Going and coming back again: the transformative effects of international experience on students as global citizens

Our ongoing research into a highly successful international, multilateral collaboration (shortlisted ‘Best International Collaboration’ THES Awards 2014) which has transformed students’ ambition to study in an unexpected country, now one of the most popular exchange destinations in the university. ‘Blended professionals’ (Whithurch, 2009) are conducting a 5 year study into student engagement with the opportunity to work and study in this foreign country and the effects on postgraduate employability. The session will present our early findings from the first 2 years: 1. Persuasion and preparation study and work abroad (inertia in behavioural engagement (Krause/Blumenfeld & Paris) 2. Support while away (emotional engagement & scaffolding (Bruner 1960)) 3. development after returning (cognitive engagement for employability and global citizenship) Emerging elements of a new theoretical framework for student mobility will be presented. Attendees will gain insight from a “warts ‘n’ all” honest presentation of implementation challenges, pitfalls and mistakes, as well as successes that challenge assumptions, while also being invited to comment on and contribute to emergent theory and practice developed specifically as part of Northumbria’s internationalisation. Outgoing and incoming students will take part in a Q&A at the end of the presentation to provide a platform for the authentic ‘student voice’.