THE number of international students around the world has increased rapidly over the last three decades. Statistics show that the number of students studying abroad has escalated from 0.8 million worldwide in 1975 to a staggering 4.1 million in 2010, and current trends show that the rise shows no signs of change. Students all over the world are moving to other countries to study for a number of different reasons including standard of education, job prospects and the cost of courses. Student World Online takes a look at the current trends amongst Turkish international students.
Motivations
There are a number of reasons for the dramatic increase in Turkish student mobility and the motivating factors will differ for individuals. However, recent surveys have found that language, specifically the English language is a key motivation for international students. Although many Turkish students begin studying English at a young age, studying abroad through the medium of English is considered the most effective way to improve language skills and achieve fluency and efficiency.
Another major factor encouraging international students is the lack of homeland university placements. Placements in universities are decided by the National University Placement Test and with almost 2 million students competing for the 800,000 positions available there are a significant number of students looking to other countries to facilitate their higher education.
Destinations
The U.S is the most popular destination for Turkish students. Since the year 2000, Turkey has been sending over 10,000 students a year to the US. In 2012, 11, 973 Turkish students chose the U.S as the appropriate destination in which to conduct international study. The US is considered one of the best places for international study based on educational excellence, opportunities for networking and job prospects. The US seems to have it all, and according to recent reports the country will continue to see an influx of students from Turkey.
The U.K joins the U.S as one of the top destinations for Turkish students. The country is regarded highly in terms of educational standards and is therefore a first choice for many Turkish students thinking of studying abroad. The English language is also a huge motivator, and Turkish students with a focus on improving their English consider the U.K as the best place to develop and enhance English language skills.
Recent trends show an incline in the amount of Turkish students applying for university placements in Australia, Canada, and Germany. Other destinations in Europe have also seen an increase in numbers, with destinations such as Spain and Italy reporting a significant increase in Turkish students.
Australia is a popular choice for Turkish students who are financially able to support their studies. Course and tuition fees in Australia are significantly higher than other countries, and this is perhaps the main drawback of studying in the country. Preferred cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Courses
In the U.S it is estimated that 40% of Turkish students are enrolled in engineering or business management courses. 13% study within the field of social sciences. Courses within IT are also popular and intensive English courses remain a popular choice. However, a high proportion of Turkish students studying in the US are enrolled on graduate courses. Graduates of politics, finance, management, business studies and law see the US as the perfect destination in terms of specialist study and prospects.
Preferred cities include Los Angeles, New York, Washington and Boston.
The U.K offers international students a world leading education system with qualifications that are recognized internationally. There are also a number of different scholarships available for international students and this is another great incentive for students thinking of studying in the U.K. Although the U.K sees similar trends to the U.S in terms of subjects studied by Turkish international students, it is clear that the U.K is favoured in terms of language study. Over fifty percent of Turkish students studying in Britain are enrolled on language courses. This figure includes those studying general English and intensive English.
Of the total number of Turkish students studying in Australia approximately 64% are enrolled on ELICOS programmes. ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, and these comprehensive courses are designed to allow speakers of English as a second language (ESL) to develop their English and continue on to academic studies. ELICOS courses are recognised internationally.
There is a clear rise in Turkish student mobility and with a number of motivations for international study there is no sign of a decrease in this trend in the near future.
