Youngsters on snap election and referendum

Someone could rightfully argue that Brexit created a lot of uncertainty in the market and formed an additional division in the society, this time between youngsters and their elders.

During political campaigns there was a notion that UK will eventually remain in EU which sent false messages to young people that they should not be extremely worried but going to polling stations would be something good. Probably not the right way of thinking, in my humble opinion, but things changed.

As mentioned in a previous blog post even though the majority of the youth voted to remain the turnout was significantly low given the circumstances. Only 36% of 18-24 years-old voters participated but that – fortunately – improved for the parliamentary election. The term “fortunately” does not refer to the result itself, as it’s not relevant at the moment, but mostly for the message youngsters transmitted to current leaders.

For the latest general election the turnout rose to 64% making it the biggest percentage in the past 25 years. That outcome can have multiple meanings but two of them seem to be the most significant ones.

On the one hand, it can be regarded as a result which political party leaders could not foresee and they will treat it as an event that most likely will not be repeated in the near future. 

On the other hand, it can be perceived as an indication that youngsters learned from their low participation during Brexit vote and from now on they will stay updated when it comes to political matters to make the best possible decisions in the future for them and the generations to come.  

At the moment it is hard to make any concrete statements whether or not the mobilization of young people during the snap election made them aware of how much voting power they have collectively.

However we can express with certainty that the younger generation is not so alienated from politics, as we thought it was. Not anymore.

                                      Youngsters and politics 

Brexit impact on UK universities

Some days ago I thought that someone, somewhere in Europe or UK must have conducted a research to find out how young adults feel and think about Brexit and with some effort I came across with interesting results. The survey took place in 10 European countries and 1,000 students were asked about the impact Brexit will have on their education, funding, campus diversity and career opportunities. 

To begin with, the survey had mixed results as 70% of students from Belgium, Germany, France, Romania and Norway said Brexit won’t impact their education plan whereas 46% of UK students, 45% of Danish students and 30% of Greek, Spanish and Italian had the opposite opinion.

When it comes to funding, probably some financial programs created for EU nationals to study in Britain will cease to exist and the weaker sterling doesn’t make UK a more favourable destination as someone might expect.  

Regarding the campus diversity students believe they will get influenced in multiple ways. Initially, they expressed the concern that academics and scholars will consider going elsewhere if the university environment changes negatively. Moreover, there is a notion that the exchange programs will be affected as UK universities will possibly lose a number of their EU partners.

For the long-term future there were mixed thoughts as well. 42% of Danish students, 41% of Italian, 39% of Spanish and 38% of Romanian students said Brexit will have a negative impact on their careers. Others believed that the market will have to adjust to the new reality; therefore possible gaps will be created but even that statement is too broad.

At this point of time nobody can accurately predict what future will bring for current and prospect students.

UK universities are transmitting messages of reassurance that internationals are welcome but governmental involvement is highly important to decrease the levels of uncertainty. Simply by telling students everything will continue as normal is not enough! 

                                     Brexit on UK universities 

Things will change! Or not?

At the 23^rd of June 2015 United Kingdom decided to leave European Union, making it the biggest event in the history only after the Second World War, and yes it was even bigger than entering. There has been a lot of discussion about the effect of Brexit to the economy, health and in some cases education, but like many I have a question. Has anyone thought about the generations to come? This enquiry comes since not many political leaders and their party members have tried to give any fundamental answers.

To begin with the good news, it was announced that tuition fees won’t change for EU students commencing studies the academic year 2017/2018 and for Scotland until 2018/2019. Bad news is that there are no guarantees for next years and most probably EU students will be called to pay the standard international fee so maybe start thinking of saving up.

Concerns arose about the possibility that EU students will need a visa to study in UK and it has not been clear yet, but as it seems they will have to apply for short-term study visa or Tier 4 study visa since the government decided to abandon the Free Movement of People. This won’t come into effect if the administration can reach an agreement with their European counterparts on that matter but this looks really unlikely to happen as talks will be delayed for a period of time because negotiators can’t agree on the citizen’s rights.

For UK youngsters the same terms will be applied as well when studying or working in EU even though 73% of 18-24 years old and 62% of 25-34 years old voted to remain.

Do you think is possible to have a Free Movement of People only for students?

                                                                    Brexit Referendum