Where do they come from and what are they looking for? Understanding the Study Abroad Programme at UL Emmeline Searson Study Abroad Co-Ordinator 20 th February 2013

Study Abroad at UL In existence for over 20 years Located within the International Education Division Summer School in Irish Studies New for 2013 – Summer School for Engineers On- Arrival Orientation Re- Entry & Exam Preparation Organised Field Trips

Universities Overseas Providers Study Abroad University of Limerick Students Partners

Study Abroad Figures 2011/12

Other Markets Japan Japan – Government Initiative to encourage more Japanese students to Study Abroad Brazil Brazil – Science without Borders – Study Abroad and PhD Funding

USA

Open Doors ,996 US students studied abroad for academic credit in 2010/11 Faculty Led and Short Term Programmes on the increase Island Programmes Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act Getting Beyond ‘It was Great’ Encouraging students from STEM areas to travel on Study Abroad. The State of the Union ad Act

Open Doors Report 2012 Ireland ranked 9 th Study Abroad destination 2.6% of total numbers Up 3.1% on previous year Top Fields of Study Social Sciences 22.9% Business/Management 20.5% Engineering 3.5% -9.1% 9,590 students 2010/11

Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act Currently 1% of college students study abroad each year. 273,996 US students studied abroad for academic credit in 2010/11 Increase of 1.3% over the previous year. Aim is that by million US Students would have studied abroad for credit each year. Prepare students for the global market place Open Doors – US Student participation in study abroad has more than tripled over the past decade.

STEM Stroud, A. (2010). Who plans (not) to study abroad? An examination of U.S. student intent. Journal of Studies in International Education. 4 year public University in the Northeast Lack of support from faculty members Inflexible requirements

Motivators for Students Irish Heritage Myths & Legends Availability of Module On Campus Accommodation English speaking country Proximity to international Airport Broaden their horizons

What do students want? Quality Programmes & Service – EI Survey 2011 Easy credit transfer – allows students to progress Availability of Modules Meet Irish Students Orientation Fun Support

Where do our students come from in the US…? Top 5 States for 2011/12 Pennsylvania 44 New York 39 New Hampshire 29 Wisconsin 31 Illinois 26 Indiana 25 California 9 th Destination

Top US States

MU4136 – Irish Music & Dance GA4105 – Irish Folklore GA4116 – Irish language CU4026 – How to Read a Film: Intro to Film Studies HI4102 – Ireland: Revolution & Independence PS4032 –Psychology & Social Issues MK4002 – Marketing EH4126 – Imagined Spaces Irish Cultural Texts CU4112 – Cultural Studies 2: Language & Culture GY4018 – Historical/Cultural Geography of Modern Ireland. Top 10 Modules –Spring ‘12

Study Abroad Programme Module Selection 1999/2000

MAJORS OF US STUDENTS 1999/2000

Study Abroad Majors 2011/12

Why UL? Campus & Sense of Community On campus accommodation Semester/QCA/Modules Other location Word of Mouth Flexibility & Choice of Niche programmes: Equine Location – Easy access to other places Small city & Rural

Erin Ryan Montana State University Civil Engineering Student Talk about her experience in UL obo&list=UUBJULrbfzlkN2yC3gi6YI1g&index=7 SYQobo&list=UUBJULrbfzlkN2yC3gi6YI1g &index=7

International Student Barometer Survey of 5,000 international Students Involved 238 Institutions worldwide Benchmarked 7 Irish Universities Independent research group i- Graduate

International Student Barometer Living UL Voted as having best overall living experience. Support UL Voted Number 1 in providing best student support Arrival UL Voted Number 1 in terms of Warmest Welcomes Learning Best multi-cultural teaching experience

International Student Barometer UL Scored first out of 238 institutions: Social Activities Opportunities to experience Irish culture Social Facilities Accommodation Office Clubs & Societies

How is the programme promoted? Study Abroad Fairs Overseas Conferences in the USA On campus visits – Faculty/Providers & Students 17 visits in AY 2011/12, including 3 group visits. Education Ireland

Challenge Limerick

Thank You Any Questions……?