Transformations, Trials and Trajectories: the experiences of international students during and after their studies Dr Michele Schweisfurth Director, Centre for International Education and Research, University of Birmingham Dr Qing Gu, Prof Christopher Day, Dr Fengliang Li, Mina Eaves and Cheryl Rounsaville The British Academy

Projects Background ESRC funded 2 year, mixed methods research: A Comparative Study of International Students’ Intercultural Experiences ( ) British Academy funded 2 year, multi-methods research: The Impact of UK Educational Experiences on Chinese Returnees’ Lives and Careers (2008-9)

International Student Mobility: Statistics and Emerging Trends In 2007, over 2.8m students were enrolled in educational institutions outside of their country of origin, an increase of 4.6% on the previous year. The total indirect impact of spending by international higher education students in Britain is £5.5 billion annually. (Gordon Brown, ) The UK is still a very popular destination, mainly because of academic reputation. However... The growing choice of study destinations: Greater choice has meant greater dispersion of students and a dilution of market shares. (UNESCO: Global Education Digest 2009)

The Journey of Study Abroad: Managing Transitions ‘I’ll always be changed by what I experienced here, and by other cultures I saw here.’ (Nadia, Slovakian student)

Key Findings (1) Students come to the UK for language and cultural experiences, but primarily, for academic accreditation.

Key Findings (2) Academic achievement and personal independence are the most important achievements for most students. Whilst some students may have fitted in better socially than others, most have managed to achieve in their academic studies.

Key Findings (3) The most profound change lies in their success (or otherwise) in managing the influences which challenge existing identities. There is an important relationship between students’ sense of belonging, identity and self efficacy [the belief that they can achieve and succeed].

Initial “Shock”: At University

Initial “Shock”: Student Life Expectations v Reality:

Key Findings (4) Three aspects of change: i) i)Interculturality: Cross/Intercultural experiences ii) ii)Maturity: Human growth and development iii) iii)Intellectual development

The Journey of Coming “Home”: Identity across Time and Space “I had imagined many times that I would be shedding emotional tears when the plane landed on the soil of China. … But no, I was very happy, for the fulfilment of my six years’ journey abroad.... Everything I’d done, studying, working, travelling around Europe and making friends from the globe, would be treasured in my life.” (Wen, male, 27)

The Meaning of “Home” (1) Familiar people and familiar places: 94% (N=528) survey respondents enjoyed the reunion with their families, with 38% felt particularly strongly about this. “All our families came to meet us at the airport. Then my husband and I went to our own parents’ home respectively. Our two families gathered for a reunion meal the next day.” (Yan, female, 32)

The Meaning of “Home” (2) Disjuncture and differences 84% (N=471) survey respondents felt that there was a difference in the way of thinking between them and those who never stayed abroad for a lengthy period of time – immediately on their return. By the time of the survey, 87% still felt the same.

Changes in Self: Change as Achievement Four Layers of Identity (Hecht et al., 2003): individual, social and communal properties Personal layer Enactment layer Relational layer Communal layer

Personal Layer: Efficacy and Values Being more independent in analysing and solving problems (N=619, 96.3%). An international outlook and awareness (N=601, 93.1%). Being able to think more critically than before (N=569, 88.1%) Being more confident about working under pressure (N=549, 85.3%).

Enactment Layer: Performance Broadened life experience and interests (N=531, 82%; v. sig 38%) More confident about taking on leadership at work (N=498, 78%). Ability to deal with change and initiatives (N=501, 77%; v.sig 29%) Better time-management and self- planning skills (N=483, 74.8%)

Relational Layer Having increased tolerance for different ideas and behaviours (N=612, 95.1%). Increased interpersonal skills (49% “a lot”/”very significantly”) “I used to have a very stubborn attitude. But gradually, I felt that I’d become more flexible and open-minded. I’ve learned to accept the diversity of the world which is created by different people with different behaviours and values.” (Chang, male, 30)

Communal Layer Feeling more comfortable about working in teams (N=528, 81.9%). Possessing better knowledge of home culture (China) than others who have not stayed abroad for a lengthy period (N=473, 73.3%).

Qualities that Count Drive to achieve Adaptability Endurance (in adverse conditions) Resilience Hope Agency

Emotional Journeys Happiness in the UK (57% “agree”, 36% “strongly agree”) Happiness in China (66% “agree”, 17% “strongly agree”)

THANK YOU With special thanks to the British Council (China) for their support of the research