Why British students actually choose to take full their UG degree abroad?

A Star Future Advisor Conference – Tuesday 9th June 2015

by Mark Huntington, Managing Director, A Star Future

About the results

• Taken from testimonial responses to the open question, “Why did you choose to study abroad?” in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

• No other prompt was used• 40 respondents (3/4 at Dutch universities),

mostly in their first year abroad at the time• Full testimonials available on either

www.astarfuture.co.uk or www.studyinholland.co.uk

“I want to explore new cultures.”

• A sense of adventure drives 50% of our respondents to seek out education abroad.

“It’s about money.”

• 40% of respondents mentioned financial considerations, mostly in terms of being cheaper to study abroad. Some were more motivated by the fear of student debt.

• Most respondents mentioned money as a secondary consideration eg. “…and it doesn’t hurt that it is also so much cheaper!”

“I already have international experience and want more.”

• The 28% of respondents who mentioned this fall into three categories:– Dual Nationals or “British-In-Nationality-Only”– Brits whose families have lived abroad in the past– Recent GAP year returnees suddenly less keen on

three years at a UK university

“Education abroad is of a higher quality.”

• 25% of students mentioned this but only 7.5% explicitly referred to rankings and league table positions. It is unclear how they arrive at such judgements but they are generally satisfied with their choice.

“The UK doesn’t offer the course content I want.”

• 20% of respondents believe that the course they want to study is offered better abroad. This is most often the case for law and business students who perceive an automatic benefit to cross-border knowledge. Liberal Arts and Sciences students also express this view.

“The style of education on offer suits me better.”

• Most often students refer to: – smaller class sizes, – better relationships with their tutors and lecturers,– more practical approaches to demonstrating

learning.

“I want to learn in an international classroom.”

• 18% of respondents see the presence of students from all nationalities in the classroom as a major benefit. This suggests students are keen to engage with more than just the culture of their new home country.

“I want to stand out from the crowd when it comes to getting a job.”

• It is perhaps unsurprising that this appears as a reason for going abroad, particularly when it is often presented as the strongest, rational reason for taking this step. Only 18% of respondents care enough to mention it once they are abroad, however.

“I have the option for further study abroad.”

• 15% of respondents see value in the ability to take part in an exchange and/or work placement in a third or even fourth country as part of their degree. One respondent in particular mentioned the flexibility to both study abroad and do an exchange as the main reason for not choosing a British university degree.

“I will become more independent and mature.”

• 10% of respondents mentioned the possibility for personal growth as result of studying abroad.

Other reasons given

• “It’s really not that far away!” (7.5%)• “It’s easier to get in!” (5%)• “I want to improve my language skills!” (5%)