what factors have influenced it; the impact of global trends in student- centred violence and discrimination on students’ views; and whether the free flow of information online has heightened awareness of these global trends.


The report, Student Insight Hot Topics: The Rise in Global Student Safety Concerns, says the results should help “better understand if there is a growing climate of fear among international students, whether that is based on fact or hearsay, and how the many new ways in which information can be shared is impacting decision making and opinion.”


The UK’s rating as the safest place to study implies a lower level of crime against students and better handling of incidents by police and other authorities – despite last year’s riots. “ ...countries like the US, UK and


Dubai were highlighted as being safe due to their legal systems and police presence,” the report says.


Integration of international students into domestic student communities was also seen as an important factor influencing perceptions of safety. One focus group member said: “A mixed community of students is very important. Cooking alongside someone else in a kitchen is essential to understanding and trusting them as a person.”


Commenting on the findings, Elizabeth Shepherd, Research Director for the British Council’s Education Intelligence team, said: “Our research shows that personal safety is of increasing importance to international students, whose unique situation can make them particularly vulnerable. The key to making them feel secure is integration – both with students


at the institution where they are studying and within the local community.


“The UK’s cultural mix is clearly a significant asset in this respect. Students we spoke to said they felt safer in the knowledge that in the UK their culture would not be totally unknown.”


“Providing a safe environment for international students requires institutions and national organisations to be proactive rather than reactive to safety issues. The UK has not been immune to threats against students, but its reputation as a safe study destination has not been tarnished, thanks to immediate and sensitive handling of any incidents. It is seen as a country where high priority is given to protecting personal safety.”


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