Happy International Students' Day

Today is 17th November and we celebrate International Students’ Day!

In 1939 there was a significant moment where Jan Opletal, a student of the Medical Faculty of the Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic), was killed in a demonstration against Nazist occupation of former Czechoslovakia.

Threat to the principle of free education and the internationalization of education in Norway

In 2013 and 2014, the Norwegian Ministry of Education’s proposed to introduce tuition fees to international students from outside the EU and EEA. The Student movement in Norway took a particular exception to this development and called to discuss and highlight the consequences this proposal will have on Norwegian universities, Norwegian society and businesses, should it be implemented. After a big debate, lots of articles written, politicians met, tons of tweets and political debate, the proposal was withdrawn.

Despite this was a very stressful moment, we learned about the importance of international students is underlined by economic gains; both for institutions and for the economy at large. Moreover, international students bring skills, innovation and diversification to the programs and institutions where they study.

Today is a day to celebrate our future

Today 17th November we must remember the day marks the start of student movement in 1939 and the unforgettable commitment of all students in Norway in their support to campaign against tuition fees, that show us the importance of a strong student movement in Norway to protect their rights.

But we can´t forget the challenges other countries face with their education as South Africa with a campaign against raising tuition fees or lack of academic freedom in Zimbabwe to say some cases. Together we must learn from our past to build a better future, including those moments as in 2013 and 2014 when we were united to stop the introduction of tuition fees, and we succeeded because we were united and believed in the benefits a free education brings for our future. And that we will always fight for a free education, that gives equal opportunities to everyone, because this is an investment for our future in Norway, South Africa, Zimbabwe or everywhere else in the world!

Today we want to say Congratulations and a big hug to all students in Norway on the 17th November! Today is our day to celebrate the opportunity to study, despite challenges we may face and that we will continue to work together for a free and a high quality of education!

Daniel Hernández Iniesta. daniel.hndez@gmail.com