1. The benefits of short international study trips for students and staff
Dr Bob Gilmour
Glasgow Caledonian University

2. 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

3. 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

4. Rio Tinto mines, Spain

5. Abengoa Solar Collectors, Seville

6. Metropole, Seville

7. Benchmarking of similar programmes enhancement activities in UK

8. Student Questionnaires

9. Key findings from Student Focus Groups

10. How Employers Rank Different Skills in Terms of Importance
British Council, 2012

11. 360 degree self reflection questionnaire

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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