Maximising Work Integrated Learning opportunities for students remaining overseas during Covid19 and beyond.
Ms Sharon Cook1
1Monash College, Melbourne, Australia
The impact on international student’s education experiences throughout the Covid19 pandemic around the globe cannot be understated, particularly those unable to return to Australia to continue their studies. Many will reconsider their graduate employment and longer-term career paths as previous plans are now not possible.
In 2017, Monash University embarked on standardising the Work Integrated Learning program* across the university. In 2019, over 2000 students across 5 faculties participated in ‘for credit’ work placements in Australia and overseas. Anecdotally, international students’ express interest in securing placements in companies in Australia or a third country, with very few seeking opportunities in their home countries.
Due to Covid19, in early 2020, outbound travel for placements was discontinued and 75% of onshore placements were transitioned to online work arrangements. Throughout 2020 to enable the WIL program to continue, all host organisations were required to offer online ‘work from home’ placements. Overseas placements were limited to students residing in their home countries.
By the Summer 2020, hybrid work arrangements became the industry preference. As a result, it became more difficult for students residing overseas to be placed with Australian host organisations.
This presentation will map out the gradual change to the offshore WIL program and discuss the barriers, opportunities and challenges for education providers in ensuring international students are still able to access high quality and relevant work integrated learning placements.
(*clinical and teaching placements not included)
Biography:
Sharon Cook is currently the WIL Internship Manager at Monash College. In this role Sharon leads 18 team members to place Monash University students in WIL placements across 7 faculty programs. Prior to joining Monash College, Sharon worked at the City of Melbourne as the International Education Project Coordinator for 9 years, responsible for designing and delivering the inaugural City of Melbourne International Student strategy, as well as the Student Welcome Desk program at Melbourne Airport. Since 2001, Sharon has been involved in international education policy research, contributed to consultations, submissions, conferences and research across the span of the international student experience in Australia and held various positions with ISANA National Council and ISANA Victoria State branch.