Open AccessTwo sides of the same coin? Internationalisation and employability - students’ perceptions of employability and career outcomes from International Studies
Author(s) -
Beate Mueller,
Julie Robert
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of teaching and learning for graduate employability
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1838-3815
DOI - 10.21153/jtlge2021vol12no2art973
Subject(s) - employability , internationalization , thematic analysis , international education , pedagogy , value (mathematics) , sociology , higher education , public relations , political science , psychology , qualitative research , business , social science , law , machine learning , international trade , computer science
The Australian higher education sector has promoted internationalisation opportunities for students, including through international studies (IS) courses that entail language and culture study and international exchange. Educators promote internationalisation for many reasons, including enhanced employability, and international studies degrees are increasingly offered in combination with professional courses. Students, however, do not necessarily share in the belief that international opportunities and language study will increase their employability. A thematic analysis of statements (n=223) supplied on student applications to withdraw from combined international studies courses in favour of single professional degrees, reveals that students fail to see employability benefits and may even perceive their international studies course as a professional liability. Understanding these beliefs can allow educators to more effectively promote the value of not only international studies degrees, but also language and culture study and exchange opportunities, and to counter some of the myths that prevent students from undertaking international opportunities.