Recap
AI and the Student Experience: Global Insights for Higher Education
As generative AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily routines, how are students actually using it and what does that mean for higher education?
In our recent webinar, Brett Christie, Ph.D., led a conversation with guests, Casandra Silva Sibilin (York College, CUNY), Lori Robbins (Denison University), Luisa Baum (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), and Ewelina Lacey (Institute for Study Abroad). Together, they shared findings from an international survey of nearly 500 undergraduates across 14 countries – highlighting where students are using AI most, what they want from their institutions, and how campuses can respond.
Key Takeaways
1. AI is part of nearly every student’s routine.
The data shows that 58% of students use AI across all four domains – education, productivity, wellness, and entertainment – and fewer than 3% reported not using AI at all. What once felt like optional experimentation is now standard practice.
2. Learning with AI, not just about it.
Students overwhelmingly use AI as an extension of the study process. Top academic uses include condensing long readings (63%), digesting lectures (57%), creating study guides (53%), and seeking writing or translation support (56%). For multilingual learners, translation and language polishing were especially valuable for accessibility and comprehension.
3. AI supports more than coursework.
Survey responses revealed growing use in wellness and personal development. Nearly a quarter (24%) reported using AI for therapy or life coaching, 13% for stress management, and almost 20% for companionship. As Luisa noted, this reflects AI’s emerging role as a “social partner” rather than just a productivity tool.
4. Preparing for the future workforce.
About 40% of respondents use AI to help write resumes, draft cover letters, or practice interviews. Bridging the classroom-to-career gap. Community college students, in particular, emphasized AI’s practical support for employability and task management.
5. Students want structure, not bans.
Across all regions, students voiced a clear desire for guidance and integration. They want professors to teach responsible use, not simply prohibit it. They also called for fairness and consistency across courses, citing frustration with conflicting policies and unclear expectations.
6. Context matters.
Cultural and institutional differences shape AI engagement. U.S. students referenced emotional or wellness uses more often, while international students emphasized translation and comprehension. Liberal-arts students focused on ethics and reflection; public-university students leaned toward efficiency and experimentation.
Why It Matters
Students have already integrated AI into how they study, communicate, and plan their futures. For institutions, this means the conversation can no longer center on if students use AI, but how to guide it.
When colleges and universities move from policing to partnering, they gain the chance to:
- Model ethical and transparent AI practices.
- Reduce equity gaps by providing consistent access and expectations.
- Help students develop AI literacy for both academic integrity and workforce readiness.
As Casandra summed up, “Students are asking us to show them how AI can promote learning, not just shortcuts.”
What’s Next
To translate insight into action, panelists encouraged educators and leaders to:
Listen first. Host student panels or focus groups to understand how AI fits into their learning lives.
Clarify at the course level. Specify where AI is encouraged, limited, or off-limits, and explain the rationale.
Normalize responsible use. Create opportunities for students to reflect on when and how AI adds value.
Collaborate across roles. Faculty, designers, and administrators should model thoughtful AI use together. For example, learning with students, not ahead of them.
Invest in AI literacy. Develop training or credential pathways that build students’ critical and ethical fluency.
Watch the full webinar recording
If you’re interested in exploring the survey findings further, you can watch the full recording on our YouTube channel.
Connect with the research team and explore additional insights and collaborative efforts here.
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