Thousands of overseas students flock to Britain every year to study traditional university degree courses. But in recent years, more and more students have realised the value of vocational courses - and come here from all over the world to study such qualifications.
One popular vocational qualification for overseas students is the BTEC Higher National Diploma - better known as an HND - which can be studied in a wide range of vocational areas. HNDs not only give students the necessary theoretical knowledge in a subject, but also teach them skills they can apply in the workplace. After a two-year course (or three year sandwich course), HND students will have gained appropriate skills for the world at work - either here or back in their native country - and are highly valued by employers. Students who decide to pursue further study can progress onto a degree course in a related subject, which they can also do in the UK.
Last year, more than 1,200 students from overseas enrolled on HND courses, nearly double the number taking the same qualification back in 1994. For them, the most popular courses are business and administration, followed by engineering and technology, and creative arts. But with such a wide variety of courses available, it is vital that overseas students conduct careful research before choosing which university or college they want to study at.
Jeff Enderby, head of the international office at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, said: "Our advice to overseas students is to make sure they thoroughly research their choice of course and institution. They need to get the best possible match between their course and their own abilities, capabilities and aspirations. Students should try and get along to one of the Education Fairs so they can find out more about the course. Otherwise they should talk to, fax or e-mail the institution and send away for all the prospectuses and brochures they can."
The Educational Counselling Service of the British Council organises overseas education fairs in a wide range of countries, where many British universities and colleges are represented. This provides a great opportunity for potential students to chat with tutors and ask detailed questions about courses they are interested in.
Students who consider doing a vocational course in Britain also need to think about how they will pay for their studies, and whether they can get a grant or scholarship to help them financially. The amount of fee they have to pay depends on the type of course and institution at which they study.
Most students come to Britain to study vocational qualifications and gain wider experience in their chosen field - and it's also a good way of further improving their English and learning about a new culture.
Kettie Kankwamba, a 32-year old from Malawi, is doing an HND Business Finance (Tourism) at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. Kettie was attracted to Britain for study, because of its tradition of good education. She also wanted to improve her professional skills and gain wider knowledge of the hotel and catering industry.
Kettie said: "It's much easier to study in Britain, mainly because there are more facilities and the technology is much better. I've met so many different people as well, and made friends from all over the world."
However, Kettie added that some overseas students find it difficult to adapt to a new way of life and a different approach to study. "Basic things like the English accent can prove to be a problem. Finding the money can also be daunting, although I received a Government scholarship."
Michael Vasiniades, 25, from Cyprus, has almost finished an HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. Michael, who is hoping to transfer onto a degree course next year, also decided to study in this country because he was impressed by the quality of its vocational qualifications.
He said: "Studying abroad makes you more motivated to work hard. The British weather also helps, because a lot of the time it's too cold to go outside!"
"It can be very hard studying in a different country. I come from a small town in Cyprus, so I found it difficult to adjust to a city like Birmingham. But I have made lots of friends, and had the opportunity to travel as well."
Checklist of points to consider before applying to study vocational courses
in the UK
- Do I want to study in a big city, or smaller city or town?
- Is there a particular
company I want to do my work placement with, and does the
institution help me find the placement?
- Will the kind of teaching methods used on the course suit me?
- Will the qualification I obtain be recognized back in my own country?
- Can I afford the course fees?
- Will most of the other students also be from overseas, or will most be British? Which do I prefer?
- Is there the opportunity to progress onto the final year of a degree programme at the same institution or within the same city?
For further information on vocational qualifications and studying in the UK, contact the following organisations:
Customer
Response Centre
Edexcel Foundation (BTEC)
Stewart House
32 Russell Square
London WC1B 5DN
Tel: 0500 524534
The
British Council
Information Centre
10 Spring Gardens
London SW1A 2BN
Tel: 0171 389 4383
Department
for Education
and Employment
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT
Tel: 0171 925 5000
UCAS
Fulton House
Jessop Avenue
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL50 3SH
Tel: 01242 222444
Author
Edexcel Foundation
