International Students Express Satisfaction With UCL

One year ago, UCL decided to participate in a European survey in order to better understand and hence better meet the demands of its international students. UCL is the only French-speaking university (in the world) to have participated in this survey and passed the test with flying colours: 

- 87 % of the students are satisfied with the education (expertise of the teaching staff) offered by UCL, compared to an average score of 85 % in the other universities;
- 87 % of the students are very pleased with their life on the UCL campuses (one element highly appreciated by all: the feeling of security in Louvain-la-Neuve);
- 85 % of the students would promote a stay at UCL after returning to their home country, compared to an average of only 76 % in the other universities;
- Finally, 90 % of the students are truly delighted with the offer in sporting activities, making UCL the front runner in this category;
- In addition, UCL's libraries, research and multicultural character are highly appreciated by the international students.

Another point highlighted by the survey: the expectations of the students differ according to their country of origin. A student from the USA will be looking for a particularly active pedagogy, whereas a student from Taiwan will pay more attention to the internet access available on campus. This observation should stimulate UCL to target their international policy even further.   

In response to this survey, new measure have been taken, such as the creation of a "single counter" ("guichet unique") that will welcome all foreign students as of September 2009 and help them with any matters that might concern them, such as housing, work or support from the various UCL units. The counter will point students directly towards the appropriate department, thus preventing them from loosing time by going from one department or unit to another.