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

4.2.1.2 Implications 
The vast majority of alumni interviewed were either recommending others to participate in 
UK HE at least to some extent or would do so given the opportunity. That extent depended 
not only on their environment and personal circumstances, but also very much on their 
personality, as the more outgoing individuals were more confident in actively relating their 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK 
positive experience, while others did do more quietly and modestly within family or 
friendship networks. Some of these direct recommendations were amplified through the 
use of social media networks. 
Underpinning these recommendations to others to study in the UK, which would result in 
further UK education exports as well as some other future benefits, there was consistent 
reporting of positive perceptions of a distinctive identity of UK higher education and 
especially its pedagogy. These perceptions are described in more detail in Chapter 6.
The i-GO study (BIS, 2012) suggested that, reflecting on their experiences of UK HE, 
around 85% of UK international alumni would recommend their institution to others, 90% 
were satisfied with their learning experience and over 80% felt their UK degree was worth 
the financial investment. These survey statistics from 2007/08 non-EU graduates appear 
to relate high satisfaction across learning, living and support aspects of their HEI 
experience. Asked if they would recommend HE study in the UK generally, 80-90% (of 
various groups within the cohorts surveyed) would do so. These are very similar results to 
those obtained over a number of years through the International Student Barometer, which 
demonstrates a strong correlation between student satisfaction, particularly with the 
learning experience, and potential positive recommendations to others. 
International student satisfaction surveys also support this very positive view and the 
increasing concentration on the student experience in UK universities is likely to maintain 
or even increase such satisfaction levels (UKCISA, 2004, 2011). The UK has a strong 
reputation for certain values and a strong reputation for educational quality. Its approach to 
teaching and learning can foster strong relationships between those who learn and those 
who teach, often resulting in learning partnerships built on enquiry, respect and challenge. 
Although international students will engage to some extent in wider local and national 
socio-cultural activities while in their host countries, their main interaction with the host 
country’s values and culture is initially via their host institution.