1. Bronagh Crosse, Student Mobility Officer
Supporting student transitions through an international joint degree programme
Samantha Lister, Head of Academic Partnerships and International Experience
Bronagh Crosse, Student Mobility Officer

2. BA (International Honours): Overview
Fully integrated undergraduate degree
2 years at each institution
Choice of pathways
4 subjects currently offered
Joint degree

3. Learning and Teaching Strategy
Design and deliver an innovative curriculum
Move beyond traditional Study Abroad
Prepare students for global marketplace
Strengthen our collaboration

4. Institutional Approach
Relationships
Communication
Flexibility
Ongoing review
Long-term commitment

5. Successes and Challenges
Academic success
Student engagement
Teaching and research collaboration
Sharing best practice
Challenges:
Curriculum
Institutional culture
Student transitions
The unexpected!

6. Transitions Two pathways: Types of transition: ABBA ABAB Academic
Social
Cultural
Personal
Honours dissertation vs. Honours thesis
Post-graduation plans

7. Types of Transition: Academic
Challenges:
Breadth versus depth
Independent learning
Academic culture
Supporting transitions:
Dedicated Pro Dean
Subject Advisers
Academic events
Online information
Teaching styles at William & Mary:
More interactive classes
Grades for participation
More continuous assessment and structured approach
More contact hours

8. Social, Cultural and Personal Transitions
Leaving friends behind
Cultural:
Assumptions and preconceptions about life in the other country
Personal development:
Resilience
Independence
Adaptability
Confidence
Students must leave friends, clubs, societies etc. behind

9. Transition Support: Institutional
Collaborations & Study Abroad team
Dedicated Student Intern
BA Int Hons Experience Group
Guarantee accommodation
Student Services
Online and other resources:
Programme FAQs
Student Experience
Semester 1:
Welcome Event and Advising
Academic Culture Session
Introduction to Student Services
Writing Essays in St Andrews and Speedy Leadership
Christmas Reception
Semester 2:
Preparation for William & Mary – academic and social (first years only)
Farewell Reception

10. Transition Support: Institutional (cont.)
Events schedule:
Welcome
Academic
Well-being
Transition
Meet your cohort
Future

11. Transition Support: Student Led
Cohort support
WaMStA Partnership
Staying in touch

12. Student Experience
‘The Joint Degree Programme is unlike any other traditional university or study abroad experience. Students get to fully immerse themselves in not only a new culture but also a different style of teaching, and university life. While it seems a daunting task, Programme students benefit by being able to succeed both academically and socially across cultures.’
Emily, third year International Relations student

13. The Future Expanding and formalising events schedule
Newsletters for the cohort
New subjects:
Classical Studies
Film Studies

14. Questions? Samantha Lister T: 01334 463317E:
Bronagh Crosse T: E: