Among other qualities, study abroad helps students develop a sense of global citizenship, gain intercultural experience and sometimes have the opportunity to refine foreign language skills. Students recognise that studying overseas can also improve their employment prospects; an appreciation for international issues and a global outlook are intrinsic benefits from studying abroad that are essential for competing in globalised markets while contributing to national development and economic growth. Despite being top destinations for international students, US and UK outbound mobility ratios are comparatively low, with American and British students potentially missing out on opportunities to develop ‘global skills’. When the UK Strategy for Outward Mobility launched in 2013, the aim was to increase the number of UK students studying overseas and focus on the challenges institutions are facing in this endeavour.

To better understand the impact of overseas study on student perceptions and decision making, this special report provides an analysis comparing UK students who have previously studied abroad with those who aspire to in future. The research identifies areas where UK students who have experienced overseas study differ from their counterparts who intend to study abroad but have yet to do so. In providing a grass-roots insight into factors driving the student’s decision to study abroad, this special report offers a valuable resource to help drive outward mobility and support internationalisation planning.

The report is now available at our Education Intelligence online store for purchase.

For those institutions which have already subscribed for 2015-16, you can download the reports using your subscription quota without any additional fee.

If you have any problems when purchasing the reports, please contact us at EI.support@britishcouncil.org.hk.