Leading article: Friends in need

The survey of overseas students published this week by UKCOSA, the Council for International Education, makes encouraging reading for the universities who depend on such students for their survival. After interviewing 4,796 students, UKCOSA found that 89 per cent were satisfied with their stay in the United Kingdom. They had a good academic experience and met a lot of other people from around the world. The problem is they complained of finding it hard to meet UK students and make friends with them. Only 15 per cent of Chinese students - the fastest growing international group - had any UK friends. Shouldn't the universities be trying to do something about this?

The survey of overseas students published this week by UKCOSA, the Council for International Education, makes encouraging reading for the universities who depend on such students for their survival. After interviewing 4,796 students, UKCOSA found that 89 per cent were satisfied with their stay in the United Kingdom. They had a good academic experience and met a lot of other people from around the world. The problem is they complained of finding it hard to meet UK students and make friends with them. Only 15 per cent of Chinese students - the fastest growing international group - had any UK friends. Shouldn't the universities be trying to do something about this?