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

4.3.5.3 Implications 
It is expected that international students will enhance their social capital both during and 
after their study overseas, and their time abroad can help them to develop and enhance 
their academic, business and social networks. These networks can develop further once 
they are alumni, providing access to other networks to support their social and other 
activities. For some students, gaining access to such networks whilst studying in a high-
income country can be major driver of their choice of country (and/or institution) of study, 
as these networks have the potential to increase their standing as citizens in their country 
of origin. 
The interviews provide plentiful evidence that alumni are proud of the social benefit of 
studying in the UK, in terms of new friends made and personal relationships, and the 
global nature of those contacts. This is almost certainly enhanced by the global 
composition of many current UK international student bodies.
It also seemed clear that there remains in many countries potential social prestige in 
having a UK (or US, and certain other overseas) HE qualification, although this may be 
changing as the global HE market develops and mobility increases. The extent of this 
apparent prestige appeared strongest in less developed countries. 
Case study: I29 
Indonesian interviewee I29’s academic family had an international outlook – international 
interns with her family – and the UK seemed the natural place to study, as there were 
several world-ranking HEIs that offered suitable courses. She chose a Masters on 
innovation and law, supported by a Chevening scholarship. 
She reflects on a very rich and varied student life, making the most of opportunities and 
the support from the scholarship scheme but also working with AIESEC on international 
projects on issues such as HIV, poverty alleviation and entrepreneurship. She also 
edited a law publication which brought her into contact with interesting people and 
eminent professors, as well as visiting a family in Scotland under the ‘hostUK’ scheme. 
She found the whole year very tough but had a great time – and especially loved meeting 
people from a range of cultures. 
Unlike most interviewees, I29 only graduated in 2011. Having returned to the 
government job she had previously, she feels that it does not use her new skills; her UK 
experience has opened her mind and she is yet to decide which direction to take. She 
wants her work to have an impact on policy, probably in Indonesia, working for the 
government or for an international organisation, perhaps on privacy law and data 
protection as this is currently unregulated so Indonesians are vulnerable. 
This graduate had an international outlook even before she came to the UK, but she is 
even more international now; she also reflects that she is more ‘straightforward’ – she 
can say what she means. She has a wide network of people, including professional and 
social contacts through fellow Chevening alumni as well as her many UK activities. She 
is still in touch with professors and her supervisor, who was particularly supportive, and 
socially is in regular touch with the friends that she made who have dispersed all over the 
world, including in the UK. The British Council organised a reception on her return to 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK