Most of us are supporters of any possible solutions that provide greater educational opportunities for our students, whether domestically or internationally. The idea of sending students abroad to study does not mean that we should stop working to improve our universities and establishing new colleges. There are, after all, many Saudi families who cannot afford to send their children abroad to study.
A local newspaper recently reported that the Ministry of Higher Education is working on a new scholarship program which will send students to Asian countries. This idea came about after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah visited India, Pakistan, Malaysia and China. The article said that sending our students to Asian countries was a golden opportunity. Asian countries have the potential to provide the latest knowledge at low costs.
The last bit of the article was worth consideration. It pointed out that we have already sent many of our students to America, Europe, Australia, Egypt and other Arab countries for education. And now, it seems, we are to send students to India, Pakistan, Malaysia and China. In the near future, the ministry will be looking for other countries where Saudi students can study and earn degrees — but what about our own colleges and universities? Are we going to abandon our colleges and universities? Should we keep on sending students abroad and neglect Saudi education until our universities and colleges are of little use?
A few days ago, a faculty member at King Saud University commented that the university was much better 20 years ago. The great deal of attention that has been diverted to scholarships and study abroad will eliminate many chances of improving our education system. The question is when are we going to develop our own culture and civilization.
