Worldwide, students are optimistic about their education; this is particularly true of students in the developing world. There, students are confident in the quality of their higher education and the likelihood their education will yield a great return on their investment.

Nearly three quarters of students in Peru believe that institutions will offer career-oriented skills and proper training to students so they can better serve future employers. To determine this and similar data, Zogby Analytics partnered with Laureate International Universities to produce a comprehensive measure of students' current state and attitudes toward education. The report's findings showed that a majority of students worldwide believe their education systems offer quality education now, and will continue to do so in the future.

More than 25,000 students were surveyed, and students in Panama (71 percent), Chile (65 percent), Honduras (65 percent), Mexico (63 percent), the United States (61 percent) and Peru (61 percent) expressed optimism about education.

College-goers in those same nations were most confident that education innovations would improve opportunities for students in the future.

Students from China (70 percent), India (69 percent) and Brazil (53 percent) communicated that innovations in high education would likely transpire, benefiting future students; scholars in these nations proved to be expectant about education.

However, European students were far less optimistic about their education systems producing initiatives or generating significant employment or life outcomes. Germany (20 percent), Italy (23 percent) and France (29 percent) were the nations that produced students who were seemingly pessimistic and far less excited about education or future possibilities.

"Access to quality higher education is a catalyst for transforming lives and societies," said Douglas L. Becker, the founder, chairman and CEO of Laureate Education, Inc., in a statement. "Meeting students' expectations and delivering on a promise to provide them with the skills to meet their career aspirations should be the goals of every university."

The largest international survey of its nature, the study revealed student attitudes about the future of higher education, and students from 22 nations provided unique insights and perspectives. More than 75 percent of surveyed students also stated they believed their course of study granted them skills that are required to succeed. Also, more than 60 percent of students stated they were under the impression that career development, job opportunities and mentoring will be provided directly by employers online and in real-time.

Nearly all (96 percent) of students said higher education institutions should promote an entrepreneurial atmosphere. In addition, more than 60 percent of students shared the belief that apprenticeships, career-oriented education, courses taught by employers and more flexible course schedules would significantly benefit students and higher education. Furthermore, 93 percent of students agree that universities should work directly with employers to help teach students the skills they need to be successful.

"It is essential for employers to influence what is taught in the classroom," Becker said. "Practical knowledge based on the needs of employers will unlock career potential for students and provide them with better employment opportunities."

Two-thirds of students indicated they would implement innovations in higher education if they were to make change anything about their traditional curriculum. Additional changes include: oriented education, lifelong learning, paid apprenticeships, and courses taught by employers.

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