A survey of over 9,200 international post-secondary students confirms that students are overwhelmingly satisfied with their education experience at British Columbia post-secondary institutions.

Through the survey, international students provide insight into their decision to study at B.C. post-secondary institutions, study experiences in the province and plans following graduation.

Results indicate 87% of international students are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of their education, and 89% were satisfied or very satisfied with the institution they are attending. These results are a testament to the high-quality education offered in British Columbia.

When asked about plans following graduation, almost 65% of international students indicated plans to stay in Canada, with almost 60% planning to stay in B.C. The students who intend to stay in the province plan to either work full time (63%) or undertake a combination of work and study (27%).

“The survey results confirm what we already know: the quality of British Columbia post-secondary education is world class,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “Students from all over the globe are choosing to come to B.C. because of the quality of our post-secondary institutions and the wide variety of programs they offer, combined with a lifestyle that is second to none."

The purpose of the survey was to obtain direct feedback from international students about their learning and living experiences in B.C. Detailed data from the survey was provided to all participating institutions to better understand and enhance the study and adjustment experiences of international students.

“Results from the survey deepened our understanding of what students need and want with regard to their post-secondary education experience. Through the survey, students provided us with important feedback that we are using to make adjustments not only within our institution, but the whole B.C. post-secondary education sector,” said Ajay Patel, associate vice-president of international and external development at Langara College. “Ultimately, it will improve the experiences of international students while they are living, working and attending school in B.C.”

The BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) co-ordinated the research with the assistance of a system-wide steering committee. BCCAT oversees the BC Transfer System, enabling important links between B.C. post-secondary institutions and the education ministries, as well as the public and private education sectors.

BC Stats conducted the survey during November and December 2014 at one private and 23 public post-secondary institutions.

B.C. launched the International Education Strategy in 2012 as part of the BC Jobs Plan. Improving the experiences of international students supports Goal 2 of the Strategy – Ensuring Quality Learning and Life Experiences for Students:
www.aved.gov.bc.ca/internationaleducation/forms/InternationalEducationStrategy_WEB.PDF

Complete survey results can be found on the BCCAT website: www.bccat.ca/research/iss