Overview
There are two ways to analyze the evolution of student flows over time for specific destinations through two Global Student Flow dataset reports:
Silhouette report: high-level visual of where students come from or go to; good for exploring composition and trends for a single destination or source.
Benchmark report: side-by-side time-series comparison across multiple destinations or peer groups; includes a zoom feature for detailed time-range focus.
Using the Silhouette Report
Open the Global Students Flow dataset.
Select “Silhouette” from the Reports menu.
3. Set Source / Destination filters:
Use the top filter bar to choose the Destination you want to analyze
Optionally set the Source filter to restrict origins (e.g., a region or specific country).
4. Choose the time period:
Use the Time Period control to pick the start and end year (or available granularity).
The Silhouette will update to show evolution across the selected period.
5. Interpret the visualization:
Hover over segments or map markers to see numeric flow values and year breakdowns.
Use the legend to toggle categories on/off for clarity
Using the Benchmark Report (compare destinations over time)
Open the Global Students Flow dataset and select “Benchmark.”
2. Select Destination(s):
In the top filter bar, choose the primary Destination you want to analyse.
Add additional Destinations or peer countries to compare (use the “Add comparison” or + control).
3. Set Source filter (optional):
If you want flows from a specific origin (e.g., a country or region), set the Source filter to focus the comparison.
4. Choose the time period:
Use the Time Period selector to pick years. Benchmark will plot each destination’s time series across that range.
Using the Zoom Feature:
Clicked Zoom button to inspect finer trend details and compare short-term changes.
Zoom out view:
Vs
Zoom in view:
Practical Tips
Start with Silhouette to identify a destination’s major source countries, then move to Benchmark to compare time trends with peers.
If the chart appears empty for a selected period, reduce filters (broadening Source or Destination) or expand the Time Period range.
Use the legend to simplify charts if many destinations are plotted.