An article in the PIE (Professionals in International Education) News by Kerrie Kennedy has discussed a report from Cturtlle based on a survey of the views of international students mainly in the UK with a smaller number from continental Europe. Fifty-seven per cent said that that “university ranking” was the most important reason for studying in the UK and 52% for studying in Europe. Other reasons were “location” (51% and 50%), price (41% and 38%), job opportunities (18% and 28%), and “alumni engagement” (10% and 12%).

The largest group of students, over a third, were from Malaysia with significant numbers also coming from India, Vietnam and Singapore.

Although respondents indicated that alumni were the most reliable source of information about universities it seems that they could not always obtain such information. Only 6% of UK students and 7% of those in Europe noted alumni as a primary source of information.

Sources of information included education counsellors and agents (35% and 44%), and websites and university contacts (29% and 12%).

A significant majority of respondents were satisfied with their international experience and felt welcome and safe on campus.