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Explore how international student placements contribute to UK economy and student employability. Study findings and framework suggestions for enhancing placement experiences.
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SRHE seminarDeveloping the most employable global citizens: How can we encourage and celebrate outward mobility and working abroad?13th/11/2015------The Placement Experience of International Students--------- Marcellus Mbah and Kelly Goodwin
Why international student placement? • Not only does the presence of international students internationalise the academic environment and campus life, they also contribute more than £7 billion to the UK economy (Universities UK, 2014) • To many international students, the expected return to investment in higher education is employment upon completion of studies • Much of what we already know about student employability and work placement is centred on the UK domicile learner in spite of the growing importance of the international education industry • Several international students will need to take on a work placement as they aspire to secure work in the global economy. • In order to achieve this effectively and sustainably, there is a need to explore the placement experience of international students. UK losing competitive edge for new international students Source: The British Council www.britishcouncil.org/education/ihe/news/uk-losing-competitive-edge-new-international-students
Project Methodology CEL Funded Project Co-creation Case Study Faculty of Management Academic year 2014 – 2015 Survey: 62% completion rate Focus group discussion • Survey questions: • Gender, age, Nationality - Prior expectations • Programme of study - Sources and types of support • Was the placement compulsory? - Placement experiences • Placement duration - Challenges faced • Host organisation and location - Recommendations for improvement
Key Project Findings 1. Excellent support for CV and cover letter writing 2. VISA requirements / restrictions 3. Lack of understanding about the placement 4. Culture differences 5. The need for work experience in order to secure a placement 6. Building and exhibiting self-confidence 7. Placement providers who consider employing a placement student post graduation provide a better placement experience 8. A loss of academic writing ability upon their return from placement
Towards a support framework Opportunities for prior work experience Temp jobs on and off campus Culture adaptation Minimise mono ethnic contacts, promote broader engagements Linking the curriculum with industry Enhanced placement experience for international students Academic preparation Self confidence talks and workshops Information on mandatory placement and visa demands Self confidence Disseminating the benefits of placement to businesses … Industry preparation and readiness for placement Prior information on placement and demands
Thank you! Contacts: Marcellus Mbah mmbah@bournemouth.ac.uk Kelly Goodwin KGoodwin@bournemouth.ac.uk