​Re-constructing “culture of learning” – international student experiences in China and the UK

The project is informed by the University’s 2009-2015 strategic plan of becoming “an international university” and Higher Education Academy (HEA) Strategic Plan to “support universities and colleges in bringing about strategic change to enhance the student learning experience” (HEA 2008-2013 Strategic Plan, Feb 2008:6).

It investigates student mobility which is a key area for developing an internationalised curriculum and student experience. The project involves colleagues from the School of Marketing, Tourism and Language, Monika Foster and Vivien Zhou, and colleagues from the School of Arts and Creative Industries, Iain McDonald and Richard Firth, bringing a rich methodological background and different subject expertise together. Through a range of qualitative instruments including reflective logs and interviews it explores the central concept of study abroad through the lens of ‘small’ culture of learning. The study began in spring 2013 and involved Chinese students in the Business School on pre-sessional programmes and UK students studying in China.