Learning from others: A critical reflection on an international study programme

Joan M Goss,Alison McInnes,Hannah Fisher,Robyn Brockman

doi:10.1177/0020872817727575

Abstract

This article offers a critical reflection on an international social work study programme at a Northern European university in 2015. This study develops a shared sense of the expectations and experiences of two academic staff and two students who took part in this social work programme. Interesting findings from this life-changing opportunity were ascertained and included awareness of own motivational learning as well as developing cultural competencies (including language and communication skills), intellectual competencies (including working with others to solve problems), social competencies (including increases in self-confidence and self-awareness) and professional competencies (via increases in professional networks). This supports national data regarding the importance of student mobility including study visits abroad.

Highlights

This article proffers a reflective account of an ethnographic study based on a scholarly programme in a social work department at a Northern European university in 2015
Findings revealed the participants’ motivation, their interests and the value apportioned to their learning during the Social Policies in Europe: Learning from Others programme
The programme’s content was advertised by us, as academics, to all second-year students on an undergraduate degree programme at a university in the United Kingdom, as their opportunity to participate in a study programme abroad and increase their knowledge of international social work and social policy

Summary

Introduction

The programme’s content was advertised by us, as academics, to all second-year students on an undergraduate degree programme at a university in the United Kingdom, as their opportunity to participate in a study programme abroad and increase their knowledge of international social work and social policy. Such a narrow-minded perspective was strongly contested by Willetts (2015), who has the backing of credible business leaders including the inventor James Dyson They argue that such an adverse policy proposal would require overseas students to reapply for a work visa from their home country after graduating from universities in the United Kingdom (Siddique, 2015). Research understanding, research evaluation and research interpretation from the real world research experience, which can inform research-informed teaching (RIT) and learning and influence understanding of others (Goss, 2012; Healey and Jenkins, 2009)

Methods and setting

Aims of the research

Conclusion