As of today, the pound growth is the most determinant factor for foreign citizens to decide to receive education in the UK. But the much expensive UK university diplomas fully repay the money invested in them, for the British education is recognized all over the world and guarantees excellent job and career opportunities. Thus, the Information Referral Department of Bristol University has counted that from 2005 to 2007 the number of foreign students at the University increased from 1,978 to 2,108. However, Barry Tailor, University PR and international promotion specialist, considers the difference in these figures quite insignificant and explains it by natural changes related to the reputation of the University, the city and Great Britain as a whole.
Newcastle College located in a picturesque town of Newcastle upon Tyne is a typical example of an educational institution training its students for studying at the country’s universities. Successful graduation from this college allows students to enter UK universities and study there by the so-called continuous education scheme. As for now, this scheme has rooted at many colleges of the country which consolidate with universities allowing their students to be directly enrolled in the British universities. Such perspectives could not but influence the share of foreign students at UK colleges and schools. For example, Newcastle College has experienced a 35%-increase in the number of foreign students of various nationalities. According to Pete Fieschi, Head of the College International Department, the absolute majority of them are students from India and China. The College has achieved such demand by signing an agreement with the University of Wales, according to which after graduation the students are granted an opportunity to study at the University taking the Foundation Degree and MBA, to receive a University diploma or study other subjects offered by the University.
Analysts suppose that the number of foreign students will continue increasing in 2008-2009, but Pete Fieschi is not so positive about it. He considers that UK will enjoy the same popularity having learnt how to adapt to all external fluctuations in the global market. ‘Flexibility is the key word in the process’, he says, ‘The market of educational services must adapt to all needs and requirements of its clients’. And cooperation with special agencies dealing with enrolling students at foreign universities, schools and colleges is a significant element of promotion of an educational institution. Developing relations with such agencies is an indispensable part of the Cass Business School strategic plan. As of today, the School has an international department in Shanghai, actively cooperates with consulting agencies and has a special marketing team which travels around the world and involves increasingly more foreign students each year.
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