“Brits Abroad”

Abstract

In the context of international growth in higher education exchanges and recent expansion in U.K. mobility rates after a period of some decline, this article examines the perspectives of U.K. students who have decided to spend part of their degree at universities abroad. Based on an analysis of data generated by a cross-institutional survey of “credit-mobile” U.K. students, the article explores their views, evaluations, and priorities with regard to one particular aspect of the study abroad experience—student support. The findings reveal a blend of academic, practical, and socioemotional needs, alongside a predominant reliance on self-direction and proactive social participation as strategies for addressing them. Finally, a number of recommendations for home and host institutional practice and student preparation—in the United Kingdom and other (English-speaking) countries—are considered.