Operational Perspectives of International Student Exchange

1
Operational Perspectives of International Student
Exchange

• Ms Veronica Wong, Manager, International Exchange
  Programs, University of Sydney
• 2004 AC21 International Forum International
  Student Exchange A Vital Part of an
  International University
• Thursday 22 July 2004

2
Introduction

• Lets get back to basics
• Why engage in International Academic Exchange in
  the first place?
• Established operations should work around a goal
  or mission.

3
University of Sydney Strategic Plan (1999 2004)

• Goal 4. Internationalisation
• Support in-country language training for
  undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts
• Support local undergraduate students travelling
  overseas through the Universitys exchange
  programs.

4
Exchanges at USYD

• First partnerships commenced in 1985 with
  University of California, USA, and Waseda
  University, Japan
• Students exchanged numbered only about 10 per
  year
• Agreements signed at faculty/departmental level,
  as well as, university-wide level

5
Exchange Program in 2004

• Over 140 International Student Exchange
  Agreements in 26 countries
• 304 Outbound Exchange students
• 269 Inbound Exchange Students

6
Exchange Program Growth
7
Top 5 Destination Source Countries

• Outbound Inbound
• USA (82) USA (52)
• Canada (41) United Kingdom (49)
• United Kingdom (38) Canada (45)
• Germany (24) France (29)
• Sweden (23) The Netherlands (23)

8
Top 5 Participating Faculties

• Outbound Exchange
• Arts (147)
• Economics and Business (45)
• Law (35)
• Engineering (25)
• Science (17)

9
Services for Inbound Students

• Study Abroad Exchange Unit
• Admissions visa process
• Enrolment / Unit of Study Registration
• Point of contact
• International Student Services Unit (ISSU)
  services
• Pre-departure support Airport reception
• International Housing Officer
• International Orientation Program
• Confidential counselling advisory service

10
Services for Outbound Students

• Advisory service to students ( staff)
• Pre-departure Information Session
• Exchange Award Recognition Ceremony
• Enrolment Credit Transfer Advice
• Ongoing student support (pastoral care)

11
Study Abroad Exchange Unit
12
Other Operational Models

• No one model is correct
• All function within the context of their own
  government and institutional policies
• Variations depend on the size of the programs
• Strategic and political issues come into play
• Popular models
• Inbound vs Outbound
• Centralised vs Decentralised
• Joint Study Abroad Exchange

13
Some Operational Perspectives

• Balancing academic operational interests
• Reciprocity is not just balancing numbers
• Duty of Care
• Beyond Traditional Exchanges
• Future Developments?

14
1. Balancing Academic Operational Interests

• Institutional policy operational frameworks
• Academic collaboration vs mechanism for delivery
• Clear operational structure with boundaries
  outlined
• Clear official communication channels
• Handbook on Agreements Program Operations

15
2. Reciprocity is not just balancing numbers

• Government policy for balance - HECS guidelines
• Fee waivers
• Academic entry requirements
• Service provision

16
3. Duty of Care

• Safety and security requirements
• Crisis Management Guidelines
• Travel Policies

17
4. Beyond Traditional Exchanges

• Many countries been in game longer
• Now engaging in other forms of exchange
• Joint Study Abroad and Exchange arrangements
• Summer Schools Short courses
• Via third party providers
• Consortium agreements or multilateral agreements
• Faculty-led programs or study tours

18
5. Future Developments?

• A pedagogical approach for student mobility
  programs
• Current discussions in US and EU context
• Should learning outcomes just be about personal
  discovery and self-enlightenment or should
  studying abroad provide the opportunity for
  cultural understanding and empathy with others?

19
Conclusion

• There is more to be done in the Australian
  context for better traditional exchanges but as
  world moves ahead of us in this activity, we also
  need to be on our toes to move ahead in a global
  environment, embracing new ideas and
  possibilities for international academic
  exchange.
• Universities, Cities and Societies in 21st
  CenturyAC21 Conference Theme