International students seeking employment within the UK: a photovoice project

Innovative research reveals the significant barriers, emotional challenges and coping strategies that are encountered by international students in the UK

This report presents findings from the University of Hertfordshire's photovoice project, funded by the Jisc careers research grant - an exploration of the lived experiences of students from minoritised backgrounds through visual storytelling.

The project aims to understand barriers to employability and career confidence by using photography as a tool for expression and reflection.

Key findings

• International students face multiple systemic and psychological barriers when trying to enter the UK job market, and these affect their employment outcomes and their emotional wellbeing.
• Repeated job rejections cause significant emotional distress, with many students experiencing self-doubt, frustration and a loss of confidence, to the point where they question their decision to study in the UK. Prolonged rejection can also lead to 'ambition downgrading'.
• Students feel that employers are biased in favour of UK work experience regardless of the strength of their professional background, while visa restrictions also reduce employer interest.
• Many companies are unclear about whether they accept international applicants for roles, creating uncertainty and wasted time.
• Students find discussing struggles with peers to be effective in maintaining motivation.
• Photovoice is an effective research and advocacy tool  in a career development setting, allowing students to document their struggles visually, process their emotions and propose solutions.

About the report

Photovoice is an arts-based research method that enables participants to document their lived experiences, express concerns, and advocate for change through photography. Here it was used to investigate international students' challenges in the UK labour market.

Participants interpreted their images through group discussions, thematic analysis and reflection, sharing insights in facilitated sessions - making them contributors and changemakers rather than merely subjects in the research.

The report, by Anna Levett, also includes practical recommendations proposed by the students themselves to improve job accessibility and employer awareness.

This research was funded by the Jisc careers research grant. If you're a careers professional planning to undertake research, you may be eligible for funding of up to £5,000.

Written by

Anna Levett

Associate director, career development & head of careers and employment

University of Hertfordshire