THE EXPERIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING ARCHITECTURE IN UK

This is a current, long-term phenomenological research project into the study experience of international architecture students in the UK, including teachers' perceptions, observations and experiences.

The  attraction of RIBA accreditation 

Studying architecture in the UK is attractive to many foreign candidates who want to study architecture. Having been involved in many architecture and design roadshows in China, Hong Kong and Eastern Europe, I found that RIBA accreditation of an architecture programme is often a key argument.

The RIBA enjoys an almost mystical reputation in many countries where architectural education may be overshadowed by science and technology or stuck in old-fashioned, conventional methods. The name RIBA alone, which refers to one of the oldest and best-known monarchies, seems to be a seal of quality. It is therefore no wonder that many candidates admire the designs of British-trained architects in their countries.

Fame of Architectural Practices 

Architectural pratices such as Foster & Partners, Zaha Hadid, OMA (Rem Koolhaas), Grimshaw Architects, Terry Farrell Architects, ARUP and others are admired and recognised for innovation and design excellence. It is not that there are no other famous firms and architects in other countries, it simply coincides with the general admiration for the rich architectural heritage.

Students from Shanghai or Taipei are likewise familiar with British colonial neo-classical architecture, as with the CCTV tower in Bejing, or the Bejing Airport.  Whether students from India or Pakistan, or many African countries, commonly there is admiration for British architecture whether historic or contemp[orary. 

Famous Unversities 

Aside from Architecture, UK higher education enjoys an excellent reputation. Oxford and Cambridge are magic names, a reassurance for many overseas that the quality of studies is worthwhile the by comparison enormous costs.  

Innovation and heritage generate attraction, in addition to the generally rich historic and architectural heritage, and most importantly with the convenience to study in the world trade language English. This is giving UK, US and Australian universities an advantage against most universities in other countries, who may not offer full study programmes in English.

Working for INTO Newcastle University, regularly students inquired about studies in continental Europe. Many students were particaurly interested in studying in Germany where studies are almost free for internationals. However, the challenge to learn another more complicated language holds most students back.

As well as the general appeal of studying in the UK, the personal freedom and multicultural climate in many cities generate a welcoming and vibrant environment. The political climate and relationships also have an influence. During the Trump administration, for example, surveys of agents and students showed that the United States was rated as less hospitable to foreign students.

Another factor for students choosing the UK over a reputable institution in their home country is the fact that places at these top universities are very limited. It may be easier for these students to enrol in a high-ranked British university.

In summary, studying architecture in the UK is very attractive to foreign students for both objective and subjective reasons.

The research project aims to explore how the students’ perception changes during their studies, from the initial decision making to the transition into postgraduate studies and the professional career, how having studied in UK influences their career path, and how it compares to students who studied architecture in their native country.

Whilst there are shared aspects amongst all international students, the research aims to find out differences between nationalities. Invited will be also home students to participate.

The initial methodology collecting student experiences in different stages of their studies from undergraduate, to postgraduate and the transition into employment and the professional career.

The focus group will be a mix of international architecture students from different nationalities, there is also a control group of home students, primarily students I personally know but also through other contacts, colleagues at Newcastle University and other universities.

The aim is not an empirically exemplary outcome, it is to gauge and observe, document, and analyse individual developments and to possibly explore less well-known aspects of the student experience.  Projected over a longer period with interim evaluations and updates, participants contribute over their entire study period and possibly into the early stages of their career.    

a well attended guest seminar in St Petersburg 2014

Freedom between lockdowns, internationals endured very difficult times    

The aim is to enable students for a successful professional career, and a valuable and responsible contribution to the built environment 

The migratory experience is a shared exprience, hence international students often from their own community - a "last supper" after graduation  

Design Charrette, all pathways contributed to a large scale design competition