International students add “immeasurable cultural and social value” to Scotland, according to a new report from Universities Scotland, Richer for It, which was produced and released this week. The report will be taken to MPs at Westminster, as part of a reception hosted by Universities Scotland and sponsored by Pete Wishart MP, to highlight the non-financial value of international education to Scotland.
These “soft power” values that international students bring, which can be hard to quantify, are traditionally overshadowed by the financial contributions foreign students make to the economy.
While they contribute an estimated £337 million every year in fees and £441 million in off-campus expenditure to Scotland’s economy, the report argues that the social, cultural and education benefits are equally valuable to universities.
“I know which best prepares our students for a globalised career and gives our students and our society the edge in a globally competitive market,” said Professor William G. Naphy, director of the Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences at University of Aberdeen.
“Scotland is seeking a flow of talent to flourish alongside native-born Scots”
MPs will also preview a new video of overseas student testimonials of their positive higher education experience in Scotland during the reception at Westminster. This reinforces findings of the International Student Barometer that 90% of international students are satisfied with their experience in Scotland, some 2.3% higher than the global average.
Some 46% of international students choose their university on the basis of recommendations from friends making this is a powerful endorsement for Scotland’s universities.
“As part of the country’s drive to secure its place in the global economy, Scotland is seeking a flow of talent to flourish alongside native-born Scots,” said Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principle and Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen and Convenor of Universities Scotland’s International Committee.
“Scottish universities have a very strong record of attracting international students and have the world-leading teaching and research credentials,” he added.
As well developing local students’ international awareness and readiness for the international business markets, the 28,500 foreign students studying across Scotland’s 19 universities give institutions a far-reaching alumni network, states the report.
A high influx of foreign students also increases Scotland’s “soft power”– a public diplomacy term measuring a nation’s ability to influence others using culture, values and ideology, instead of force.
