Study Group proud to partner with Universities UK International on new campaign showcasing hugely positive impact of international students in the UK
The UK is historically considered as one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Vibrant cities, cultural diversity and excellent graduate job prospects are just some benefits of the UK’s higher education system, making it an appealing study destination for students across the world.
Study Group are proud to be a lead content partner for the latest campaign from Universities UK International (UUKi), #WeAreInternational: Transforming Lives, which highlights the hugely positive contribution international students make to the UK and their adopted local communities. Their stories are unique, and in some cases surprising, reminding us that every student journey is different.
International students bring a £41 billion annual contribution to the UK, meaning on average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK is £58 million better off – equivalent to approximately £560 per citizen.
UUKi's campaign looks beyond the financial contribution international students and graduates are making to the economy, highlighting students who have given back to the UK in a variety of impactful ways, from working on a COVID ward during the height of the pandemic, to using a degree for humanitarian work.
Former Study Group and University of Leeds student Dhionis Llanaj from Albania, features in the new campaign. He is one of the many international students who used their graduate-route visa to alleviate critical pressures on the National Health Service during a nationwide shortage in healthcare professionals.
During his time at the Leeds International Study Centre, which is delivered by Study Group, and later with Study Group partner University of Leeds. Dhionis worked as a nurse in the critical care unit of a COVID ward within the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.
Upon graduation Dhionis said: “Working as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse and studying Medical Sciences full-time was difficult. To attend university, I needed to use my annual leave and request a night shift working pattern. I am delighted to say that I made it.”
Now, Dhionis is an Education Practitioner in Leeds Teaching Hospital where he trains new staff, apprentices and international nurses who have come to the UK to work. He coaches them to understand how the NHS operates, how to adapt to the hospital environment and deliver the best quality care, creating quantifiable benefits for the millions of people treated by, and working for, the NHS.
He says: “I have a passion for healthcare education and want to have a positive impact on the future generation of medical professionals. I get happiness from seeing students grow and succeed.”
For more international student stories, watch Transforming Lives:
Speaking about the campaign, Andrew Howells, Assistant Director of External Affairs at UUKi says:
“Individuals not only travel here for world-leading, high-quality education but also to contribute towards it. International students' study, live, work, invest and enrich UK towns and cities. By bringing together different views from across the world, we can enhance knowledge, broaden understanding and transform lives.”
To learn more about the #WeAreInternational: Transforming Lives campaign, visit the Universities UK International website.
