Abstract
Many students travel abroad to study in a different country with the expectation of it being exciting, new and positive. This is particularly relevant when international students’ study programmes include a work placement. Strong partnerships are required between the international student, the university and also the workplace. Open and clear communication and positive interaction are vital for success in work placements for international students. This often requires an openness to, and awareness of, appropriate intercultural strategies between the international student and other stakeholders. This introductory chapter explores a major Australian research project that aimed to improve the work placement component of study programmes for international students. The project, known as Work placement for International Student Programs or WISP, gathered a range of data including large-scale survey, interviews and documentary artefacts related to the international student workplace experience. Results from this study are shared including a number of recommendations for improved practice.
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Acknowledgements
The editors would like to sincerely thank all of the contributors of this book. Each person’s passion towards the improvement of work placements for international students was critical for the completion of this book.
We also thank the assistance of each of the universities that have been reported on herein. Without the support of executive personnel, research offices and academic and support staff, the rich data presented here would not have been possible. We also thank all workplace staff and industry partners involved in the studies presented in the chapters.
We also acknowledge and thank the Australian Government’s Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) for their generous support in funding the WISP project. Please note that the views expressed throughout this book do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government’s Office for Learning and Teaching.
Finally, and certainly not the least, we thank all of the international students who have in some way contributed to this book. Through our personal and professional connection with international students and experiences over many years, our lives have definitely been enriched and rewarded.
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Barton, G., Hartwig, K. (2017). The Importance of Positive Intercultural Exchanges for International Students on Work Placements in Higher Education. In: Barton, G., Hartwig, K. (eds) Professional Learning in the Work Place for International Students. Professional and Practice-based Learning, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60058-1_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60058-1_1
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