The benefits of short international study trips for students and staff Dr Bob Gilmour Glasgow Caledonian University
Outline of presentation Introduce our International (European) Study Trips (EST) Highlight the main activities of EST? Summarise how we tried to identify and capture the benefits for students (excellence)? Examine some of the key findings Look at some of the wider benefits for staff and Universities
European Study Trips (EST) Level 2 Students (up to 60) travel to a European country (eg Spain, Finland, France) (Stay for 5 nights) Visit industrial facilities associated with their programme Visit local university and Erasmus students Voluntary attendance for students Costs students £250 (plus spending money) Costs University £250-£350 per student plus 3-4 staff 2-3 student mentors attend
Rio Tinto mines, Spain
Abengoa Solar Collectors, Seville
Metropole, Seville
Benchmarking of similar programmes enhancement activities in UK
Student Questionnaires
Key findings from Student Focus Groups
How Employers Rank Different Skills in Terms of Importance British Council, 2012
360 degree self reflection questionnaire
Benefits for staff Knowing that our students have a good experience Availability of a variety of learning environments (outside the classroom) Enhance or reinforces class learning Provides challenges Presents new opportunities Friendships Sunshine? Local delicacies Project developments
Benefits for staff and Institution CPD Promoting excellence in employability and transversal skills (Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership) 294,000 Euros GCU (Scotland), Lahti Uni (Finland), Hague Uni of App Sciences (Netherlands) Strategic partnership – 10 day intensive study period in different country repeated over 3 years Range of learning environments to develop skills/attributes Multidisciplinary and intercultural
Conclusion Short term international study trips can provide a range of benefits Students – enhanced experience and development of employability attributes Staff – CPD and funding opportunities Institutions – raised profile and contributing to mobility targets