This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Verdict by international students
09/06/2006
Research shows that 80 per cent of international students studying in Scotland would encourage others to take up a course here.
The statistics coincide with the launch of the Scotland's Colleges International initiative which highlights the merits of studying for a Scottish qualification to a worldwide audience.
At the Association of Scottish Colleges conference in Aviemore, Deputy Minister for Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson said:
"Scotland, of all places, should know what education can achieve. It can empower people, provide opportunities and create a climate for economic growth.
"The results of this research are a great commendation for our colleges and universities, which should lead to an increased international focus, enriching our society even further.
"More international students can deepen our awareness of other cultures and increase awareness of others' understanding of our own way of life. These relationships can last forever and lead to educational, scientific and political exchange.
" Scotland's Colleges International is one of the most exciting initiatives the sector has seen in a long time. We are working on further ways in which Scottish education can grow in an international market, but it is important that colleges do not lose the momentum they are building up.
"We want to be the best small country in the world, but there is nothing small about our ambition. Scotland is the place to be - the place to come and study."
The research was jointly undertaken on behalf of British Council Scotland and the Executive.