Students as global citizens: strategies for mobilizing studies abroad

Abstract

Students as global citizens: strategies for mobilising studies abroadUniversities globally are increasingly seeking to improve the international mobility of their students. There are several latent benefits that accrue to a university whose students and staff actively participate in international exchange programs. Essentially this can lead to an increase in the university's international reputation, opportunities for benchmarking against best practices, capacity to develop international relationships, diversity of student population with all the benefits that accrue from diversity and access to potential recruitment markets. In this paper we review extant literature to elicit the range of practical factors that play a role in the decision of students to study abroad. We also discuss results from a recent student survey that revealed students' preferences for international work placements.

Social Media as a Marketing Tool for European and North American Universities and Colleges

“…In line with Sison and Brennan (2012), Williams and Omar (2013), and Duesterhaus & Duesterhaus (2014), the results of the present study confirm that higher education institutions invest in marketing activities online. When it comes to social media, European and North American universities and colleges opened accounts in social media networks (in average: EU-1.91; US-1.88), content sharing platforms (in average: EU-1.81; US-2.38), and microblogs (in average: EU-1.00; US-1.18).…”

Individual attitudes and social influences on college students’ intent to participate in study abroad programs

“…Business organizations are also placing increased value on college students' study abroad experiences (Trooboff et al, 2008). SAPs may provide benefits to countries as well, such as greater opportunities to enter global markets or to develop better international relationships (Sison & Brennan, 2012).…”

“…A recent survey of study abroad alumni indicates that they found entry-level positions sooner and more often in their chosen fields, while also earning higher starting salaries (Cook-Anderson, 2013). In addition to students, SAPs also benefit countries (Sison & Brennan, 2012) by providing greater opportunities for international trade, greater capacity to develop international relationships and greater levels of understanding of cultural differences.…”

“…Sison & Brennan, 2012;Wright & Clarke, 2010). With increasing global economic interdependence, employers are placing increased value on studying abroad (Trooboff, Vande Berg, & Rayman, 2008).…”

“…These barriers make the study abroad decision-making process challenging for many undergraduates. While the importance and benefits of SAPs for undergraduates are well documented (e.g., Cook- Anderson, 2013;Sison & Brennan, 2012), more research is needed to address methods for increasing student participation (Garver & Divine, 2007).…”