The overseas placement student
experience – a case study from
Western Australia
Sarah Collins, Mairi Knight,
Rob Parkinson, Alison Austin,
Claire Armstrong
School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences
BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
BSc Wildlife Conservation
Workshop aim
Overseas placements – a great opportunity to travel, learn
and gain relevant experience, but….
How can we enhance the experience for the benefit of the
student ?
How can we reinforce the programme learning outcomes
for overseas placements?
Are we in control?
UoP Teaching and Learning Strategy
2009-12
Key Theme 3: To consolidate existing work-related, work based and
placement learning and extend its provision to better support students,
employers and those in employment
We recognise the value of work-based, work-related and placement learning for
students. Work-based learning will become more prominent, fulfilling professional
imperatives and addressing business needs, as well as offering opportunities to
enhance students’ future employability.
Key Theme 5: To develop an internationalised approach to learning and
teaching
Modern graduates must be able to act effectively in a global culture, economy and
environment. We will increase opportunities for safe, high quality international workbased and volunteering learning opportunities.
Placements in Biology
Most students taking placement are studying
BSc Wildlife Conservation
BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Some are studying
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Environmental Biology
BSc Human Biosciences
Placements
Either between Stage 2 and 4; minimum duration 6 months, can be
2 x 3 month placements. Successful completion leads to the award
of a University Certificate of Work Experience
Or Work based learning (20 credit) Stage 2 module
Placement experience and programme
learning outcomes
BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
‘to provide specialist knowledge of the biology and ecology of
animals, with particular reference to biological systems that
influence animal behaviour and welfare.’
BSc Wildlife Conservation
‘to provide students with a sound theoretical background, and
practical knowledge and experience in the field of conservation
biology. Students study the essential aspects of ecology that
underpin the conservation of wildlife and its natural environment.’
At Open and Preview Day talks we stress
International Placement Opportunities
ROO GULLY
WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY
Centre for Education, Research & Conservation of Primates and Nature
But no direct experience of these placement organisations
Roo Gully
Roo Gully Wildlife Sanctuary
a registered charity in Western Australia which has been
hosting Plymouth students since 2003; to date we have
placed 14 students there, with a further four booked to go
in 2010-11.
A working wildlife sanctuary in a rural location
in Western Australia, run by Carol Lander
Specialises in the care of injured and orphaned
marsupials…..
…and many other species
Animals are brought in by the public or local public services workers
ROO GULLY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Pre-visit knowledge of placement organisation:
it existed!
assessment of a placement report
final year project student talks
so, we visited last November…..
Site
Rural property on the outskirts of a small town with a large paddock area where
Western Grey and Red Kangaroos roam freely
Cages in area around the house where various
recuperating or permanently injured animals are kept
Joeys kept in the house
(require constant care)
Student activities
Animal husbandry
Site maintenance
Student activities
Training courses
Project work
- the site has good resources for this including good computer and internet
access, cameras, etc.
Video
Roo Gully placement students gain from:
Experience of the owner
International experience
Wide variety of discipline specific and generic skills
Long term relationship
Peer group support
Issues that need careful management
Matching with career aspirations
Placement project supervision
Dissertation versus placement project
Communication and support
Students as ambassadors
Living and working together in a small community
Additional administrative support required in arranging visas
Expense involved for travel and insurance
Have you had similar experiences?
Effective management of overseas
placement opportunities
Host
Academic staff
Student
Placement office