Excitement is brewing as international student mobility is picking up now that Covid19 restrictions have eased. In fact, more than five million students participated in study abroad programs in 2021 and this number is expected to increase by 5% before the turn of the decade.
The top five most popular host countries for students studying abroad are the USA, the UK, China, Canada, and Australia. The USA tops the list, with 976,853 international students and nearly 40% of all American students choose to study abroad in the UK.
International student mobility is a more viable option now for students across the globe than it has been in the previous two academic years. This past spring, Fierce Education reported on the increase in students studying abroad and the profound impact educational tourism has on not only students and universities, but local and global economies as well.
Study abroad programs, beyond connecting students to rich educational opportunities, also promote global perspectives and cultural sensitivity. Most students who study abroad return with a better understanding of themselves and their values, as well as a broadened worldview.
According to a survey performed by The Institute for International Education of Students, 95% of students report that studying abroad helped them mature more as a person and 96% of students said that their self-confidence improved and their worldview was positively impacted. Most students also reported that studying abroad helped them broaden their skill set, such as improved interpersonal skills, stronger self-reliance, foreign language proficiency, and confidence in adaptability to new environments.
Studying abroad also aids in employability post-graduation, as reported by the Erasmus Impact Study, a research project dedicated to investigating the effects of international student mobility on the skills and employability of students. Students that participate in study abroad programs are less likely to experience prolonged unemployment after graduating.
In fact, the data from the Erasmus Impact Study indicates that employers value students that have studied abroad. When surveyed, 64% of employers reported that seeing students’ international experience is valuable in the employment recruitment process. Moreover, 92% of employers look for the transferable skills that students who study abroad often possess, such as curiosity, tolerance, and confidence.
As the new academic year begins, students will have many questions about studying abroad, brimming with the desire to enrich their studies and gain valuable educational and personal experience abroad. Leaders in the field should be prepared to share the facts and benefits of studying abroad so that students can decide what program is right for them and their goals, and this student guide can help disseminate valuable information, highlighting:
- Defining student mobility in higher education and discussing its importance
- The many academic, occupational, and personal benefits of studying abroad
- Facts and data to help inform student decisions on where to study abroad
Ultimately, the choice of where to study abroad is very personal and will vary depending on student needs and desires. The decision can be heavily influenced by individual circumstances, interests, and priorities. Students should understand that the selection process for choosing where to study abroad is a lengthy one, and universities should be prepared to aid in that decision making process.