NEWS FROM UKCISA – CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL
Today, 23 May 2023, marks the relaunch of the #WeAreInternational campaign.
The campaign aims to celebrate and communicate the economic, cultural, social and civic contribution international students make to the UK through highlighting the amazing stories which show how welcoming the UK is to prospective and current international students.
International students in the UK make a really positive impact on domestic students’ cultural experience of university life, contribute to life-changing research and fill skills gaps, whilst also contributing to local communities, for example through volunteering. International students, of course, also provide significant economic benefits, contributing a total of £41.9 billion of total gross benefit to the economy each year. This campaign aims to illustrate this through sharing the real-life stories of students who have come to the UK to study.
In support of this campaign, The Right Hon. the Lord Johnson of Marylebone, and former Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation said:
“The £41.9 billion in gross economic benefit that international students generate for the UK is just one part of the immense value that international education brings to the nation. International student flows are critical to the UK’s competitiveness as a knowledge economy and boost our soft power across the globe.
By bringing together the voice of international students across the UK, the #WeAreInternational campaign helps to quash false narratives and show how our overseas students are a great benefit to our university campuses and our country.”
The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, Former Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, and Chairman of the International Higher Education Commission said:
“International students contribute immensely to the UK economically, socially, academically and culturally. This is why we have international student commissioners on the International Higher Education Commission, who help bring that student voice to the forefront.
This campaign will be a welcome contribution and complement to our work with the Commission, and will help show the positive experiences of international students themselves and the communities they enhance. This will be crucial to changing perceptions among policymakers and beyond.”
Gareth Bacon MP, Conservative MP for Orpington, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London as a Global City said:
“London is one of only two Alpha++ ranked cities in the world for higher education. It is a fantastic place to study, start a career and experience vibrant life opportunities.
I’m proud of how welcoming our capital is for the next generation of leaders and global talent.
70,000 international students enrol every year, promoting cultural exchange, creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP for London.
The prospects for students are unrivalled, with our unique institutions synergising academic ideas with a business community to marketise them.
Be part of the future today – study in London.”