Partnering with the

United Kingdom Study Abroad and Exchange

Studying in the UK: Tamsin Thomas

British Council

Case studies: University of Kent: Hazel Lander

Edge Hill University: Bill Johnson & Jason

Keeling

Agenda

International Higher Education: Open Doors

UK is the no. 1 study destination

for US SAE

students

International Higher Education: Open Doors

Country 2011/12 2012/13 Change % of all US

students studying

abroad

UK 34,660 36,210 +4.5 12.5

Italy 29,645 29,848 +0.7 10.3

Spain 26,480 26,281 -0.8 9.1

France 17,168 17,210 +0.2 5.9

China 14,887 14,413 -3.2 5.0

Totals 283,332 289,408 +2.1 100

International Higher Education: Open Doors

7,300 UK and US students.

37% (UK) /44% (US) of high

school students want to study

abroad

US & UK each others first

choice

Experiencing new cultures and

wanting to travel

Academic deterrents for overseas study

© 2015 British Council. All rights reserved.

This document may not be amended, copied or distributed without express written

permission.

8

Non-academic deterrents to overseas study

© 2015 British Council. All rights reserved.

This document may not be amended, copied or distributed without express written

permission.

9

Institutions

Where undergraduate SAE students went

in 2013-14 (HESA)

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000

Total

London

Scotland

South East

North West

Yorkshire & The Humber

East of England

Wales

South West

East Midlands

West Midlands

North East

Northern Ireland

12+4 Scotland

UK Education Structure

13+3 Rest of UK

Programme Example BSc (Hons) Marketing

Business Policy Business Game Marketing Psychology

Strategic Finance Business, Government & Society Marketing Management

Introduction to Marketing Management Introduction to Organisational Behaviour Perspectives on Business and Management

Information Technology for Business Principles of Operations Management Introduction to Management Accounting

Strategic Marketing Marketing for non-profit organisations

Dissertation

Advanced Marketing Communication International Marketing

Optional Study Abroad Year

Year

1

Year

2

Year

3

Year

3/4

UK Study Abroad Models

Direct enrollment

Exchange

Summer programs

Faculty led

Third party

Island programmes

Hybrid study/internship

The UK’s European university THE UNIVERSITY KENT – A STUDY ABROAD MODEL

Hazel Lander – Study Abroad & Exchanges Officer

International Development

POTTED HISTORY

• US exchanges started in late 1970/80s with outgoing American Studies and

British & American Policy Studies (the latter now defunct)

• Received a large number of year long exchange & full fee paying students

• Incoming numbers started to wane in early 1990s

• Opportunity then opened up to other degrees in mid 1990s

• In 1997 sent our first Drama student to UCLA – more later!

• Began to offer Fall semester option in 2003/04, followed shortly by a Spring

semester option

• All exchanges – tuition waived

• In past reciprocal arrangements included exchange of room and board –

disaster waiting to happen!

WHERE WE ARE NOW

• Victims of our own success

• Decision taken about four years ago to offer all Humanities

students a term/year abroad

• Now have around 20 US partners – constantly looking for new

partners

• Preferable to have university wide exchanges

• Use current students as ambassadors – great marketing tool!

• Converting study abroad students to graduate studies

SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP

• Regular contact with your partners – pick up a phone!

• Site visits – meet potential incoming students and Kent students

currently on exchange

• Use your students to represent you at Study Abroad Fairs

• Maximise networking opportunities – NAFSA / BUTEX / EAIE

• Use alumni

• Manage expectations for both cohort – Consumers Rights Bill

SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP

• Swift processing of applications

• Flexible approach in module choices – has its own challenges

• More and more term/semester only modules rather than the traditional year long options

• Clear information on module selection criteria and assessment process

• Exit transcript – showing suggested letter grade and US credit hours

• Guaranteed on campus housing – safe environment

• Accommodation during vacation periods – self catering

• Student experience

THE FUTURE

• Overcoming the California / London fixation

• Appeal of Island/Faculty Led programmes

• Students wishing to come for shorter periods or not at all!

• Challenges of the US psyche of drop and add period

• Finding new partners in desirable areas with a wide range of modules

• The cost – the financial guarantee

• Internships

• Summer Schools – helping the exchange imbalances

The Challenges

HAPPY ENDING!

• The Camilla and Chris

story!

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

Presenters Bill Johnson – Director, International Office Jason Keeling – Associate Director for Study Abroad

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

Edge Hill University’s International Office

• Edge Hill University’s International Office was established in 1989

• First students were Education Majors from Baldwin-Wallace College on a Student Teaching Program

• Celebrating 25 year anniversary this year

• Offered semester-based programs from the beginning

• Faculty-led programs were offered to partner institutions

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

• Early on decision was made to open US office

• Partnerships have grown throughout the years, over 25 North American partners

• Host institution for CCIS

• Enlist past students as ambassadors, best recruiters around!

• Location is both a challenge and a bonus for students

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

• Develop trust within the relationship – follow-through is very important

• Encourage regular site visits – the campus is always changing

• Attend Conferences – NAFSA Regional Conferences allow a more intimate setting

• Study Abroad Advisors depend on your attendance for the success of their fair

• Quick response to issues ensures a strong relationship

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

• Course Mapping can streamline the application process for both the student and the advisor

• On-campus housing ensures the students have a true British experience

• Credit/Transcript Transfer – Suggested grade and credit hours assist partner institutions (final decision on credit earned is up to home institutions)

• Fully staffed International Team/Office on campus • Excellent student experience is paramount

Edge Hill University: University of the Year

UK Exhibitors: Booth 1636