Short-term study trips ‘still bring major benefits’

Students who take a short trip to a university abroad rather than a longer programme still report a boost to their skills and confidence in their academic ability, according to a report.

The report on short-term mobility programmes in UK universities surveyed about 750 students who had undertaken placements lasting between a few days and a month, such as course-related group visits and summer schools.

It found that most (69 per cent) thought the trip had increased their confidence in their academic ability and broadened their understanding of their degree (66 per cent), while almost half (44 per cent) said it had directly inspired the topic of a dissertation, essay or presentation on their main course.

More than nine out of 10 of the students agreed that the programme had improved their communication skills while being in another country, and almost three-quarters agreed they would be more likely to engage with international students on their home campus.

Many were inspired to undertake further study trips abroad, with a quarter saying they had already participated in another mobility programme, while 43 per cent said they were interested in, or planning to, go abroad with the university again.

Of those surveyed who were now in work, just over half (53 per cent) felt the trip had helped them get their current job, while 83 per cent said it had been beneficial to their career.

The report, from Universities UK International (UUKi), which also based its findings on focus groups carried out with students who had taken part in such trips, said shorter programmes appeared to help those who might struggle to fit longer trips of a semester or a year around other commitments.

They also reported other benefits to shorter programmes, such as lower costs, access to funding and a better understanding of what to expect during their time away.

Alexandra Hughes, deputy vice-chancellor for global engagement and employability at the University of Westminster, and chair of the project’s steering group, said the findings suggested that shorter programmes that “fit around existing commitments allow students who may not otherwise have considered a period abroad to take one up”.

The benefits they brought “can be particularly felt by under-represented groups in traditional mobility programmes, for whom longer periods of mobility can be more challenging – such as those from lower-income households and those with caring responsibilities”, she added.

UUKi, said its director, Vivienne Stern, would “encourage the UK government to consider these findings, and the impact demonstrated, in their review of the UK’s Turing Scheme”, the mobility programme brought in as a replacement following the country’s decision to no longer take part in the European Union’s Erasmus+ scheme after Brexit.

Currently, the £110 million-per-year programme is only offering direct funding for higher education placements lasting between four weeks and 12 months, although it “encourages institutions to expand their portfolio of mobilities, including offering mobility programmes of shorter lengths”, according to the UUKi report.

“This is, therefore, a pivotal moment in which to seek a better understanding of short-term programmes, to ensure that their growth is sustained, that they will be considered by the government for future funding initiatives, and that they are fully incorporated as a valued and integral option within the overall mobility offer across the sector,” the report adds.

simon.baker@timeshighereducation.com