The Placement Experience of International Students SRHE seminar Developing the most employable global citizens: How can we encourage and celebrate outward mobility and working abroad? 13 th /11/ The Placement Experience of International Students Marcellus Mbah and Kelly Goodwin

Why international student placement? UK losing competitive edge for new international students Source: The British Council new-international-students 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.

Project Methodology Case Study Faculty of Management Academic year 2014 – 2015 CEL Funded Project Co-creation 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 3. Lack of understanding about the placement 1. Excellent support for CV and cover letter writing 2. VISA requirements / restrictions 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 Enhanced placement experience for international students Opportunities for prior work experience Culture adaptation Self confidence Prior information on placement and demands Industry preparation and readiness for placement Academic preparation Temp jobs on and off campus Minimise mono ethnic contacts, promote broader engagements Self confidence talks and workshops Information on mandatory placement and visa demands Disseminating the benefits of placement to businesses … Linking the curriculum with industry

Thank you! Contacts: Marcellus Mbah Kelly Goodwin