Miles, Debra, Na Ayudhaya , Piyachat Dhephasadin, and Harris, Nonie (2014) 'Mutual benefit' in international student exchange: possibilities and challenges. In: Posters from the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2014: promoting social and economic equality. p. 64. From: Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2014: promoting social and economic equality, 9-12 July 2014, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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Abstract

During the past twenty years the number of schools of social work engaged in international student exchange activity has increased exponentially. The value of such exchanges especially for visiting students of the North is well documented. However reflective critiques of student exchange programs have also identified the likelihood that such exchanges are unilateral, one-sided and one-way, providing little opportunity for students in host institutions to engage meaningfully in the exchange process or to gain substantial benefit. Unless addressed these issues position international student exchanges as perpetuating "pretentious internationalisation" and "benevolent imperialism" (Racek, 2002).

Since 2011 the Department of Social Work and Human Services at James Cook University in Australia and the Office of International Affairs at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in Thailand have worked together to facilitate student and faculty exchange between the institutions. Central to the partnership has been a commitment to mutual benefit and reciprocity. This presentation describes the approaches which have facilitated a realisation of these commitments and the challenges to such aspirations.

The findings of collaborative research which explored the perspectives of both visiting and hosting students in both institutions are also described. Both groups of students’ highlighted the increased awareness of their home countries culture and issues, an improved understanding of other cultures and an enhanced appreciation of the commonalities between cultures. Strategies for furthering international exchanges are discussed with a particular emphasis on developing real reciprocity and enhancing the benefit to all students involved.

Item ID:	35455
Item Type:	Conference Item (Poster)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Additional Information:	Page range refers to the published abstract.
Date Deposited:	26 Feb 2015 02:43
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160703 Social Program Evaluation @ 100%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940199 Community Service (excl. Work) not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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