International education has had a prominent position in the agendas of the American, British, Canadian and Australian governments in the last 25 years, and it is clear that it will continue to be a critical issue well into the 21st century. Governments increased interest in international education is generating many changes to its form and content. Education is an increasingly important service export. Significantly, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and Monash University are considered among Australia s top 500 business exporters. Canada and the U.K. also rely on the international student market to generate revenue.
Diplomacy is a key objective of regionalization efforts.
The mobility of students and faculty within a core region is a means of investing in future diplomatic and trade relationships. It is also a way to foster a sense of regional community. Although universities continue to plan and implement their own international programs, government agencies are beginning to perform a more active role in the recruitment of international students. Australia eased its visa process in order to encourage prospective foreign students to apply to its universities. Education advising centers, one of the means by which governments market their educational services are most prominent in this region.