Worldwide Trends in Studying Abroad

Students today cannot escape the reality that having an understanding of other parts of the world and openness to other cultures is likely to play a part in their future career. Whether working in the private or publicly, chances are there will be some aspect of their job that will involve working with people in other countries or with people who have come from other cultures. As a result, students worldwide are studying abroad more frequently both on their own initiative and because higher education institutions are putting a greater emphasis on international studies. This article discusses the trends that are occurring in the study abroad arena.
English as Language of Instruction
Countries all over the world are increasing the availability of coursework taught in English, usually for the purpose of attracting a greater breadth of international students. Since English is a common second language for many students, coursework taught in English is accessible to a great many more students than courses taught in a language spoken in only a few countries.
Dual and Joint Graduate Degrees
Increased collaboration between graduate schools from different countries has resulted in an increase of dual and joint degree programs that are being offered. These programs allow students to earn either one degree or two degrees simultaneously at two different universities in different countries. These are most commonly master's level degrees but can be doctoral level degrees as well. Undergraduate dual and joint degrees are less common but are also growing in number.
Business degrees are the most common type of dual or joint degree program.
The US, Europe, China and India have the highest numbers of these collaborative degree programs. Business degrees are the most common type of dual or joint degree program, followed by engineering, physical sciences and social sciences. These programs increase the number of students studying abroad at schools that offer this option.
Worldwide University Collaboration
More opportunities for study and research abroad is likely to result from an increasing focus on collaboration among higher education institutions from countries all over the world. There have been two Bologna Policy Forums which have included representatives from far beyond Europe. The 2nd conference, held in March 2010, was attended by 73 countries and focused on globalization of higher education through cooperation and collaboration among the world's higher education institutions.
More opportunities for study and research abroad is likely to result from an increasing focus on collaboration.
There have also been an increasing number of global organizations that are actively working towards the development of globalization of higher education. Organizations such as the International Association of Universities, UNESCO, the Global Colloquium of University Presidents and the European University Association are all looking at ways to increase cooperation and collaboration among the world's universities and colleges.

Schools are increasingly contracting with education placement agencies.

In their efforts to attract more students from a wider spectrum of countries, schools are increasingly contracting with education placement agencies to help recruit foreign students to their schools. These agencies receive a commission fee from the school for each student that attends, or in some cases they work independently and receive payment from the student. These agencies provide a way for schools to recruit students from countries where they don't send their own recruitment staff.
Schools around the world have ramped up the services available to support international students.
In recent years, schools around the world have ramped up the services available to support international students. Schools may hope to attract more international students by making it as easy as possible for international students to feel welcome by providing as much assistance as they need. Typical services support students with both administrative and social aspects of their experience. Administrative services may include expertise and advice regarding:
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