Student mobility trends: who really studies abroad, and why?

In 2023, UK residents made 86.2 million visits overseas, 64% of which were for holidays (ONS, March 2024). By contrast, 38 million visits were made to the UK in the same year. The conclusion is clear: the UK loves to travel.

But traveling isn’t just about leisure. Immersing yourself in a different culture – especially in a place where your primary language is not the dominant one – can be daunting.  Yet, it’s precisely this challenge that pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, teaching them to navigate unfamiliar public transport systems, adapt to new cuisines, and embrace new ways of life. 

Perhaps this is part of what draws students to go abroad every year: The excitement of a new environment and a new climate, seeing the world through a new lens; the adrenaline; and, importantly, a tangible boost to employability make mobility experiences uniquely appealing.

The Gone international: a new generation report, to be launched by Universities UK International (UUKi) at the upcoming Global Mobility Conference in February, will answer these questions. The report investigates the outcomes of UK-domiciled graduates from the 2021-22 cohort who participated in study, work or volunteering abroad. It highlights the tangible benefits of mobility experience, from improved grades to enhanced employability, and compares these outcomes to those of non-mobile students. 

Amid the challenges of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, this latest report provides timely insights into how outward mobility has evolved and continues to influence the future of UK higher education, and ultimately, the next generation of workers.

In UK higher education, the importance of international mobility cannot be overstated. At a time when the sector is facing financial pressures, mobility programmes may not be a priority. However, their value to students cannot be overlooked. A mobility experience offers a unique opportunity to envelop yourself in a new culture, often in a group of people from all over the world. The environment can be incredibly diverse with students of all nationalities, and teaching staff or colleagues from different backgrounds to those you are used to. 

Living in a new country forces you to develop resilience, independence and intercultural dialogue. These skills are valued in the workplace, equipping future employees for an interconnected world. As universities navigate funding challenges, it is important to maintain focus on initiatives that prepare students to enter the increasingly globalised and competitive workforce.

The report also explores the demographics of students participating in mobility opportunities. Traditionally, mobility experiences have been viewed as activities mostly for language students, or popular amongst students from certain backgrounds. However, the demographic of students is shifting. Students with disabilities, low-income backgrounds and ethnic minorities (historically less likely to go abroad) are now engaging in mobility experiences at a higher rate, thanks to a focus on widening access for underrepresented groups. The variety of mobility opportunities is changing too, with increasing short-term mobility engagement. These programmes allow more students to go abroad who may struggle with longer-term placements for a variety of reasons, such as being a carer.

These findings will be unveiled and discussed at the upcoming Global Mobility Conference. The session will feature sector leaders sharing their thoughts on the report’s findings, alongside words of wisdom and best practices on fostering impactful mobility experiences. The conference serves as a platform to reaffirm the importance of mobility opportunities for students and foster conversations around innovative strategies to support students while ensuring mobility’s accessibility and effectiveness.

Encouraging them to go abroad and supporting them to get there, as well as coming back and reintegrating themselves while learning how to sell their experience to employers, are vital to the success of our students and increasingly global workforce. This transformative experience for all in the new generation will shape the leaders of tomorrow, and they may just become leaders because of their time abroad.