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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Overview of World Regions for Studying Abroad

A very simple thing that Pakistani students have to consider when deciding where to study abroad. With locations in America, Europe, Canada, Australia becoming more open to international students, the options are more varied than ever. Understanding higher education in various regions of the world will help Pakistani students narrow down their choices. This effort may be most helpful for Pakistani students considering direct admissions to higher education institutions in the regions that are the most commonly chosen by study abroad students. 

Europe

With its well-respected history of higher education, Western Europe has remained the most popular region.

A bonus for EU students is that the Bologna Agreement of 1999 standardized degrees so that all degrees are comparable among the signatory countries, making it easier to attend graduate school and find jobs after graduation.

Home to centuries-old universities and a long, well-respected history of higher education, Europe has remained the most popular region for students to pursue international studies. Well over a million students from around the world leave home to study in a European country each year. Many of these students are European Union residents who can now enroll in any other EU country's university and pay local tuition rates.

Each country has its own admissions policies and within each country, institutions often have their own admissions policies as well. Students typically need to prove their fluency in the foreign language that classes are taught in and are typically required to possess health insurance.

Admission to the highest ranking universities in Western Europe can be very intense as they are some of the best in the world. In some cases, students will need to have completed some higher education before being admitted. Quotas that limit the number of non-EU international students that can study in a country exist in a number of countries.

America & CANADA

America is a very popular region for study-abroad students given its reputation for high quality universities and colleges. The United States hosts over 500,000 foreign students a year while Canada hosts over 100,000 students annually. Admissions to American universities are run by each institution individually but they almost universally require submission of results from some tests. Fluency in English is required except in some Canadian schools where fluency in French is needed instead.

Tuition in the United States is among the highest in the world so international students who study independently in the US need to take this into consideration.

Australasia

Australia and New Zealand offer high-quality education and a familiar culture.

Australia and New Zealand are appealing locations for English speakers to study abroad, offering high-quality education and a familiar culture for United States  and United Kingdom students. In recent years, about more than 18 percent of higher education students in Australia were from abroad - the highest percentage in the world. Since these countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, their school year runs from late January through early December. Students from the Northern Hemisphere need to plan carefully when scheduling a short-term study abroad experience into their regular school schedule. Tuition for international students is only slightly lower than what they may pay at a school in the US. 

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