Uni 5th in world according to International Student Barometer
Thu, 09 Apr 2015 10:50:00 BST
Huddersfield is the best place in the UK and third best in the world to live as an international student
HUDDERSFIELD is one of the best places in the world to live and study, with its University ranked in the global top five, according to a highly-respected international survey that draws on the views of thousands of international students.
The latest results of the independently-conducted International Student Barometer (ISB) – a survey of 160,000 international students in 180 universities across the world – showed that Huddersfield is the best place in the UK and third best in the world to live as an international student. And the University itself was ranked fifth in the world overall as a place of study.
The findings have delighted key figures at the University who have worked to put the University and the town on the international map. The University now has some 4,000 international students from more than 120 countries.
Professor David Taylor, who is Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, said: “The University of Huddersfield is a rising star on the world stage. Our international students are playing an important part in this and are a key part of our future.”
Independent survey
The International Student Barometer is an independent survey of international students carried out by the company iGraduate. It looks at the experiences of students studying overseas and asks more than 70 questions about courses, what it is like to live and study away from home, what help they are given and the welcome they receive from the university and the country.
Results show that the University of Huddersfield was ranked fifth in the world overall by international students and second best in the UK. They also voted Huddersfield the best place the UK and the third best in the world in which to live as an international student.
“A combination of great new sports facilities, the availability of high-quality accommodation at a reasonable cost and a great social life all contributed to their happiness,” said Professor Taylor. “Our students also praised the welcome they receive from their teachers, other students and the local community.
“New students are welcomed into their international student societies before they even leave home,” added Professor Taylor, who also praised the contribution made by overseas students to university life.
Events such as an International Food and Culture Festival are now highlights of the year and when overseas students graduate they act as international ambassadors for the both the University and the town of Huddersfield through an alumni network.
“They bring a wealth of interesting experience to Huddersfield and offer a great opportunity for our UK students to mix with them and to learn about their countries and their culture,” said Professor Taylor.
“Now we aim to work more closely with universities in their home countries and we want to see many more of our UK students travel to their countries to study or to enhance their careers when they graduate.”
In addition to statistical findings, the ISB has enabled the University of Huddersfield to garner detailed praise, such as comments from a Nepalese science student, who stated: “Fantastic place and university for international students. Lovely surroundings and comparatively cheaper than most places in the UK. Good and developing uni that provides brilliant support for studies and future job prospects. Good academic staff and great feedback provided by the lecturers.”
