ABSTRACT

Learning abroad has become a central component in the internationalisation strategies of many Australian universities, following trends in other countries such as France, Germany, USA, Singapore and Japan. To expand access to different types of students and to diversify host destinations, short-term programmes have been the focus of institutions over the last five years. However, little is known about the outcomes of short-term learning abroad programmes. This article explores the connection between short-term learning abroad experiences, career outcomes and employability skills development of graduates in the Australian context. In the first national study of learning abroad outcomes, most former participants were positive about the perceived benefits provided by their international study experiences in terms of their employment outcomes. Respondents strongly supported the role of learning abroad in the development of core employability skills. The findings confirm an amplified impact on participants in internship programmes and multiple learning abroad programmes. The results of this study support the further development of short-term learning abroad opportunities for students, with considerations for access to programmes for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

摘要

跟随法国、德国、美国、新加坡和日本等其他国家的趋势，海外学习已成为许多澳大利亚大学国际化战略的核心组成部分。为了扩大接触不同类型学生的机会并使接收目的地多样化，在过去五年中，短期课程一直是各机构的重点。然而，人们对短期海外学习项目的成果知之甚少。本文探讨了澳大利亚背景下的短期海外学习经历、职业成果和毕业生就业技能发展之间的联系。在第一项关于海外学习成果的全国性研究中，大多数以前的参与者对他们的国际学习经历在就业成果方面提供的感知收益持积极态度。受访者强烈支持出国学习在发展核心就业技能方面的作用。调查结果证实了对实习项目和海外学习项目参与者的放大影响。这项研究的结果支持进一步发展学生的短期出国学习机会，并考虑为那些来自代表性不足的背景的人提供课程。