UK campaigns to send more students abroad

Universities UK International has launched a three-year campaign to increase the number of United Kingdom students studying, working and volunteering abroad for two or more weeks as part of their studies.

The push, titled ‘Go International: Stand Out’, is an attempt to address the low proportion of UK students studying abroad compared to other countries. Currently just 6.6% of students complete a placement of this kind. The campaign calls for universities to commit to taking concrete action to support the growth of outward mobility at their institution.

Organisers say a key rationale for doing so is that outward student mobility supports academic and employment success, especially for

students from disadvantaged groups. It is part of a national strategy to double outward mobility to 13% by 2020.

More than 50 universities have pledged support so far and the drive has been endorsed by Jo Johnson, minister of state for universities, science, research and innovation.

He urged universities and employers to get involved.