Bis research paper number 128 The wider benefits of international higher education in the uk

4.2.6.2 Implications 
The most powerful examples of this apparent ‘emotional bond’ were exhibited by 
Chevening and other UK-funded scholars, which suggest that it could relate in part to 
recognition that the UK had supported the student. That could potentially result in the 
graduate feeling some moral obligation to ‘pay back’ in some way, although the attitudes 
held seemed to transcend this. It also represented a personal articulation by the graduate 
of the underlying diplomatic purpose of the scholarship scheme, suggesting that the model 
works, and very strongly for at least some graduates. 
On the other hand, it was very clear that other alumni too have developed a lasting 
relationship with the UK which is somewhat emotionally based, beyond what might be 
expected as a rational reflection of a positive experience and expression of gratitude for it. 
‘Emotionally bonded’ ambassadors were therefore by no means restricted only to UK 
scholarship scheme alumni. 
Many of the international alumni carry a positive mindset in relation to the UK, and as a 
result are likely to promote its cause and endorse UK values to varying degrees. The 
extent to which this ambassadorial attitude will have concrete impact will depend much on 
their personal circumstances, as is the case for many of the potential benefits identified in 
this study. The elite Chevening scholars articulate their ambassadorial role most clearly, 
and many will enter careers in which this mindset may have strong and wide influence. 
However, the much larger number of other alumni, many acting in a more modest sphere, 
could also have considerable effect cumulatively, across a wide spectrum of activities.
What this suggests is that graduates’ recent positive experiences of HE in the UK have 
equipped them as a global force of informal ambassadors, all unique, who individually and 
collectively have the potential to support the UK in some unspecified but beneficial way 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK 
when the opportunity arises. The specific impact of any individual ambassador may be 
hard to judge, particularly at this early stage of their careers.
However, continued investment in the HE sector to assure continued positive experiences 
of international students while in the UK should maintain a supply of future ambassadors, 
while any weakening of that underpinning experience could reduce that flow or its potential 
for benefit. Continuity of communication with and support for these alumni through alumni 
networks, to nourish their positive memories, would also seem highly logical as a 
mechanism to sustain their attachment. 
Some studies have suggested that that overseas study can engender positive perceptions 
of host countries amongst alumni and help to generate allegiances to their host countries, 
although there is no evidence for the additional benefit that this has in terms of increased 
levels of engagement or influence through soft power. Generally this type of benefit tends 
to be assumed or inferred, rather than based on sound evidence or detailed research, so 
this has been seen as potential ‘additional impact’ beyond the more measurable direct 
economic, educational and more personal benefits.
A single graduate, from Iran, believed he was playing an ambassadorial role the other way 
around. In addition to the benefits that he felt he achieved personally, he thought there 
was some benefit to both Iran and the UK in his presence in the UK, showing the UK that 
“
the government of a country may not represent the people of a country
” and telling people 
he met in Iran that he had been welcomed in the UK.