Christmas arrives just a little earlier for host providers of homestay accommdoation with the news that the number of international students accepted at a UK university or college rose to a record high of 40,245, up 5 per cent on 2016, according to UCAS data analysis released on 27th November. Santa seems to have really delivered this year! A total of more than half a million students (533,890) combining domestic, EU and international students gained places at UK higher education courses, the second highest figure on record.
If you are a host for young students from overseas and are worrying about how Brexit might affect student applications, it seems very little has changed! In July 2017, a study by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, leading UK information providers on higher education and study abroad, found that many students were still attracted to the UK by the “quality and variety of higher education programmes” on offer. Although their report did point out that if the UK and the EU were unable to reach a new post-Brexit fee agreement, then EU students will be charged the much higher international fees in full. This might affect future application numbers.
Opportunity to spend time getting to understand the British way of life
Room providers may already be feeling increasingly concerned. The present complexities and uncertainties surrounding the Brexit negotiations seem to twist one way then the other every day the talks continue. Hosts have, over many years, offered a spare room in their own home, to give generations of young people from abroad the opportunity to spend time getting to understand the British way of life. In return, hosts are always fascinated by “cultural exchange” and the different backgrounds of their overseas guests. They go to great lengths to ensure that their young guests feel comfortable and secure, especially in key areas such as providing quality meal plans that are both healthy, and which will be definitely to the student’s taste!
Another good piece of seasonal cheer for room providers is provided by another recent study tracking “transformative changes in higher education” by the British Council. The analysis indicates that “students and families appear to be placing more emphasis on value and, in particular, on the return on investment of an overseas education”. The report also points out that English has become an “important lever for international student mobility”.
Use of homestay accommodation unlikely to diminish any time soon
English Language schools for young international students remains, of course, one of the most popular destinations in the UK all year round. The use of homestay accommodation while studying on these shorter courses is unlikely to diminish any time soon. One of the key reasons for English learning students to stay as a guest in the home of a host provider is the ability to practice speaking the language, and become as fluent as they can before they return home.
The ability to communicate and make yourself understood in a foreign language has long been recognised by behavioural scientists as a significant aid to the development of reasoning and memory. For a young student, it can also be a tremendous boost to self confidence and esteem at a crucial time in their early lives. Hosts are more than willing to oblige, and want to encourage their guests to speak in English all the time!
The UK remains the second most popular destination for international students in the world, after the USA, but ahead of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, according to a UKCISA report released after the Brexit referendum. With just a handful of days left until students leave college and vacate their rooms for the Christmas holidays, Host providers should certainly look forward to seeing overseas guests filling the spare room once again in the new year.