New global report reveals what drives impact in education abroad

A new global report sheds light on what students value most from education abroad, revealing clear insights on motivation, impact, affordability and safety across 4,250 student responses spanning over 100 host countries.

The findings from the first public report from the miXabroad global benchmark challenge assumptions about what drives outcomes – and point to opportunities for education providers to improve program design, access and student support.

Key insights include:

• Why students go abroad – Experience, culture and connection outrank academic or career-based motivations.
• Where students report the greatest impact – across six impact areas, students cite personal growth and self-awareness the most (95%), with career and professional development ranking lowest (83%).
• Affordability matters – Some countries are consistently seen as more financially accessible, shaping participation and widening pathways.
• Safety perceptions differ – Students report varying levels of confidence on campus and in local communities depending on the destination.
• Impact isn’t tied to program length – when students reflect on impact, short programs and semester long exchange deliver comparable results.

‘In a climate of tighter budgets and higher scrutiny, belief in global learning isn’t enough. We need evidence,’ says Emily O’Callaghan, CEO of miXabroad.

‘By standardising how we capture impact and experience, miXabroad gives education providers the tools to turn student voices into actionable insights and benchmark their programs nationally and globally.’

The report translates student voice into sector-wide insight, offering institutions a way to understand not just participation, but experience and impact across destinations, program types and student backgrounds.

About miXabroad
miXabroad turns student feedback into actionable insight for universities and education abroad providers. Through standardised surveys and global benchmarking, we help providers understand impact, compare results across sectors and improve program design, equity and student experience.

Media Contact
Peter Muntz
Communications Director, miXabroad
+61 488 086 962
pete@mixabroad.com