International Trends in Learning Abroad: Information and Promotions Campaign for Student Mobility

The growing recognition of the broad individual and national benefits has led many nations with traditionally low rates of outbound student mobility, including Australia, to adopt policies and practices that promote learning abroad.

This report provides an overview of international learning abroad trends, with a focus on intra-degree outbound mobility. It aims to examine different policy approaches – including government and institutional policies and practices – that encourage more students’ engagement in international experience during their higher education programs.

About the Authors

Dr Cate Gribble, Nexus Education and Dr Ly Tran, Deakin University

Learning Abroad

Participation in learning abroad programs across Australia has increased fourfold over the last 10 years (AUIDF, 2015).

Recognising this growing importance, Universities Australia commissioned IEAA to undertake a comprehensive research project on learning abroad.

The reports examine current trends and outcomes, analysis of global policy settings and a review of support offered across government and institutions in Australia, including:

• Outcomes of Learning Abroad Programs (Dr Davina Potts)
• International Trends in Learning Abroad (Dr Cate Gribble, Dr Ly Tran)
• Learning Abroad at Australian Universities: the Current Environment (Leanne Harrison, Dr Davina Potts).

"The work is an important stock take of student mobility in Australia and highlights the considerable benefits for society in having internationally experienced graduates," said Universities Australia.

"As we move into an era where students are increasingly looking to improve their skills and enhance their employability, research which demonstrates the link between mobility and career development will become ever more important."

This project was commissioned by Universities Australia and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.