Some days ago I thought that
someone, somewhere in Europe or UK must have conducted a research to find out
how young adults feel and think about Brexit and with some effort I came across with interesting
results. The survey took place in 10 European countries and 1,000 students were
asked about the impact Brexit will have on their education, funding, campus
diversity and career opportunities.
To begin with, the survey had
mixed results as 70% of students from Belgium, Germany, France, Romania and
Norway said Brexit won’t impact their education plan whereas 46% of UK
students, 45% of Danish students and 30% of Greek, Spanish and Italian had the
opposite opinion.
When it comes to funding, probably
some financial programs created for EU nationals to study in Britain will cease
to exist and the weaker sterling doesn’t make UK a more favourable destination as
someone might expect.
Regarding the campus diversity
students believe they will get influenced in multiple ways. Initially, they
expressed the concern that academics and scholars will consider going elsewhere
if the university environment changes negatively. Moreover, there is a notion
that the exchange programs will be affected as UK universities will possibly lose
a number of their EU partners.
For the long-term future there
were mixed thoughts as well. 42% of Danish students,
41% of Italian, 39% of Spanish and 38% of Romanian students said Brexit will
have a negative impact on their careers. Others
believed that the market will have to adjust to the new reality; therefore possible
gaps will be created but even that statement is too broad.
At this point of time nobody can
accurately predict what future will bring for current and prospect students.
UK universities are transmitting
messages of reassurance that internationals are welcome but governmental involvement
is highly important to decrease the levels of uncertainty. Simply by telling
students everything will continue as normal is not enough!
Brexit on UK universities
