New Research from World Education Services Shows Career Outcomes for Current International Students and Alumni

NEW YORK, NY (GLOBE NEWSWIRE – Oct. 17, 2017)  New research from World Education Services (WES) finds that 89 percent of international alumni and 92 percent of current international students believe their U.S. education is a good investment. However, many face difficulties navigating visa authorization, gaining work experience, and finding jobs in their home countries or the U.S. after graduation.

The research report, Career Prospects and Outcome of U.S.-Educated International Students: Improving Services, Bolstering Success, delves into the career expectations and outcomes for international students, barriers to professional success, and ways career services offices can better support international students’ transition into the workforce. The research shows:

• Nearly half of international students who return to their home country after graduation cited visa-related and work-related issues as the primary reason for returning.
• Among alumni who remain in the U.S., 47 percent cited lack of professional connections as a major obstacle in finding employment. Over 40 percent of current international students have not used career services offices.

“There is a strong opportunity for institutions to understand and better meet the needs of international students,” said Bryce Loo, one of the report’s authors. “In doing so, institutions not only help their students succeed but enhance their own reputations among prospective international students.”

The research report highlights the results of a June 2017 survey of more than 2,000 current international students and alumni.

About WES
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 and dedicated to helping individuals achieve their higher education and professional goals. WES evaluates and advocates for the recognition of international education qualifications in the U.S. and Canada. WES delivers credential evaluations recognized by 2,500 academic, business, and governmental institutions to more than one million people worldwide.

About WES Research
WES Research provides strategic reports and articles that offer research-based insights and recommendations on how higher education institutions can:

• Evaluate and improve their international enrollment management
• Elevate return on recruitment investments
• Enhance international student experiences

About WENR
First published in 1987, World Education News & Reviews (WENR) is an authoritative news and information source for professionals in international education. Published by World Education Services, WENR keeps readers abreast of education developments around the world, and includes practical “how-to” articles on credential evaluation, international admissions, and recruiting.