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ABSTRACTWork placement is an important aspect of higher education studies and career preparation. Effective preparation is crucial for students to succeed in placements, yet little is known about international students’ placement preparation, particularly regarding their sensemaking. This qualitative study, guided by an integrative theoretical framework, examined international health science (HSc) undergraduate students’ sensemaking behaviors as they prepare for in-person placements in a host country. Data were gathered through 36 semi-structured interviews with 12 international HSc undergraduate students (three with each student). Findings unravel complicated psychological and interpersonal processes undergone by student participants during pre-placement sensemaking. These insights can inform institutional strategies to support international students in building sensemaking capacities to effectively prepare for placements and post-study work transitions.

ABSTRACTAs part of their international higher education experience, international students in some degree programs are required to secure and complete work placements. This is challenging to many, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, there is limited research on how international students navigate challenges to secure placements in their host country, which informed the current study. Data was gathered through 39 semi-structured interviews with 13 international engineering students and eight interviews with eight WIL staff. The study contributes to the literature by formulating the Perceiving–Planning–Performing Model (3-P Model), untangling students’ cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral engagement in securing placements. The Model informs stakeholder strategies in nurturing international students’ agency to secure placements and post-graduation work in their host country and globally.

ABSTRACTWork-integrated learning (WIL), particularly workplace-based WIL, provides international students with opportunities to be exposed to authentic working contexts, consequently enhancing student employability development. However, the literature indicates that many international students struggle in WIL despite continuous efforts by higher education institutions. A scoping review will inform future research and practice that seeks to enhance the WIL experiences of international students. This scoping review, guided by a transition framework, synthesized and analyzed findings from 22 empirical studies published during 2009–2020 related to challenges to international undergraduate students in WIL. Results show that while a range of challenges to this student cohort in WIL has been well established in the literature, little is known about how international students exercise their agency in navigating challenges to enhance WIL experiences. The scoping review has two major theoretical contributions: (i) establishing a novel typology of challenges to international students in WIL and (ii) proposing a context-specific research approach which facilitates inquiry into salient aspects of international students’ WIL engagement in given contexts. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and practice from a transition perspective.

AbstractThis study trialled a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Advisory Service, provided by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA) in collaboration with four WA universities. The service was established to broker relationships between industry and universities, support employers engaged in WIL and enhance the WIL experience for both students and employers. It was implemented over a 10-month period, covering two academic semesters, during 2015. Forty-six student work placements were conducted through the service simultaneously with an extensive promotional campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of WIL among local employers. Data were gathered from participating employers and students to evaluate the service and measure its success. Strategies to improve the service and to better manage issues arising during the WIL process are discussed. The study highlights the potential benefits of associations and third parties in nurturing collaborative partnerships between industry and universities for the purposes of WIL and improving graduate performance.