The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK

Abstract

BIS: The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK, September 2013 URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/240407/bis-13-1172-the-wider-benefits-of-international-higher-education-in-the-uk.pdf Description: Prepared by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre in the UK, this report analyzes the contributions of international students to the UK by interviewing non-EU alumni approximately three years after their graduation. While the sample size only summarizes the results of 100 telephone and Skype interviews of non-EU international alumni, the information generated from these interviews is quite rich. The benefits include (1) Benefits to international graduates of UK universities; (2) Benefits to the countries of origin of these international graduates (3) Benefits to the UK (economic benefits) and (4) Benefits to the UK (influence on the UK). Conclusions: • Most of the international students had a very positive impression of their sojourn in the UK. •The international students with the most enthusiasm participated in non-curricular activities, such as cricket, volunteering, or working. •Desire to get a job was primary on the minds of the students, although most students were not looking for long term employment in the UK. •Alumni actively recruit other students in their home countries to participate in UK study abroad. •Not all international students interact with domestic students. •Social networking sites offer more opportunity to stay connected with the international alumni.