A junior high school student once asked me how he could get into his dream school, Harvard University, or the one next to it, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was serious. He said he wanted to be a scientist or someone who explores the universe.
His parents quickly dashed his dreams, telling the 14-year-old they couldn’t afford an Ivy League education or the equally prestigious MIT. I, on the other hand, encouraged him to pursue his dreams and work hard to overcome the obstacles. I told him to visit the schools’ websites, research what they offer, and check the requirements and scholarship opportunities for international students. Miracles do happen, as one did in my own life.
Over the years, I’ve encouraged young relatives and children of friends to take a chance on studying abroad. Getting out of the country, being exposed to global experts, learning new perspectives and engaging with people from different cultures offer lessons no classroom alone can teach. The knowledge, experience and relationships they build will stay with them wherever life takes them.
I once visited Harvard University during a family vacation. I remember placing my hand on the brick wall behind the John Harvard statue and making a silent wish that I could study here someday. I laughed at the absurdity of the thought. But some 20+ years later, that improbable wish came true. I spent an academic year at Harvard on a journalism fellowship, thanks to the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, the inspiration of the late journalist Sandra Burton, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and SunStar Publishing Inc., particularly Atty. Pachico Seares. Their support led me to a life-changing year, one that continues to benefit me to this day.
To be an international student means you are studying in a country where you are neither a citizen nor a permanent resident. It means applying for a student visa and leaving home to pursue formal education.
The benefits are immense. You get a global perspective, high-quality education, access to teachers and research not available at home, independence, international friendships and expanded career prospects afterwards.
But what happens when this opportunity is taken away?
The United States government has issued an order barring Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Those already studying there had to transfer or face losing their legal status. The order was issued against Harvard for defying President Donald Trump’s political demands.
It wasn’t just an attack on a university; it was an attack on dreams.
Such a ban undermines the very spirit of international education. It tells aspiring scholars around the world, including that boy who wanted to be a scientist, that no matter how hard they work or how big they dream, a better education may be beyond their reach.
And that is a tragedy not just for them, but for the world that could have benefited from what they would have become.