International students at Umeå University most satisfied in Europe

This marks the third consecutive year in which Umeå University received the top overall satisfaction ranking in Sweden by international students.

"It is incredibly pleasing that Umeå University was placed first in Europe in the survey," says Anders Fällström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. "We are actively working to increase the number of international students and it is essential for us that our current students are truly satisfied.”

#1 in Sweden in Learning, Living and Support

Umeå University had the highest overall average rating in Sweden and Europe when factoring all questions in the ISB 2013 Autumn Wave survey, which can be seen as the most accurate indicator of overall student satisfaction. There was another individual question in the survey in which respondents were asked to rate their overall experience before seeing any elements.

The university was ranked first in the world forcampus environment and first in Europe for the learning and living categories. In addition, international students also indicated the highest satisfaction among the eight participating universities in Sweden within three of the four main categories including: learning, living and student support.

“We are very pleased that the students are so satisfied with the education they receive, as quality is an essential element for us,” says Anders Fällström. “We also see our campus as a creative meeting place for researchers, teachers, students and partners. Since we are now making major investments toward the continued development of campus environments, it is especially important to be informed that we have already come a long way.”

When measured against all 170 participating institutions, Umeå University was first in Sweden in a total of 24 sub-categories, first in Europe in nine sub-categories, and first in the entire survey for the helpfulness and English skills of its support staff, and finding other friends upon arrival. Multicultural learning, eco-friendly attitude, campus buildings, sport facilities, social activities environment and accommodation support received a second place ranking in the entire global survey.

“One of the reasons why international students are so satisfied is the Buddy Programme that we offer,” says Per A Nilsson, international strategist at Umeå University. “It makes it easier for international students to have contact with other students on campus.”

Swedish universities performed well in the survey. The positive factors that came forward include that Sweden is a safe and secure country to live in, the educational and research standards are high, and that the people are very friendly.

"We will certainly use the results from the survey to make further improvements," explains Anders Fällström. "Umeå University needs to improve in areas such as providing opportunities for part-time jobs, like the majority of higher education institutions in Sweden."

Detailed results of the Autumn 2013 ISB

About the ISB

The International Student Barometer 2013 Autumn Wave survey was developed and administered by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate) - an independent benchmarking and research service - and has been responded by exchange students and other international students.  A total of 143,952 students responded to the International Student Barometer during October to December 2013.

For further information, please contact:

Per A Nilsson, International Stategist
Communication and International Relations Office, Umeå University
E-mail: per.nilsson@adm.umu.se
Phone: +46 (0)90-786 68 66
Mobile: +46 (0)70-236 62 30

Anders Fällström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University
E-mail: anders.fallstrom@adm.umu.se
Mobile: +46 (0)70-493 85 27