Critical Components in Preparing Students for Short-Term Study Tours to Asia

Abstract

Universities need to provide effective support for students and staff to successfully engage in intercultural learning activities as part of outbound mobility experiences. This chapter addresses the less researched area of pre-departure support for student mobility experiences in Asia. The research participants for this study included eight academic study tour leaders and three administrative staff, plus five student focus groups representing various disciplines in one Australian university. All participants had recently undertaken a short-term study tour to an Asian destination. This chapter identifies the key areas of preparation for a short-term study tour from the multiple perspectives of those who organise and lead the study tour, to those who participate in the experience. The chapter concludes with recommendations for how preparation for short-term study tours may be improved, including a discussion of roles and responsibilities for students, staff and their institutions.