Exploring Study Abroad Capacity in Finland: Results and Analysis Robert Gutierrez Program Manager, Research and Public Affairs Institute of International Education New York, NY February 11, 2008
Topics IIE Capacity Research Series Exploring Capacity Outside the U.S. Survey Results for Finnish Institutions
IIE s capacity research series Asks how institutions will send and receive more U.S. students Assesses trends, strategies and challenges through a series of dialogs and surveys Recommends best practice approaches to diversify student profile and increase participation
IIE issued the first white paper in 2007 IIE s first White Paper: Current Trends in U.S. Study Abroad & The Impact of Strategic Diversity Initiatives
Funding Strategies Can Impact Diversity Targeted outreach, recruitment, and funding impact diversity statistics National Study Abroad Gilman Program White 83% Asian 6% Hispanic 5% White 49% Asian 16% Hispanic 10% Black Black 4% Other 1% Other 10% 14%
Expanding and Exploring Capacity Outside the U.S.
Fall 2007 Snapshot Survey of Non U.S. Institutions 1. Administered among several key partner country organizations, including: British Council German Academic Exchange Service Australian Education International Fulbright Commission Finland 2. Collected institutional-level data on topics from: International and U.S. student enrollment patterns at non-u.s. institutions Challenges and opportunities for U.S. student growth Policies and strategies to drive growth
Survey Respondents Overall 533 institutions responded. 35 Finnish institutions responded to the survey, making up roughly 10% of all European responses. Oceania 8% Latin America 6% East Asia 9% North America 9% Southeast Asia 2% Other 2% Europe 64%
Expanding Capacity in Finland s Higher Education Institutions
Program Duration for International Students Of the responding Finnish institutions, most (over 90%) offer programs to international students for a full year or at least one academic session. Full academ ic year One academ ic session 91% 100% Two months 17% Less than two months 20%
What are the motivating factors for attracting more international students? Most institutions reported that national policies and institutional goals play a significant role. National or federal government policy 89% Specific goal to internationalize our institution Mission or goal of our institution 69% 74% Provincial, state or local policy 34% Tuition and financial incentives 17%
What are the top places for attracting international students? Finnish Institutions 1 China 2 Russia 3 United States 4 Germany 5 India 6 Poland 7 United Kingdom 8 Sweden 9 Ukraine 10 Estonia All Institutions 1 United States 2 China 3 India 4 Canada 5 Russia 6 Germany 7 United Kingdom 8 South Korea 9 Australia 10 France
Do Finnish institutions want more U.S. students? Reassuringly, the majority say yes! Percent interested in attracting more U.S. students (and those with targeted marketing) 5.7% 94.3% 45.7% 48.6% Not interested in more U.S. students Have targeted marketing to U.S. Don't have targeted marketing to U.S.
Why do Finnish institutions want to attract more U.S. students? 1. They help increase joint collaboration and research between U.S. and Finnish institutions (75% institutions responding) 2. U.S. partner institutions offer places and tuition wavers for Finnish students in return (75%) 3. They interact and engage with local Finns (66%) 4. They help the institution become more globally competitive (51%)
And other reasons cited Finland conducting more business and seeking cooperation with the U.S. Pursuing more research partnerships with the U.S. Emphasizing internationalization at home
What are some of the challenges for Finnish institutions? Attracting more U.S. students isn t easy Challenges Cited by Finnish institutions: Lack of English courses Space limitations Support services for U.S. students Lack of courses taught in English Space limitations (lack of dormitories/housing for international students) Required support services to host U.S. students 23% 23% 23% Other Factors: Need to attract international students from other countries to ensure diversity 14% Information / unfamiliarity Language, location, weather National focus on longer-term exchange programs Limited staff and resources Language deficiencies of U.S. students 6% 14% Cost of housing U.S. students 6% Local political sensitivities to hosting U.S. students 3%
Projecting U.S. growth, slowly but surely Most institutions project up to 10% growth in U.S. enrollments in Finland over the next ten years. Above 50% % Growth 26-50% 11-25% 1-10% 10 Years 5 Years 2 Years 0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% % Responding Finnish Institutions
What are some of the strategies? Factors that help institutions attract more U.S. students Strategies Cited by Finnish institutions: More research linkages Raising visibility More research linkages w ith U.S. Raising visibility / reputation 69% 69% Other Factors: More funding opportunities for U.S. students 43% Targeted marketing Active coordinators in U.S. Participation in conferences Improved support services No tuition fees Ensuring credits apply back in the U.S. Offering more programs in English Hiring more international student support staff 17% 37% 43% More on-campus housing options 11%
Many courses are offered in English Business and management courses top the list. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Business and Management Math and CS Engineering Social Sciences Health Professions Education Fine & Applied Arts Humanities Physical and Life Sciences Currently offer courses in English Plan to increase internationl enrollments
Puhutko englantia? (Many Finnish institutions do.) By offering new master s programs in English By offering language training for academic personnel By creating new degree partnerships with institutions in English-speaking countries, including the UK By recruiting and attracting English-speaking faculty
Recommendations Increased bi-lateral agreements and partnerships between U.S. and Finland are important. More familiarity with Finland and targeted marketing toward U.S. students is needed. Establishing short-term study abroad programs, although not ideal, may help create linkages toward a goal of longer-term programs.