July 30, 2022

Is the US International Education Sector in Crisis Due to Staff Shortage?

W When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many college campuses across the United States turned to online learning. International education offices were among the hardest hit, with travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented globally. Many employees were laid off or furloughed as a result. Despite this, numerous staff members have since moved on to other HEIs, transitioned to the private sector, or left the field entirely.

Per Beth Laux, president and CEO of Quest Cultural Solutions, it is part of a larger trend in higher education. "Vacant positions are receiving significantly fewer applicants, and the applicants in those pools tend to have less experience. As a result, positions are staying vacant for longer periods of time, and international education offices are struggling to manage routine operations."

…after two years of online courses and remote work, international staff are looking for more flexibility in their work schedule, such as hybrid schedules…

The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources recently published the results of its spring survey, which revealed that more than three-quarters of respondents were looking for new job opportunities. The primary reasons were higher pay, remote work options, flexible work schedules, and position advancement.

Diane Arguijo, interim executive director of IE at San Mateo County Community College District, addressed these concerns about staffing by saying, "After two years of online courses and remote work, international staff are looking for more flexibility in their work schedules, such as hybrid schedules." "Some are looking to advance in their careers by working in fields outside of education as the number of job opportunities continues to increase across all career fields," she continued.

According to one study, another factor is the recent rise in housing prices, as well as employees who relocate away from urban areas. She stated that many employees will no longer tolerate long commutes now that remote work has become so common.

As per the findings of a recent Chronicle of Higher Education survey, nearly 80% of over 700 respondents indicated an increase in available campus positions this year, with even more mentioning increased difficulty in filling those positions.

Posted in News and tagged News, USA, International Education Sector, Quest Cultural Solutions, San Mateo County Community College District, Chronicle of Higher Education Survey, Staff Shortage
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