UAE study of student-mothers highlights importance of mentoring and time management for successful internships

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose was to find out the experiences of student mothers on internships and assess how best to make the process go as well as possible.Design/methodology/approachThe author interviewed student mothers in the UAE enrolled on full-time four-year degree courses. The 12-week internships in local schools were part of their final year and had just been completed. The interviews lasted 30 minutes and were transcribed, then analysed for common themes.FindingsThe biggest factor in a successful experience was time management, which allowed mothers to balance work and home life demands. All 10 students found work placements to be more challenging than college life because of the less relaxed atmosphere, greater accountability and lack of familiarity. The study also highlighted the importance of both mentoring and peer support.Originality/valueThe research was important because successful internships improve retention rates. In the UAE, especially, national teachers are highly sought after for their similar cultural backgrounds, religious understanding and ability to role-model bilingualism.