Union study in Britain because the tuition is free.

g. The British government has done nothing to. solve the problems related to the student visa system

h. The number of overseas students is deer easing in Britain because of the high tuition.

i. In Britain the number of foreign students is growing more than four times faster than that of local students.

2 According to this article, which one of the following is NOT true?

a. Britain and Australia are not as popular as America among overseas students.

b. Indians and Chinese make up the majority of foreign students studying in the US.

e. Financially, British universities contribute very little to the overall economy of the country.

d. International students help to financially support the education of British students.

e. Overseas students in the United States include some from English-speaking countries.

3 Which one of the following is closest in meaning to the phrase man of means?

a. intelligent man

b. wealthy man

c. motivated man

d. religious man

e. vigorous man

4 Which one of the following best defines the word dented?

a. controlled

b. destroyed

c. developed

d. diminished

e. influenced

5 Which one of the following is closest in meaning to the phrase one way or another?

a. in various ways

b. in a general way

c. in an acceptable way

d. in a planned way

e. in exclusive ways

6 Which one of the following can we infer from this article?

a. If British universities excluded those foreign students who pay low tuition fees, the quality of education would probably rise dramatically in a short time.

b. Because of economic difficulties, more and more students in English-speaking countries will probably decide to study in foreign universities.

c. Without the contribution of higher tuition fees from overseas students, the British educational system would probably be facing more severe economic problems,

d. Thanks to the high quality of universities in Britain, students there will probably not have to worry about finding a job with a good salary after graduation

e. In choosing a university, foreign students will probably be most interested in knowing the cost and quality of the education provided as well as future job prospects.