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

Case study: I70 
Thai graduate I70 had been an assistant teacher in a Thai university but wanted a PhD 
from the UK in order to become a lecturer. With her husband working for the Thai airline 
and a child, she chose Essex for its proximity (she thought) to Heathrow, although she 
subsequently regretted that choice as the department was small with limited facilities and 
opportunities. Her other expectations of the UK were based on James Herriot novels. 
Her daughter (then 2½) attended school and had a great time while also learning 
English. She made some Thai friends locally but also some strong British friends through 
her daughter’s schoolfriends and also her next door neighbor in Colchester. She found 
the university quite supportive in helping her sort out domestic issues and the 
atmosphere very collaborative generally.
Having returned home she has a better position, earning more and undertaking research 
and lecturing with a growing international research network; she considers that people 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK 
Case study: I70 
now listen to her and respect her views much more. She is also much more able to 
engage with new people at conferences, with greater confidence and better English. In 
retrospect she would choose a different HEI and wishes she had been more informed in 
her choice.
She retains very good friends in the UK with whom she stays in touch and visits every 
year (with her daughter) for a fortnight. They with her former neighbour for a week 
annually and her daughter maintains English friends too.
Her research network is international and includes UK academics. She encourages her 
students to think globally, and to look for funding in their projects (films and media) 
internationally, with the aim of exporting Thai culture around the world.