International Student Perceptions of the US on the Way up Following Biden Win

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 03, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- International students' perceptions of the United States as a study destination have significantly improved following the election win by Joe Biden, according to new research by IDP Connect.

A survey of more than 800 prospective international students interested in studying in the US has found more than three quarters (76 percent) have improved perceptions of the US since the 2020 Presidential Election, with 67 percent stating they are now more likely to study there.

When asked how nine key factors would be affected by the Biden administration, respondents expected all to improve, with the welfare of international students, safety of its citizens and visitors, and post-study work visa policies perceived to see the most improvements.

Furthermore, the majority of students (69 percent) expected the new presidential administration will have a positive effect on their home country.

As the students surveyed were at the early stages of their journey, many indicated they are still considering other destinations. Of those surveyed, half (50 percent) were also considering Canada, while 41 percent were considering the United Kingdom and just over a quarter (28 percent) were considering Australia as their study destination in addition to the US. The improved perceptions of the US could indicate increasing competition for these three destinations in future enrollment cycles.

The survey also showed that students from Africa were more likely to be exploring their study options in the US and Canada, while Middle Eastern and South-East Asian students tended to look at the US and UK.

Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect, said the research is a reminder that students are tuned into global political discussions.

"Of the students who stated they have a high awareness of US politics, 86 percent reported a better perception following the election," Emmett said.

"Since the election in November 2020, we've seen higher search activity for the US, with the US now overtaking the UK in regard to international student search volumes.

"While the new administration has a more welcoming stance towards international students than the predecessor, it will be interesting to see if student perceptions of the US as a study destination continue to improve over the long-term."

Emmett encouraged education institutions to review their marketing and recruitment programs to take full advantage of the change in perceptions.

"US universities, colleges and education institutions should be looking at their recruitment strategies and practices to ensure they capture this momentum and support students in their decision-making process," Emmett said.

To download the report, please visit: https://resources.idp-connect.com/international-student-perceptions-us-presidential-election

IDP Connect is the strategic partner of choice for institutions seeking access to engaged student communities. As part of IDP Education, the world leader in student recruitment, IDP Connect uses its global expertise, data-driven insights and trusted human connections to match universities, schools and colleges with the right students from around the world.

Powered by the world's most expansive omnichannel platform, we bring institutions to life, from academic offerings to campus experiences and beyond. Through our unmatched physical office network, websites, apps, and virtual counselling solutions, students from all corners of the world form our connected community, along with our expert team of trusted education advisors, and our partner institutions.

IDP Connect's IQ services offer a helicopter view of the global higher education landscape, using the world's largest combined data set of student demand. From initial online search, through to application, offer and enrolments, we are able to track global student demand through the full funnel and in real-time, helping institutions to address the key challenges faced by higher education.

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