Where do they come from and what are they looking for? Understanding the Study Abroad Programme at UL Emmeline Searson Study Abroad Co-Ordinator 20th February 2013 Study Abroad at UL • In existence for over 20 years • Located within the International Education Division • Summer School in Irish Studies • New for 2013 – Summer School for Engineers • On- Arrival Orientation • Re- Entry & Exam Preparation • Organised Field Trips Partners Universities Overseas Study Abroad University of Limerick Providers Students Study Abroad Figures 2011/12 Other Markets Japan Brazil • Japan – Government Initiative to encourage more Japanese students to Study Abroad • Brazil – Science without Borders – Study Abroad and PhD Funding USA The State of the Union • Open Doors 2012 • 273,996 US students studied abroad for academic credit in 2010/11 • Faculty Led and Short Term Programmes on the increase • Island Programmes ad Act • Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act • Getting Beyond ‘It was Great’ • Encouraging students from STEM areas to travel on Study Abroad. Open Doors Report 2012 • Ireland ranked 9th Study Abroad destination • 2.6% of total numbers • Up 3.1% on previous year • Top Fields of Study • Social Sciences 22.9% • Business/Management 20.5% • Engineering 3.5% -9.1% • 9,590 students 2010/11 Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act • Currently 1% of college students study abroad each year. • 273,996 US students studied abroad for academic credit in 2010/11 • Increase of 1.3% over the previous year. • Aim is that by 2020 1 million US Students would have studied abroad for credit each year. • Prepare students for the global market place • Open Doors – US Student participation in study abroad has more than tripled over the past decade. STEM Stroud, A. (2010). Who plans (not) to study abroad? An examination of U.S. student intent. Journal of Studies in International Education. • 4 year public University in the Northeast • Lack of support from faculty members • Inflexible requirements Motivators for Students • Irish Heritage • Myths & Legends • Availability of Module • On Campus Accommodation • English speaking country • Proximity to international Airport • Broaden their horizons What do students want? • Quality Programmes & Service – EI Survey 2011 • Easy credit transfer – allows students to progress • Availability of Modules • Meet Irish Students • Orientation • Fun • Support Where do our students come from in the US…? • • • • • • • Top 5 States for 2011/12 Pennsylvania 44 New York 39 New Hampshire 29 Wisconsin 31 Illinois 26 Indiana 25 • California 9th Destination Top US States Top 10 Modules –Spring ‘12 • • • • • • • • • • MU4136 – Irish Music & Dance GA4105 – Irish Folklore GA4116 – Irish language CU4026 – How to Read a Film: Intro to Film Studies HI4102 – Ireland: Revolution & Independence 1898-1968 PS4032 –Psychology & Social Issues MK4002 – Marketing EH4126 – Imagined Spaces Irish Cultural Texts CU4112 – Cultural Studies 2: Language & Culture GY4018 – Historical/Cultural Geography of Modern Ireland. Study Abroad Programme Module Selection 1999/2000 Business 14% Education 1% Engineering 2% Science 17% Informatics 2% Humanities 64% Science Informatics Humanities Engineering Business Education MAJORS OF US STUDENTS 1999/2000 Business 23% Science 29% Education 10% Informatics 6% Humanities 30% Engineering 2% Business Education Engineering Humanities Informatics Science Study Abroad Majors 2011/12 Why UL? • Campus & Sense of Community • On campus accommodation • Semester/QCA/Modules • Other location • Word of Mouth • Flexibility & Choice of • Niche programmes: Equine • Location – Easy access to other places • Small city & Rural Erin Ryan Montana State University • Civil Engineering Student Talk about her experience in UL • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_s7BSYQ obo&list=UUBJULrbfzlkN2yC3gi6YI1g&index=7 http://www.youtube.com/watc?v=R_s7B SYQobo&list=UUBJULrbfzlkN2yC3gi6YI1g &index=7 International Student Barometer • Survey of 5,000 international Students • Involved 238 Institutions worldwide • Benchmarked 7 Irish Universities • Independent research group iGraduate International Student Barometer Living Support Arrival Learning • UL Voted as having best overall living experience. • UL Voted Number 1 in providing best student support • UL Voted Number 1 in terms of Warmest Welcomes • Best multi-cultural teaching experience International Student Barometer • UL Scored first out of 238 institutions: • Social Activities • Opportunities to experience Irish culture • Social Facilities • Accommodation Office • Clubs & Societies How is the programme promoted? • Study Abroad Fairs Overseas • Conferences in the USA • On campus visits – Faculty/Providers & Students • 17 visits in AY 2011/12, including 3 group visits. • Education Ireland Challenge Limerick Thank You • Any Questions……?