How can UK higher education capitalise on the fact that higher education is an international activity?
The University recognises the value of exchanges of students and staff, which provide diversity, cultural and educational enrichment, understanding and insight to the benefit of both the individual, the institution and the wider society in which graduates will live and work. It is important also to recognise the move towards “virtual mobility” with exchanges of learning materials and interactive use of technology, although this should not totally replace the physical transfer of staff and students, which has so many other indirect benefits. Much has been written about the significant gains from the education of international students. There are clear economic gains from the acquisition of fees and from the contribution of the student to the local economic community. There are also cultural gains, through the exposure of all students to different cultures and to an appreciation of diversity and its implications. On their return to their home country, international students will often be
