UK Universities: Promote outward student mobility by partnering with Generation UK-China

Are you a higher education institution in the UK looking to promote the benefits of international experience to your students? Get involved in Generation UK - China.

What is Generation UK-China?

Generation UK - China was launched by the British Council in 2013. By 2020, it aims to help 80,000 students from the UK boost their employability, enhance their long-term job prospects, and develop a global mind-set through study and work experience opportunities in China.

The Generation UK–China campaign is supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland (DELNI) and the Welsh Government.

Programme Objectives

This programme:
• creates more opportunities for UK students to gain international experience by engaging with China – the world’s largest growing economy – through study and work placements
• supports UK institutions by creating opportunities for UK students to go abroad, and forming direct links with institutions and companies globally
• supports the UK government’s agenda by promoting outward student mobility to foster the UK’s competitiveness and develop a new generation of globally mobile, culturally agile young people who can succeed and compete in an increasingly international business environment
• builds trust, understanding and mutually rewarding relationships between organisations and individuals in the UK and China.

What is on offer for academic institutions in the UK?

Generation UK - China can benefit your institution by:

• promoting the benefits of gaining international higher education experience and skills abroad
• increasing the number of students from your institution undertaking international placements
• helping with the development of new partnerships with organisations in China
• supporting existing partnerships and placements with China
• developing bespoke programmes for your students to gain experience in emerging economies such as China.

What is on offer for young people in the UK?

• Internships (two month placements across six cities in China)
• Academic scholarships (placements vary from 5-11 months across a range of locations)

We encourage young people to engage with China by:

• highlighting the benefits of gaining study or work experience in China
• offering advice and guidance to individuals interested in pursuing opportunities in China
• creating a wider network of British professionals and programme alumni to engage with China by sharing experiences through online dialogue and a series of events in the UK etc.

Our Campaign So Far

In the first two years of the Generation UK - China campaign, the number of young British nationals studying and working in China has grown by over 50 per cent.

We have established partnerships with a wide range of UK and Chinese universities, and assisted in developing bespoke programmes as part of an initiative to help businesses support their young talent and future leaders to engage with and understand China.

Generation UK is also committed to Widening Participation; providing funded opportunities to those who would not normally have access or the financial means to undertake an internship or study programme in China. Through our programmes, students are able to gain international work experience that is either related to what they are studying at university or their future career aspirations to help boost their cultural understanding and employment prospects.

As part of the campaign’s legacy, we have created a network of programme alumni, as well as wider young and experienced professionals in China related fields. The network ensures on-going engagement with China and provides a platform for alumni to share experiences, discuss issues and stay up to date with the latest trends and opportunities in China. We host bi-annual events in the UK and work with partners to provide a range of opportunities for members to deepen their China connection.

External Links

• Study, Work and Create in China: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-create-china
• British Council China: http://www.britishcouncil.cn/en/programmes/education/generation-uk