ERIC Number: EJ1110547
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1449-9789
EISSN: N/A
If You Build It, They May Not Come: Why Australian University Students Do Not Take Part in Outbound Mobility Experiences
Jones, Benjamin T.; Power, Anne; Gray, Tonia; Downey, Greg; Hall, Timothy; Truong, Son
Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, v13 n3 Article 9 2016
Universities around the world seek to internationalise students to prepare them for an increasingly globalised world. Outbound mobility experiences (OMEs) are recognised as one of the most effective ways to foster independent thinking, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of "worldmindedness". This article takes a case study from an Australian university and explores efforts to increase student participation rates in OMEs. Through a mixed-method study of three student cohorts (n = 223), important data was gathered relating to how OMEs are perceived by undergraduate and post-graduate students. The results are filtered through thematic discourse analysis and suggest that the university needs to do more to build awareness, explain the professional and employability benefits, and create a travel culture where students are encouraged to grow their international skills and communication competencies. This research has important implications for universities seeking to increase international student mobility and prioritise a global outlook.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Student Mobility, Foreign Countries, International Education, Cultural Awareness, Mixed Methods Research, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Discourse Analysis, Student Attitudes, Intercultural Communication, Study Abroad, Hospitality Occupations, Business Schools, Travel, Statistical Analysis, Student Participation, Barriers, Student Surveys
University of Wollongong. Available from: Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources. Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Tel: +61-2-4221-3140; Fax: +61-2-4225-8312; e-mail: jutlp@uow.edu.au; Web site: http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; Vietnam
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A