Domestic enrolment cliff: A global phenomenon?

The phenomenon of declining domestic student populations is not limited to the USA. Countries like Japan and South Korea in East Asia, as well as Germany, Italy, and Spain in Western Europe, are facing similar demographic challenges and are exploring solutions to maintain enrolment numbers in their higher education institutions, ensure their financial stability, enhance the diversity and global competitiveness of their campuses, and continue to attract new generations of talent who can contribute to their future. This month, we will examine how this enrolment cliff is opening doors for international student recruitment, not only allowing for continued healthy enrolment numbers but also boosting the diversification of the student population. In short: are we converting what initially appeared as an existential threat to many education providers worldwide into an appealing scenario for growth, diversification, and ultimately, benefiting the next generations of international students? What are the obstacles, if any, that might pose challenges along the way, and what can be done to overcome these?