Abstract
In 2015 Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Tokyo City University (TCU) signed a five-year contract for a tailor-made study abroad program. This is the largest Japan–Australia mobility program and enables TCU students to complete one study abroad semester at ECU that is credited to their Japanese award. The program consists of two elements: an academic component and an ‘award-winning’ social integration component. Now in its fourth year, more than 600 students have successfully completed the program. This session will highlight lessons learnt through sending and hosting such large groups of students. It will discuss program enhancements, student performance indicators and longer-term student outcomes.
Learning objectives
Attending this session will benefit institutions looking for a step-change in their mobility activities through massification. Learning outcomes will include:
*how to develop a for-credit study abroad program for diverse learners
*why a well-designed social and cultural engagement component is important, plus strategies to manage recruitment,
*training and retention of student volunteers who support integration opportunities *how program success can be measured and what the students say
*how to build a quality-cycle of program improvements over time
*how to measure impact and long-term student outcomes. With the first TCU student cohorts now having graduated,
*how has this unique Australian study abroad experience affected their career choice, employment outcomes and further study opportunities?