International Students’ Perceptions of Workplace Experiences in Australian Study Programs: A Large-Scale Survey

Abstract

Across the globe, there are increased numbers of students undertaking university-level study in foreign countries. Many of the programs they enroll in include a workplace experience (also known as work integrated learning, internship, and/or practicum). The Work Placement for International Student Programs (WISP) project was conducted across Australia and aimed to identify current practices related to international students’ workplace experiences as well as develop resources to improve these experiences overall. This article focuses on an Australian large-scale survey (n = 252) designed to explore international students perceptions of workplace experiences. Results showed that students rated overall workplace experience highly; however, their confidence in completing assessment items where reflection and self-evaluation were required was a concern. Students also rated self-perception of employability as uncertain despite having positive experiences in the workplace context. Findings showed that there is a need for universities to better support international students in completing reflective and self-evaluative assessment. In addition, more work needs to be done to improve confidence levels of international students around employability.