An exploration of the long term effects of student exchange experiences

For some time now Australian universities have been endeavouring to encourage more students to go overseas on exchange for a period of their study, an opportunity which is becoming increasingly relevant to the fast-growing need for graduates to become globally competent. Although some evaluation has been conducted on the value of the exchange experience shortly after the students' return from their program abroad, no known research has been carried out to explore the longer term effects of these programs on Australian participants. The present study sought to discover the long term effects of a period of study overseas by surveying former students 10 to 15 years after their exchange experience. The aim was to gauge how these former students now perceive the effects of this experience on their subsequent academic choices, their career development, and their social and personal growth. The study found that evidence from both the literature and the respondents' comments indicated that a period of study in another country and culture has brought benefits to the majority of these past students of the University of Melbourne, with any negatives being outweighed by the positives. Specifically the major positive outcomes appear to be increased personal development and intercultural competence, enhanced employability and skills for careers, a high level of continued contact and international networking, and enhanced interest in further study. Show less