Broader Horizons and Greater Confidence: UK Students' Learning from Mobility

This chapter focuses on research concerning the learning from experience of British students who undertook work placements of between three and six months outside the UK. The students were all engaged in courses leading to vocational qualifications in the field of youth and community work (YCW) embedded within degrees at universities in England and Wales. The majority of students spent time in other western European countries whilst a minority went to developing countries across the Commonwealth. The chapter provides the perceptions of students and their lecturers, gathered through focused interviews. All of the students were enthusiastic about their experiences although some knew of colleagues who were less positive but who had chosen not to be interviewed. The chapter discusses the positive results of disorientation are particularly significant for students who intend to join the social professions. It describes a new degree of ontological awareness which is of key significance in the training and education of YCW practitioners.