Skip to main content

Exploring the Power of High-Level Postgraduate International Partnership Work Based Learning Programmes

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Enhancing Employability in Higher Education through Work Based Learning
  • 828 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter explores students’ reflections of their experiential learning on an HE work based learning (WBL) international internship programme jointly developed by the University of Chester and the Mountbatten Institute. The context is explained as to why these two organisations came together to form an inter-organisational partnership involving the partner delivering and assessing, and the HEI accrediting the programme. Using data gained from student evaluations, together with quotes obtained from students’ reflective learning logs the chapter explores students’ perceptions of what they perceive they have gained from this experience which they can take forward into their future careers. As such it provides a unique insight into the nature and value of an international learning experience.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Altbach, P. G. (2002). Perspectives on internationalizing higher education. International Higher Education, 27(Spring), 6–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altbach, P. G., & Knight, J. (2007). The internationalization of higher education: Motivations and realities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3–4), 290–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ayoubi, R. M., & Massoud, H. K. (2007). The strategy of internationalization in universities: A quantitative evaluation of the intent and implementation in UK universities. International Journal of Educational Management, 21(4), 329–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Billett, S., & Choy, S. (2014). Integrating professional learning experiences across university and practice settings. In S. Billett, C. Harteis, & H. Gruber (Eds.), International handbook of research in professional and practice-based learning (1st ed., Vol. 18, pp. 485–512). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boud, D., & Solomon, N. (Eds.). (2001). Work-based learning: A new higher education? Open University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cromm, P., & Kadow, K. (2014). Internships abroad: A career booster for German students. A I B Insights, 14(4), 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, J. (2013). International exposure’. CMA Magazine, 87(5), 33–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drysdale, M. T. B., McBeath, M. L., Johansson, K., Dressler, S., & Zaitseva, E. (2016). Psychological attributes and work-integrated learning: An international study. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 6(1), 20–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, T. V., & Kleshinski, A. S. (2014). Improving undergraduate learning for employability through international exposure. American Journal of Business Education, 7(1), 49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldmann, L. (2016). Considerations in the design of WBL settings to enhance students’ employability. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 6(2), 131–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, G., & Tietze, S. (1996). A competence approach to the assessment of student placements. Education + Training, 38(1), 30–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fox, M. (2017). Student isolation: The experience of distance on an international field placement. Social Work Education, 36(5), 508–513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garnett, J. (2007). Challenging the structural capital of the university to support work-based learning. In Work-based learning futures (pp. 21–27). Bolton: University Vocational Awards Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garnett, J. (2016). Work-based learning: A critical challenge to the subject discipline structures and practices of higher education. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 6(3), 305–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garnett, J., & Workman, B. (2009). The development and implementation of work based learning at Middlesex University. In J. Garnett, C. Costley, & B. Workman (Eds.), Work based learning: Journeys to the core of higher education (Vol. 1, pp. 2–14). Middlesex: Middlesex University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gault, J., Redington, J., & Schlager, T. (2000). Undergraduate business internships and career success: Are they related? Journal of Marketing Education, 22(1), 45–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ICEF Monitor. (2013). International internships are increasingly valued by employers. Retrieved August 3, 2018, from http://monitor.icef.com/2013/04/international-internships-are-increasingly-valued-by-employers/

  • Lang, R., & McNaught, K. (2013). Reflective practice in a capstone business internship subject. Journal of International Education in Business, 6(1), 7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lapina, I., Roga, R., & MĂĽĂĽrsepp, P. (2016). Quality of higher education: International students’ satisfaction and learning experience. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, 8(3), 263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lester, S., & Costley, C. (2010). Work-based learning at higher education level: Value, practice and critique. Studies in Higher Education, 35(5), 561–575.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Major, D. (2002). A more holistic form of higher education: The real potential of work based learning. The Journal of Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning, 4(3), 12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meakin, D., & Wall, T. (2013). Co-delivered work based learning: Contested ownership and responsibility. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 3(1), 73–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mello, J. A. (2006). Enhancing the international business curriculum through Partnership with the United States Department of Commerce: The “E” award internship program’. Journal of Management Education, 30(5), 690–699.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moghaddam, J. M. (2011). Perceived effectiveness of business internships: Student expectations, experiences, and personality traits. International Journal of Management, 28(4), 287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mountbatten Institute. (2016). Information about Mountbatten Institute. Mountbatten Institute—Our Organisation [web page]. Retrieved April 10, 2016, from http://www.mountbatten.org/about-us

  • Nixon, I. (2008). Work-based learning: Impact study. York: Academy, H. E.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, P. E. (2015). Use of positive psychology to enhance the undergraduate business internship experience. Journal of the Academy of Business Education, 16, 156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perrin, D., Weston, P., Thompson, P. A., & Brodie, P. (2010). Facilitating employer engagement through negotiated work based learning: A case study from the University of Chester. University of Chester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, S., & Blakeney, C. (1998). The undergraduate placement system: An empirical study. Accounting Education, 7(2), 101–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rigsby, J. T., Addy, N., Herring, C., & Polledo, D. (2013). An examination of internships and job opportunities. Journal of Applied Business Research, 29(4), 1131–1143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtari, N. H., & Manuel, T. A. (2014). Curriculum internationalization at AACSB schools: Immersive experiences, student placement, and assessment. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 25(2), 134–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, D. (2006). Interpreting qualitative data (3rd ed.). London: Sage Publications Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Standley, H. J. (2015). International mobility placements enable students and staff in higher education to enhance transversal and employability-related skills. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 362(19), 1–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson, J. (1998). The concept of capability and its importance in Higher Education. In J. Stephenson & M. Yorke (Eds.), Capability and quality in higher education. London: Stylus Publishing, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson, J., & Weil, S. W. (Eds.). (1992). Quality in learning: A capability approach in higher education. London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot, J. (2017). Curriculum design for the post-industrial society: The facilitation of individually negotiated higher education in work based learning shell frameworks in the United Kingdom. In R. V. Nata (Ed.), Progress in education (Vol. 5, pp. 127–160). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot, J., Perrin, D., & Meakin, D. (2014). Risk management and cultural virtue in HE co-delivery arrangements. Quality Assurance in Education, 22(2), 109–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UKCISA. (2017). International student statistics: UK higher education. Retrieved August 8, 2017, from https://institutions.ukcisa.org.uk/Info-for-universities-colleges--schools/Policy-research--statistics/Research--statistics/International-students-in-UK-HE/#Students-studying-wholly-overseas-for-a-UK-qualification

  • Wall, T., Tran, L. T., & Soejatminah, S. (2016). Inequalities and agencies in workplace learning experiences: International student perspectives. Vocations and Learning, 10(2), 141–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webber, R. (2005). Integrating work-based and academic learning in international and cross-cultural settings. Journal of Education and Work, 18(4), 473–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Weston .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Weston, P., Perrin, D., Meakin, D. (2018). Exploring the Power of High-Level Postgraduate International Partnership Work Based Learning Programmes. In: Morley, D. (eds) Enhancing Employability in Higher Education through Work Based Learning. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75166-5_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75166-5_13

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-75165-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-75166-5

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics