Turkey-based a2 International Education Fairs conducted the Studying Abroad Research on Attitudes and Approaches report, which surveyed 1,068 Turkish youths aged between 16 and 35. An overwhelming 87.9 per cent of respondents expressed interest in studying abroad.
The primary motivation for studying abroad was seen to be good career prospects, cited by 66.6 per cent of respondents, followed closely by the desire to ‘improve oneself in every aspect’ (64.3 per cent), and the opportunity to ‘meet people from different cultures’ (57.7 per cent). Improving language skills, seeking a better education, and the prospect of living or settling abroad were also significant factors influencing respondents’ decisions.
Engin Cosar, Managing Director of Academix, a key player in the group of agencies behind a2 International Education Fairs, expressed surprise at the high level of interest among Turkish youth. He noted that this enthusiasm reflects a growing desire to explore educational opportunities beyond national borders, indicating a positive trend.
Budget emerged as the most common barrier preventing individuals from considering study overseas, followed by language difficulties and concerns about travel. For those intending to study abroad, language proficiency was the primary concern, followed by potential culture shock and homesickness.
Addressing these challenges, Engin emphasized the importance of addressing budget constraints and providing financial support options such as scholarships and grants. Additionally, guidance on budgeting, part-time work opportunities, and affordable housing was deemed crucial.
The United Kingdom emerged as the most popular destination for study abroad, followed by Germany, the USA, and Canada. European destinations such as Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland also garnered significant interest among Turkish students, driven by factors such as quality education at comparatively lower costs and diverse cultural experiences.
Quality of education was cited as the top reason for choosing a destination, followed by post-education job opportunities and the native language of the study country. Nearly half of the students expressed a preference for studying in metropolitan cities, while an equal proportion favored medium-sized cities.
In terms of language study, students showed a preference for medium-to-long term courses, with over a quarter opting for courses lasting at least 48 weeks.
Study travel agencies emerged as the primary source of information about studying abroad, followed by social media and study abroad fairs. More than half of the respondents indicated their intention to apply through an education agency.
a2 International Education Fairs, known for organizing student fairs and agent workshops, plays a significant role in facilitating student recruitment services across various source markets.
