Transcript Slide 1

The British
Academy
Transformations, Trials and
Trajectories:
the experiences of international students
during and after their studies
Dr Michele Schweisfurth
Director, Centre for International Education and Research, University of Birmingham
Dr Qing Gu, Prof Christopher Day, Dr Fengliang Li,
Mina Eaves and Cheryl Rounsaville
Projects Background
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ESRC funded 2 year, mixed methods
research: A Comparative Study of
International Students’ Intercultural
Experiences (2006-08)
British Academy funded 2 year,
multi-methods research: The Impact
of UK Educational Experiences on
Chinese Returnees’ Lives and
Careers (2008-9)
International Student Mobility:
Statistics and Emerging Trends
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In 2007, over 2.8m students were enrolled in
educational institutions outside of their country of
origin, an increase of 4.6% on the previous year.
The total indirect impact of spending by
international higher education students in Britain is
£5.5 billion annually. (Gordon Brown, 14.01.10)
The UK is still a very popular destination, mainly
because of academic reputation. However...
The growing choice of study destinations: Greater
choice has meant greater dispersion of students
and a dilution of market shares.
(UNESCO: Global Education Digest 2009)
The Journey of Study Abroad:
Managing Transitions
‘I’ll always be changed by what I experienced
here, and by other cultures I saw here.’
(Nadia, Slovakian student)
Key Findings (1)
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Students come to the UK for
language and cultural experiences,
but primarily, for academic
accreditation.
Key Findings (2)
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Academic achievement and personal
independence are the most
important achievements for most
students.
Whilst some students may have
fitted in better socially than others,
most have managed to achieve in
their academic studies.
Key Findings (3)
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The most profound change lies in
their success (or otherwise) in
managing the influences which
challenge existing identities.
There is an important relationship
between students’ sense of
belonging, identity and self efficacy
[the belief that they can achieve and
succeed].
Initial “Shock”: At University
Initial “Shock”: Student Life
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Expectations v Reality:
Key Findings (4)
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Three aspects of change:
i) Interculturality:
Cross/Intercultural experiences
ii) Maturity: Human growth and
development
iii) Intellectual development
The Journey of Coming “Home”:
Identity across Time and Space
“I had imagined many times that I would be
shedding emotional tears when the plane landed on
the soil of China. … But no, I was very happy, for
the fulfilment of my six years’ journey abroad. ...
Everything I’d done, studying, working, travelling
around Europe and making friends from the globe,
would be treasured in my life.”
(Wen, male, 27)
The Meaning of “Home” (1)
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Familiar people and familiar places:
• 94% (N=528) survey respondents
enjoyed the reunion with their families,
with 38% felt particularly strongly about
this.
• “All our families came to meet us at the
airport. Then my husband and I went to
our own parents’ home respectively.
Our two families gathered for a reunion
meal the next day.” (Yan, female, 32)
The Meaning of “Home” (2)
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Disjuncture and differences
• 84% (N=471) survey respondents felt
that there was a difference in the way of
thinking between them and those who
never stayed abroad for a lengthy
period of time – immediately on their
return.
• By the time of the survey, 87% still felt
the same.
Changes in Self:
Change as Achievement
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Four Layers of Identity (Hecht et al.,
2003): individual, social and
communal properties
• Personal layer
• Enactment layer
• Relational layer
• Communal layer
Personal Layer:
Efficacy and Values
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Being more independent in analysing
and solving problems (N=619,
96.3%).
An international outlook and
awareness (N=601, 93.1%).
Being able to think more critically
than before (N=569, 88.1%)
Being more confident about working
under pressure (N=549, 85.3%).
Enactment Layer: Performance
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Broadened life experience and
interests (N=531, 82%; v. sig 38%)
More confident about taking on
leadership at work (N=498, 78%).
Ability to deal with change and
initiatives (N=501, 77%; v.sig 29%)
Better time-management and selfplanning skills (N=483, 74.8%)
Relational Layer
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Having increased tolerance for different
ideas and behaviours (N=612, 95.1%).
Increased interpersonal skills (49% “a
lot”/”very significantly”)
“I used to have a very stubborn attitude.
But gradually, I felt that I’d become more
flexible and open-minded. I’ve learned to
accept the diversity of the world which is
created by different people with different
behaviours and values.” (Chang, male, 30)
Communal Layer
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Feeling more comfortable about
working in teams (N=528, 81.9%).
Possessing better knowledge of
home culture (China) than others
who have not stayed abroad for a
lengthy period (N=473, 73.3%).
Qualities that Count
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Drive to achieve
Adaptability
Endurance (in adverse conditions)
Resilience
Hope
Agency
Emotional Journeys
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Happiness in the UK (57% “agree”,
36% “strongly agree”)
Happiness in China (66% “agree”,
17% “strongly agree”)
THANK YOU
•With special thanks to the British Council (China) for
their support of the research
[email protected]