The UK is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world, but is the country doing enough to persuade their own students to go overseas?
Universities UK International (UUKi) think a lot more could be done, and have launched a three-year campaign aimed at getting UK university students to go abroad for at least two weeks of their degree.
Whether this time is spent studying, working or volunteering as part of their studies, the Go International: Stand Out campaign is encouraging students to take part in some form of study abroad adventure. Sounds good to us!
UK vs. Rest of the World
In comparison to many other countries around the world, the UK is way behind when it comes to supporting their students to take the plunge and go abroad with their studies. Just 6.6% of UK students currently undertake a placement abroad, but UUKi are aiming to double this figure to 13% by 2020.
By contrast, the percentage of students in the USA (15%), Australia (19%) and Germany (25%) who take part in a placement abroad is considerably higher. Germany are even trying to double their percentage to a staggering 50% by 2020, making it clear that the UK is really starting to lag behind.
What will the campaign actually do to help UK students go abroad?
Well, UUKi will work together with universities across the UK to make them promise to take part in actions that will persuade more students to go abroad for at least two weeks of their course. They will also develop resources that help universities promote the idea of studying abroad, and they will produce research to make a case for worldwide student mobility to the British government.
Over fifty universities have already signed up to the campaign and UUKi is encouraging other institutions to submit a pledge and help boost interest in Go International: Stand Out.
Why should British students study abroad?
The benefits of going abroad for study are clear, UUKi say. In comparison to students who do not complete a placement abroad as part of their course, students who do go abroad are not only 9% more likely to gain a 1st or 2:1 degree, but they are also 24% less likely to be unemployed. On top of that, Black British students who go abroad are a staggering 41% less likely to be unemployed than their counterparts who do not go abroad. Interesting numbers, right?
Not sure what a 1st or 2:1 degree is? Check out our guide to the UK University grading system.
Still not convinced about what studying abroad can do for you? Well, The British Academy Born Global Project has found 70% of small or medium sized businesses believe future managers and directors will need foreign language skills and international experience.
Want to hear more from British students about their study abroad experience? Have a look at what Whatuni has to say.
Government backing
Go International: Stand Out is even backed by Jo Johnson MP, the UK Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. She says, “I thoroughly support the Go International: Stand Out campaign to get more young people interested in an overseas placement and would encourage universities and employers to get involved.”
“We know that students who have experience of studying, working and volunteering abroad have better educational and employment outcomes. Employers value the skills that students develop through these placements, including language skills and cultural awareness. At the same time universities can build partnerships with other institutions around the world, facilitating the exchange of research and teaching.”
So there you have it, everyone’s a winner! Get involved, and keep up with the campaign here.
Hotcourses Abroad are supporting Go International: Stand Out, and pledge to help UK students find their perfect study abroad destination using our study abroad course search, which holds over 350,000 programmes worldwide.
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