British students reluctant to study abroad

The British Council has warned that the reluctance of UK students to study abroad may be damaging their career prospects and the future of the economy.

The Erasmus programme was introduced to facilitate students wanting to take a year abroad as part of their degree, but the latest figures reveal that just 0.46 per cent of UK undergraduates took part in the scheme last year.

The British Council is concerned that students are limiting their education by staying in the country.

Statistics show that students who have experience abroad attain higher salaries on average than those who do not, which could affect the economy. Additionally, on the international field, UK students are likely to lose out to their European counterparts who have better language skills and more cultural awareness.

Whilst the UK is currently second only to the US in attracting international students to study at its universities, chief executive of the British Council Martin Davidson warned that this is due to change, with the introduction of English-speaking degrees at European universities and the huge investment countries like China have put in to attracting foreign students to its shores.

In Scotland, the four year degree allows for third year students to transfer to a European partner university without affecting the length of their programme of study.

At the University of Edinburgh, the international office has seen an increase in applications to the Erasmus programme over the last few years. 329 students will be taking part in partnership schemes with other European universities this year in comparison to 230 in 2008.

Students are often reluctant to take part due to funding and language concerns, and anxieties that their academic grade will be affected.

However, Lesley Balharry, exchanges officer at the University of Edinburgh, told The Journal: “Our research shows that students don’t suffer academically or socially. They actually tend to do better academically through the experience.

"There are reasons why students may be reluctant to go at first but those who research properly find that these reasons are not justified.”

Employers are increasingly looking for not only academic evidence but also social skills that can be acquired through living and studying in another country.

Ms Balharry continued: “Personally and academically, it is a really worthwhile thing to do. You stand out from the crowd when it comes to the job market. If you’re competing with other students, spending time abroad often makes you more employable.”

The University of Edinburgh has developed initiatives to increase the number of students taking part in study abroad programmes, such as their annual study abroad fair and poster campaigns.