Abroad but not abandoned: Supporting student adjustment in the international placement journey

Kieran M. Conroy, Lucy McCarthy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
290 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

International work placements are an increasingly important way for universities to enhance their internationalisation strategies and develop student learning. However, the increase in student mobility internationally has not been paralleled in the level of support received from the university when undertaking international placements. Using an action research qualitative design, we explore how students may be supported in effectively managing international placements. Data was collected from UK Business School students through focus groups, interviews and reflections. Findings identify a variety of important support structures that can be implemented to aid students in adjusting to three main challenges; professional, cultural and personal. We argue that these supports need to be developed across three interrelated stages in the international placement process; pre-departure, post-arrival and repatriation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1175-1189
JournalStudies in Higher Education
Volume46
Issue number6
Early online date07 Oct 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • international placement; student support; adjustment; reflective practice; student mobility

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