The overseas placement student experience – a case study from

Western Australia

Sarah Collins, Mairi Knight,

Rob Parkinson, Alison Austin,

Claire ArmstrongSchool 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 work-based and volunteering learning opportunities.

Placements in Biology

Most students taking placement are studyingBSc Wildlife Conservation

BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Some are studyingBSc Biological Sciences

BSc Environmental Biology

BSc Human Biosciences

PlacementsEither 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 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.

Roo Gully

A working wildlife sanctuary in a rural location in Western Australia, run by Carol Lander

…and many other species

Specialises in the care of injured and orphaned marsupials…..

Animals are brought in by the public or local public services workers

Pre-visit knowledge of placement organisation:

it existed!

assessment of a placement report

final year project student talks

so, we visited last November…..

ROO GULLY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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)

Site

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.

Student activities

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

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

Issues that need careful management

Have you had similar experiences?

Effective management of overseas placement opportunities

Host Student

Academic staff Placement office