How can you create opportunities for students and educators to study abroad?

The opportunity to study abroad is invaluable and one I would recommend to all students and educators but it isn't just the case of booking a nice holiday to a little school in the south of Spain. You need to decide what you want to get out of the experience. If it is a trip for students is the goal to improve language skills? Is it to learn about history or geography? Is it an art trip? This will help you focus on the specifics and ensure you have goals that your trip can meet. If the trip is for educators, what do you want them to get out of it? Collaboration? Sharing best practice? Exposure to a different system? What are the values of the institution you are considering and do they align with yours? Now you can make the choice!

Studying abroad presents a world of opportunities for students seeking to broaden their horizons and pursue higher education in foreign lands. Among the many factors that play a pivotal role to study abroad for Indian students, the SAT stands out as a significant challenge and a gateway to unlocking these opportunities we delve into the challenges faced by international students in relation to the SAT exam, while highlighting how this standardised test can serve as a bridge to accessing diverse academic experiences around the globe.

In my experience, rewarding studies abroad rely on two components: focus and open-mindedness. Unilateral focus on studies leads to missing the opportunities of living abroad. Open-mindedness to experience 'abroadness' without focus leads to dispersal of potential. Cultivating the equilibrium between the two tendencies may be rewarding for self and others.

Study abroad has similar features for taking a sabbatical or abroad-based work experience. In a way, the idea of a 'university' is rooted in the idea that a graduate can develop a skill-set that enables that individual to be able to transfer their learning and skills to a particular context. Consequently, a study abroad scheme recognises the particular and peculiar idiosyncrasies of a context, and respond effectively to it. As such, study abroad schemes need to bridge the particular to the general, and determine how skill-sets can adapt to either. Unfortunately, abroad is often mistaken as superior. This renders those seeking to study abroad to be financially disadvantaged, to be recipients rather than partners in learning.

To create opportunities for students and educators to study abroad, focus on building robust research partnerships and networks. Encourage collaboration between universities globally, facilitating joint research projects and exchange programs. Establish platforms for sharing resources and expertise, fostering connections between academic institutions. Engage in active networking with international educational organisations, promoting opportunities for study abroad through conferences, workshops, and online forums. By prioritising research collaboration and networking, we can expand access to transformative educational experiences worldwide.

Many renowned universities worldwide offer cutting-edge programs, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Immersing oneself in an intellectually stimulating environment can enhance the depth and breadth of knowledge in a chosen field.

First, to create awareness regarding study abroad/ international education amongst student and educators alike, it's importance, and how it can be useful personally or create real value. Students/institutes/ researchers can partner with specific country related foundations/ high commission related educational programs like USIEF for the US, British council for the UK to get exposure. Network on social media with the concerned parties/ stakeholders.

Take your time and investigate. Before going on holiday many of us trawl Tripadvisor, look at travel magazines, speak to friends etc. To create an opportunity to study abroad you must do the same. Are there any existing programmes that come recommended that are relevant to your needs? Do any colleagues in your network have experience with studying abroad? Speak with people and don't just jump at the first thing you see. Time is your best friend here, get this right and you will create an invaluable opportunity.

If the trip is for students you need to run information sessions so there are no surprises. Ensure the students and their families know exactly what the trip will entail, talk about the culture, the food, the weather, the cost and the accommodation. They need to make a decision based on all the potential facts. We had 1 family make official complaints after a trip to France because they were unhappy with the accommodation in Paris. There was nothing wrong with it but it wasn't "Dubai standard". Full transparency before hand will help avoid issues like this. Similar issues with educators but they at least are all adults, even so ensure they are informed. Don't take people who don't really want to go.

From my experience, you need to prepare students and their parents carefully. Information sessions for are great for explaining the programs. Put key logistical things in writing so they can go back over the details. Leave nothing out- accommodations, food, methods of transportation, what they will do in the country, passport and visa requirements, currency, insurance and medical concerns. Also discuss what they should pack and bring for the weather and type of activities, and equally important what NOT to pack. It is helpful to bring students who have been on the trip in to talk about their experience. Schedule a virtual meeting with a person from the country and school you are visiting to talk about what students would experience.

As educators we need to always reflect on what we do and an educational trip abroad is no different. WWW and EBI! Get the opinions of the participants (and families if relevant) via a Microsoft Form or something similar. What were the highlights and what would you have done differently in hindsight? How could the trip have been improved? Sometimes this is as simple as changing restaurants or paying a little extra to fly direct, occasionally it is accepting that despite your best efforts, the trip didn't achieve your goals. Don't dwell on it...get back to the drawing board and learn from the mistakes.

As an educator I have been fortunate enough to arrange language trips to France, Spain and Mexico. Academic competition trips to Bangkok and KL, World Challenge expeditions to Swaziland, educational scholarship opportunties to the USA and University trips to the UK. I can say with absolute certainly that these opportunities have a huge lasting impact on their participants. Students mature, they learn, they enquire, they develop more aspirations, they become more culturally aware and they have the times of their lives. Please do look for as many of these opportunities as possible and reach out to me if you would like any support, advice or just a chat about it.