Student exchange programmes and study visits among universities are becoming more popular and are also becoming an integral part of a university’s education. Many universities across the globe have initiated student exchange programmes, visits and study tours which are intended to increase the participants’ understanding and tolerance of other cultures, as well as improving their language skills and broadening their social horizons.
Study visit to Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland (AIT) was held on 8-15 September 2013. This visit was participated by four Bachelor Degree students from the Faculty of Business and Accounting (FBA) and a student from the Faculty of Arts, Communication and Education (FACE). Chaperoned by Associate Professor Dr. Seloamoney Palaniandy.
Exposure to different educational systems and culture will enrich our students with rich experiences hence enhancing their status as quality graduates for a better tomorrow. As participating students will be directly involved in the planning and organizing of the proposed programme, they are expected to gain management and organizing skills in the process.
Just like lessons and classroom discussions, the learning experiences in real life situations will have a large impact on a student’s knowledge. A study trip, especially the one that involves foreign countries, will provide them with the opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds, and the interaction and conversations they have with them will certainly challenge them and their perspectives.
Students, particularly at tertiary level should be allowed and encouraged to take advantage of study tour opportunities to experience language immersion to sharpen their social communication skills as well. Among the best places to visit abroad are those where students must step outside their comfort zones by having to navigate another culture in a foreign language as in the directions of the two successful study programmes conducted by IUKL. In the one week study programs, students had the rare opportunity to experience classroom lectures in a foreign university environment, had dialogue sessions with lecturers and student representatives, and participated in co-curricular activities.