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Work-integrated learning programs for higher education students that involve an international component require people in the recipient countries (in-country partners) agreeing to host and engage with the students. Yet research on these programs has focused almost exclusively on the participating students. Thus, the aim of this study was to focus on the in-country partners and gain further understanding about who they are, and how they perceive and experience these programs. Interviews with twelve in-country partners from the Indo-Pacific revealed that in-country partners are professionals contributing significant time and resources, their reputation, and cultural knowledge towards these programs. While they value the energy and ideas the students bring, they are concerned about inadequate cultural preparation of students, and the unilateral nature of the arrangements they have with higher education institutions. Future programs would benefit from including more of the in-country partner's 'voice' in program design and development.

Student pre-departure preparation has been identified as essential if study abroad programs involving work-integrated learning are to deliver the numerous benefits they intend, while mitigating the many risks they involve. However, little is known about what preparation is provided to the academic and professional staff who implement these programs, and the community members who host the students. Interviews with 16 academic and professional staff involved in preparing students, staff, and host communities for Australian study abroad programs reveal inconsistencies in the preparation provided to students, and very limited preparation to staff and host communities. The limited preparation that is offered, is designed and developed in an organic (not structured) and inconsistent manner. Our findings suggest that institutions should consider implementing a more structured, consistent and institutionally driven approach to preparation for students, staff, and host communities to reduce the substantial risks associated with these programs while maximizing the benefits.