Studying internationally has also become much easier, and common, in recent years. The reasons for this are complex, but most can be traced back to the phenomenon of globalization – the flow of trade and industry, culture and ideas across national borders. Students have increasing visibility of the kind of educational opportunities available elsewhere, and a better understanding (thanks to shared TV, cinema, sport, the internet…) of how to fit in with other lifestyles and cultures. Airfares are cheaper too! Meanwhile, governments and universities have seen the benefits of attracting international students. In countries such as the UK and many others, economic pressures have meant the end of free or cheap state-subsidised higher education, with student fees now becoming the main source of income and international students forming an important market. Other countries, like China or South Korea, are investing heavily in higher education to help ensure they have a skilled workforce to support continued economic growth. In the USA, nearly half of all scientists or engineers with a doctorate are immigrants, many of whom did their degree there and were able to stay on.


Where in the world to go?!


The big names in international study are the United States, Britain and Australia, which between them attract almost half of all ‘internationally mobile’ students in the world. Other increasingly important destinations include France, Germany, Canada, China, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. So, what do they offer and why might you choose them?


The top American and British universities, like Harvard and


Cambridge, consistently occupy the highest positions in global rankings. Both countries maintain an enviable reputation for the quality of education offered across all their major universities as well as the student lifestyles they can offer. Even though US fees are the highest in the world, and UK fees can also be hefty, student demand remains high – as does satisfaction once students get there. The big challenges to studying in the US or UK are cost and visa permissions. Additionally, in America it’s crucial to be aware of institutional quality or reputation – while the likes of the Ivy League and state universities are excellent, there are also some poor-quality private providers or unregulated degree mills you should avoid at all costs. In Britain, you may hear stories that the government are restricting


international student visas or immigration numbers. However, don’t be put off, as in practice it has not become markedly more difficult to come to the UK.


Australia likewise has become an important study destination with a strong reputation; more than a quarter of all students in Australian HE being from abroad. However its attractiveness has suffered in the last few years after the government introduced restrictive immigration restrictions around the same time as a spate of well-publicised crimes against foreign students. Again, don’t be put off – visa restrictions have since been relaxed, and the idea of Australia being unfriendly to foreign students was always more a media story than an on-the-ground fact.


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