ISANA

Davina Potts

Abstract:  There is a long standing perception in university circles that study abroad students have tended to achieve relatively weaker results than other groups of students. This has been attributed to many factors, such as cultural differences and different learning styles, as well as belief in the common expression ‘They’re here for a good time, not a long time! As part of long term study, Macquarie Abroad has been collecting and processing data on the results of study abroad students for the past 5 semesters – breaking down results by both country of origin and the partners sending the students, as well as the subjects the students are studying. The results have been quite surprising, and consistent from semester to semester, with study abroad students achieving at least average and often above average results when compared against local students.

This session will look in depth at the results of the study at Macquarie and will examine the implication of these results for institutions around the country. It will also discuss the use of the data in positive PR messages around the campus. It will be of great benefit to all incoming study abroad and exchange practitioners, particularly those considering their own progression studies.

Key Words: Study-abroad, exchange, performance, academic, admissions

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