Studying abroad 'offers hope' to young people

With competition for university places at an all-time high, studying abroad offers UK students an alternative so they need not give up hope, according to an industry expert.

Speaking to the Independent, Jemma Davies, of MJD Education, said overseas study is a "common practice" all over the world, but in Britain relatively few young people consider foreign universities when applying for courses.

"With the rise in fees and competition for places, we don't want students to give up hope – there are alternatives. There are institutions around the world who would snap you up," she added.

Ms Davies went on to reassure students reluctant to move a long way from home to gain their degree.

She pointed out that driving from London to Newcastle would take around six hours, while many flights to Europe are just an hour long – so young people can study in the EU without being isolated from loved ones back home.

Last month, Janette Wallis, a senior editor at the Good Schools Guide, said the increased competition for UK university places had prompted a rise in the number of students applying to overseas institutions.

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