Gone international: the value of mobility

In comparing mobile and non-mobile students’ outcomes, data from the 2013/14 graduating cohort of UK undergraduates shows that, six months after graduating:

• Less likely to be unemployed (5% compared to 7%) 
• Mobile students from disadvantaged backgrounds less likely to be unemployed (5.0% compared to 6.2%) 
• Black and Asian students particularly benefit from mobility (5.4% compared to 9.9% and 4.4% to 9.5% unemployed respectively) although the number of mobile students is lower 
• Mobile students from all backgrounds reported higher average salaries than their non-mobile equivalents. (£21,349 compared to £20,519 for a non-mobile student) 
• Mobile students are more likely to achieve a First Class (1st) or Upper Second Class (2.i) in their degree (81% compared to 72%) 
• More likely to be in further study, or in work and further study 
• 38% of mobile students studied languages 
• More mobile students were female than male but if you exclude language students the participation rate is the same – 3.6% 
• Mobile students are more likely to work in education and professional, scientific and technical activities than their non-mobile peers.  

This report echoes last year’s findings and shows strong academic attainment and improved employment outcomes for mobile students. The research will provide institutions with data to support them in discussions about increasing participation of underrepresented groups in outward mobility opportunities.

Vivienne Stern, Director of the UK HE International Unit said: “We want to encourage all students to benefit from a period abroad. This report demonstrates the value of mobility, particularly for students from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds. The additional analysis was undertaken in response to feedback from the higher education sector and as part of the Go International Programme and we have developed an action plan to support the uptake of mobility from widening participation groups across institutions.”

The report analysed the data from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DLHE) and the HESA Student Record for 2013/2014. Analysis was restricted to 245,620 UK-domiciled, undergraduate first degree graduates who completed their studies in in 2013/14. 13,355 of these were identified as being mobile at some point during their course.