A new series of British Council research reports has found that studying abroad gives returning graduates an edge in five key Asian countries. Our research covered 950 employers in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, gathering their perceptions of returning graduates.

Findings indicate graduates educated overseas were regarded as more creative, with better interpersonal and communication skills and a greater aptitude for problem-solving and analytical thinking.  Employers also mentioned specific technical skills, including digital marketing and IT, which gave overseas graduates an edge, compared to their local counterparts.

Whilst returning graduates are highly regarded for their skillsets, employers did report some disadvantages to an overseas education. Namely, lower knowledge of the local job market and weaker social networks. There were also concerns that returning graduates could be less loyal as they had access to a better range of job opportunities.

With the initial salary premium for an overseas-educated candidate modest, employers advised that students should be better prepared for this reality. They also advised that internship and placement opportunities during study would help Chinese graduates secure employment.

The five reports are available for download below.