News and Opportunities
Australian and UK universities announce new focus on outward mobility
24 Jun 2013
A recent survey by the British Council, which reveals that one in three UK adults feel they would obtain a better job if they had either lived or studied overseas, has prompted a move to encourage greater student mobility.
Speaking at the Austrade-organised UK Outward Mobility: Spotlight on Australia seminar, representatives from the British Council and Universities UK highlighted the UK strategy to increase outward student mobility.
The seminar provided practical advice and information for UK careers advisors, study abroad advisors and head teachers on university study in Australia. Representatives from the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE), Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and Austrade presented on the Australian higher education system, application processes, student visas and the Australia Awards.
The event attracted 40 participants including head teachers and careers teachers from UK schools, heads of international offices, careers and study abroad advisors from UK universities and international representatives from Australian universities.
The seminar provided a useful opportunity for UK and Australian institutions to discuss some of the barriers to student mobility, including access to information, funding and systemic hurdles such as clashes in university calendars.
Feedback from participants at the seminar was overwhelmingly positive, with one UK school head teacher stating that she would be encouraging more of her students to consider Australia for their undergraduate studies.
Analysis
With only 1.7 per cent of UK higher education students studying abroad, there is concern among UK policymakers that British students are missing out on opportunities to gain experiences that help develop a global outlook and cultural literacy, seen as highly valuable skills by many major employers when seeking new recruits.
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