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Breaking the silence: career guidance for self-initiated international placement students.

Authors :
Joseph-Richard, Paul
Conroy, Kieran M.
Source :
Education + Training; 2024, Vol. 66 Issue 2/3, p302-321, 20p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Purpose: Self-initiated international placements by students have been largely ignored in the literature on outward mobility in higher education. The support given to self-initiated international placement students, if any, has received even less attention. This study aims to address this lacuna. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on insights from global mobility literature, we conducted a survey of UK university students who engaged in self-initiated international placements to various countries such as France, China, Brazil and Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Findings: Findings reveal that these "voluntary" placements can improve language fluency, increase self-confidence, renew stress management abilities and enhance cross-cultural competencies and intercultural sensitivity. The study problematises the lack of support given to these students particularly in terms of career development. Originality/value: Our paper is one of the first to bring this under-studied population to the attention of career guidance scholars. We propose that scholarly attention should be directed toward the agency of self-initiated international placement students and that targeted career guidance must be provided through more inclusive career services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00400912
Volume :
66
Issue :
2/3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Education + Training
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177631360
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-05-2023-0196