Employers' view on studies abroad - Svenskt Näringsliv

Summary 1
Summary
Every year about 25,000 Swedish students choose to study or conduct work practice abroad,
through an exchange program or on their own. The number of students who study abroad yearly
has been consistent over the period from 1998 to 2008. During the same period the number of
students at Swedish universities has increased by 100, 000, a third. The share of students who
spend time abroad has thus steadily decreased, a development contrary to the ambitions Sweden
has to remain competitive in an ever more globalized world, where international experience and
intercultural competence is becoming more and more important.
The Swedish government as well as the universities have brought attention to this issue, and they
have made substantial efforts during the last years to increase internationalization in Swedish
higher education. Since there is an absence of measurable factors, however, it is difficult to evaluate
the effect of the means that have been invested in internationalization, and if the priorities have
been right. In the few evaluation reports that exist the value of studies abroad is discussed in terms
of “the student’s personal development” and “the added value created through meetings across borders”.
These might be important aspects, but in addition to them, other more measurable factors
of quality need to be followed up and studied, such as the effects studies abroad have on students’
chances of finding a job after graduation, career opportunities and level of salary.
During the spring of 2010 the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise conducted its annual survey of
labor market participation after graduation, based on telephone inter<strong>view</strong>s with more than 3,850
students. The results showed that studies abroad have a positive effect on the student’s chances in
the job market after graduation. 23 % of respondents stated that they had studied or conducted
work practice abroad some time during their studies. Out of these, 48 % stated that the time
abroad had had significant or very significant part in landing them their first job. Students who
had spent time abroad also had an average of 807 SEK more in monthly entry pay.
But how should these numbers be interpreted? Has it all to do with ambitious students, who
would have an easier time finding a job than others anyway? Are students who conduct part or all
of their studies abroad really more attractive in the labor market? What do employers say?
This report is the first in Sweden to more comprehensively affirm that international experience in
the form of studies or work practice is crucial and attractive in the labor market. When employers
are asked what skills they look for, and the answers are compared to the skills employers find
that students attain during time abroad, a clear connection shows. Employers find, i.e., that students
develop communicative skills, social competence, flexibility and initiative ability during time
abroad. These skills are also sought after by almost all employers.
Most attractive among employers is a Swedish degree with parts of the studies conducted abroad
– especially through work practice. In 99 cases out of 100, when employers are faced with a decision
between two candidates with otherwise equal merits, it is considered an asset to have studied
or conducted work practice abroad.
International experience is thus considered a competitive advantage in the labor market. Employers
show a clear need and demand for students with international experience, not least with work life
experience. If it is possible to show solid evidence that studies abroad increases employability, it
may be used to convince more students to spend time abroad. Studies abroad leads to both higher
employability and increased internationalization, and thus to increased quality in higher education.
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