Psicofísicos en general

According to the first interviews, twenty-six participants mentioned five main categories related to reasons for studying in the UK. These five categories include geographical, cultural, and historical reasons; finance; personal or family-related reasons; quality and opportunity; and admission requirement. The details are described as follows:

Table 4.4 Qualitative Information on Reasons for Studying in the UK

Category/Theme – Reasons for Studying in the UK Numbers of Participants

Geographical, Cultural, and Historical Reasons Geographical distance

Cultural reason Historical relationship

13

Finances

One-year masters program Expenses

12

Personal or Family-related Reasons English improvement

Family reasons

Stay or visit in England before and familiarity Advantage of UK education

Recommendations from others

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New or different and nice experience Educational Quality and Opportunities Quality

Opportunities

11

Admission Requirements English examination exemption

Different admission requirements in other countries

10

Geographical, Cultural, and Historical Reasons

Half of the twenty-six interview participants pointed out that geographical, cultural, and historical reasons motivated their decision to study in the UK. About seven out of the thirteen interview participants admitted that geographical distance was one reason that made them to decide to study in England. These students were mainly from Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For instance, a

PhD student from the Middle East mentioned: “UK is closer to my home country

so it is easier for my husband to visit me” (0003). A European PhD student

commented: “UK is in Europe so the flight distance is shorter … I feel I am

protected in the UK and Europe” (0008).

Cultural factors are also one of the reasons. Six out of the thirteen interview participants mentioned relevant cultural issues. For example, a student (0007) stated that UK is a country full of culture and customs, so it is different from the

US. An Asian Masters student mentioned: “England is close to Europe, Africa,

and Middle East so there would be more international students from more different countries and cultures in the UK” (0011). An Asian student said: “I like the culture. I like a country that has a long history. It is amazing” (0026). A

Masters student from the Middle East mentioned: “I decided to study in the UK

because I contacted many British people when I worked in Abitibi. I was introduced to British culture so I wanted to experience further British culture. This could be a factor motivating me to study abroad” (0025).

Moreover, special historical, colonial or political relationships may also affect one’s decision to study in the UK. Two African interview participants (0001 and

0023) agreed with this viewpoint. One said: “My country has a strong social

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have relationships with the UK. Therefore, we have more opportunities to come over to the UK” (0023).

Finances

Twelve interview participants claimed that finances influenced their decision because they could not study abroad without sufficient financial support. Approximately half of the interview participants in a Masters program (nine out of nineteen) indicated that a UK Masters degree was only one year, and therefore relatively inexpensive. This view was expressed by students from Latin America, Europe and Asia. One representative quote was from an Asian

Masters student: “I chose to come to UK because the cost of tuition fees for a

Masters degree is for one year and the duration is shorter” (0018).

Study and living expenses also affected a student’s decision to study in the UK, which was mentioned by five interview participants. Most of them were

European students, and as one European PhD student (0005) noted, fees were

cheaper for EU students. A European Masters student stated: “It is more

expensive to study in other English speaking countries” (0009). A Latin

American Masters student also admitted: “It is more expensive to study in the

US” (0010).

Personal or Family-related Reasons

Twelve out of the twenty-six interview participants admitted that personal or family-related reasons were associated with their decision for the UK education. Improving English was one reason for interview participants to choose to study in the UK. For instance, a European Masters student (0021) from the Business School indicated that it would be more helpful for her to study in the UK

because English is an international language and many big companies use

English. Another European Masters student mentioned: “I want to come to

England because I want to improve my English and future job competition … My current study is not completely different from my previous study so it is like improving knowledge in English in my study field for my future job” (0015).

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Additionally, family reasons can also be a reason for studying in the UK. This was especially the case with married students. Three married interviewees mentioned this factor. For example, a PhD student from the Middle East

indicated the role of her husband: “Studying in the UK is not my choice but my

husband’s decision” (0003). An Asian Masters student mentioned: “My husband has a special visa status in the UK because he was born here. I am married so I follow my husband … It is like all of the family has this kind of environment or culture to come to Britain for more education” (0022).

Previous work or visit experience in the UK, whether short-term or prolonged, also affected a student’s decision to study in the UK. Four interview participants indicated that they worked or visited England before, so they decided to study in

England. As one European PhD student stated: “I was also in England last year

so I want to study here” (0008). A European Masters student also mentioned: “I have a sort of connection with England because I studied English in England for two summers when I was sixteen. I like this country so I decided to come back” (0004).

Moreover, advantages could also be associated with the decision to study in the UK, as mentioned by three of the interview participants. For instance, a student (0010) from Latin America stated that studying in England was also of benefit because he learned another cultural viewpoint in addition to an American

perspective. A Masters student from North America described: “A UK degree

may have advantages for my PhD application in other English speaking countries or finding a job” (0012).

Another factor influencing decision-making was recommendations by another person, mentioned by two participants (0012 and 0009). For instance, one student (0012) stated that some international staff from the UK had introduced her to the UK educational system before, so she decided to come to England for study.

Additionally, two European interviewees, one Masters student (0004) and one PhD student (0008), stated that they wanted to have an enjoyable and different

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experience in England from their European experiences. A European Masters

student mentioned: “Because I already studied in German environment, I

thought to change the language and environment … I then thought to come to England” (0004).

Educational Quality and Opportunities

Eleven out of the twenty-six interview participants admitted that educational quality and opportunities might also relate to their decisions to study in the UK. Ten interviewees mentioned that the quality, prestige, or reputation of a UK education attracted them. For example, one Asian Masters student (0022) stated that the educational standards in her home country could not compare with the UK educational standards – the facilities, equipment, technologies, and instruction in the UK were better than those in her home country. A European student (0009) stated that people in her country appreciated an educational degree from the UK, a high-prestige country. Another European Masters

student also commented: “I then thought to study in England because England

is the center of the knowledge in my field and UK universities have good reputation … There is a lot of historical research in my study field in the UK” (0020).

Better and more educational opportunities in the UK might also affect one’s decision about studying in the UK. Two interview participants (0024 and 0021), both European, mentioned this factor. As one of them (0021) stated there were more universities and various courses in England, which affected her decision to study in the UK.

Admission Requirements

Ten out of the twenty-six interview participants admitted that issues related to admission requirements (such as flexibility in taking the language exam) might have influenced their decision for pursuing a British education. Some students thought that exemption from the language exam was another reason for them to choose to study in the UK. Five interviewees indicated this reason, the majority from Africa. For instance, an African Masters student (0023) mentioned that he felt uncomfortable with the idea of having to take a language exam for the

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school application because English is the official language in his home country.

An African PhD interview participant claimed: “Australian visa was refused

because I refused to take IELTS” (0001). A European PhD student admitted: “It was easier because the UK school accepted my English certificate instead of the IELTS exam score … It was easier because they accepted my degree without trouble” (0005).

Furthermore, five interview participants mentioned that reasons related to US admission or application requirements had led them to choose study in the UK. For example, a PhD (0002) student stated that he liked research but he was old to prepare the US admission requirements and take the US PhD taught courses. A Masters student (0017) in the Business School admitted that he did not want to spent time for GRE or GMAT exam preparation so he decided to come to the UK for study.