Reflective writing is recognized as a valuable tool in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, yet there is limited research on students' voices. This study explores what reflective writing means to WIL students and why it is important to them. Using categorical narrative analysis, this research examined 200 reflective essays from international…

Purpose: This article reports on a study that explored how individual factors, such as students' participatory actions and agentic factors, interact with the workplace contextual factors to create workplace learning environments that facilitate or hinder student learning. Design/methodology/approach: The study followed a qualitative approach. It…

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life, leading to travel restrictions, social distancing, remote work, and home schooling. During its peak, many in-person, international work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, such as study tours, shifted online. As higher education evolves post-pandemic, online WIL remains popular for its flexibility,…

The rapid urbanization and industrialization have intensified the multifaceted challenges faced by cities in addressing infrastructure and service delivery demands. These complexities necessitate a robust convergence of academic, research, and industry ecosystems to foster professional skills development across various levels of urban and regional…

Amidst the escalating demand for non-clinical workforce roles, this study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with non-clinical student placements. Findings from ten students, seven educators, seventeen placement hosts, and two professional bodies revealed significant challenges in organizing work placements, including limited…

The final report of the "Australian Universities Accord" consultation process highlighted the impact of work-integrated learning requirements on students' ability to complete professional qualifications, conceptualising equity in terms of a need to ensure 'equitable participation'. This article uses the case of social work education to…

A pivotal recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord is the provision of financial support for students undertaking compulsory placements. The Australian Government has acted swiftly to implement this recommendation, announcing a means-tested Prac Payment scheme for students in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work degrees.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of supervisors from criminal justice organisations regarding student internships. It examines how supervisors perceive internships as a pathway for developing future professionals, fostering practical skills and improving understanding of the criminal justice system. Additionally,…

Applying Geert Hofstede's (1980) framework of cultural dimensions to a qualitative study, this paper explores international student perceptions of how cultural norms affect learning and development within international education work-integrated learning (WIL). Focus group interviews were conducted with twenty international student participants,…

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify which soft skills are developed during work-based learning (WBL) programmes in higher education contexts. Additionally, the study sought to identify strategies used to promote soft skills development within work-based learning programmes. Design/methodology/approach: The…

Background: This article shares details of a pilot research project that explored stakeholder perceptions and experiences of the academic and work-based elements involved in one university's innovative speech and language therapy (SLT) degree apprenticeship. Aims: To share findings about SLT apprentice learner and mentor expectations and…

The successful implementation of the German-originated dual learning system in various national settings inspired Kazakhstan to introduce this approach to address the shortage of specialists. The self-employed status of professionals in the agri-food industry raises concerns about the intentions of young individuals to remain in the industry. This…

This article proposes that work-integrated learning (WIL) is a Landscape of Practice (LoP) within the wider higher education ecosystem. It applies concepts from the LoP literature to present a new perspective on WIL programs and ecosystems. It further emphasizes that students are central within the WIL LoP, developing knowledge as they traverse…

Students pursuing postsecondary education opportunities are increasingly considering the return on investment that these opportunities provide, seeking higher wages and additional career opportunities that are associated with the accumulation of human capital. With limited human and financial resources, states need to be selective in which student…

In this study, we examined the relationship between work-integrated learning (WIL) participation and securing job offers. We used a sample of 18,966 graduation survey responses collected over 7 years at a large public research institution in Florida. Specifically, we investigated how this relationship may have changed post-COVID. In the 2016-2017,…