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

Political benefits 
Finally, ISM also has the potential to provide significant political or foreign policy benefits. 
These are often described in terms of cultural diplomacy, international relations and/or ‘soft 
power’ (Nye, 1991). They are largely felt at the national (and sometimes sector or 
international) level, rather than the individual or institutional level, unless the mobile 
student grows significant international linkages and networks in their working life. In many 
ways the political benefits of ISM accrue through the combination of the other benefits of 
mobility. As individuals gain exposure to other countries, have positive experiences, and 
develop friendships and networks, when they become alumni they can act as unofficial 
ambassadors for host and source countries that, in turn, can reinforce and support their 
international relations strategies (Atkinson, 2010).
Examples of soft power include building trust (British Council, 2012) and positive 
perceptions amongst citizens internationally through increased engagement (British 
Council, 2013b) and interaction. Such attitudes and perceptions could contribute to 
reductions in the likelihood of future conflict and also facilitate increased positive 
international engagement culturally, politically and economically. While this is particularly 
true for future leaders and influencers, to an extent it applies also to those embarked on 
other career trajectories. Most graduates are likely to have some degree of influence in 
their home countries (or elsewhere), even if they do not form part of a national elite.
From a soft power perspective, such impacts are powerful since they are embedded in 
individuals through authentic experiences rather than being artificially created through 
explicit government policy. However, should there be a perception that political benefits 
are explicitly being sought via educational mobility experiences, then any – often delicately 
balanced - ‘soft power’ benefits may be lost (Pan, 2013). Soft power is perceived to work 
best when it is not directed or shaped by government, but when it is facilitated and 
supported such as via scholarships or other forms of aid that are not explicitly tied to ‘hard’ 
power agendas (such as national security, or trade). In addition, the flipside of these 
benefits is the risk posed by students with negative experiences who, if great in number, 
could potentially undermine any soft power gains. 
In addition, inward mobility can sometimes be perceived as a political and social threat or 
risk by host governments. This risk can take many forms including fears of illegal 
immigration through fraudulent entry via educational programmes, over-staying on study 
visas, government concern about potential terrorist activity and potential access to 
politically (or commercially) sensitive technologies.