Mobility and International Exposure
What if mobility is limited?
Student Journey, Belonging and Careers
What happens beyond the classroom?
Connect internationalisation with support, confidence, belonging and future opportunities across the whole student journey.
Why this matters
Internationalisation is not only what happens in the classroom. Students experience it through recruitment messages, arrival, orientation, language support, peer relationships, wellbeing, assessment, professional exposure, careers advice and alumni networks. International students may feel included in teaching but still struggle with belonging or employment. Domestic students may also need support to learn from international perspectives. A whole journey approach helps programmes support students responsibly.
Key questions
- What expectations do students bring when they join?
- How are students supported before arrival and during transition?
- Do students feel they belong in the programme and institution?
- What academic, language and wellbeing support is available?
- How do students learn about the sectors’ labour markets?
- Are career opportunities communicated realistically?
Notes & Resources
This section brings together resources, examples, references and practical ideas that may help you explore the topic further. Use what is relevant to your context, and adapt it as needed.
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Explore practical ways to strengthen international students’ sense of belonging
A practical toolkit addressing social and academic belonging, cultural adjustment, peer relationships and the transition into university life, with adaptable ideas for institutions, staff and students.
Enhancing International Student Belonging: A Toolkit for Universities · UKCISA · 2026 -
Consider international student support across the whole university experience
Guidance for understanding international students’ experiences and designing more responsive support, including belonging, transition, accessible learning and the importance of listening to students themselves.
Supporting international students · Office for Students -
Connect internationalisation with graduate employability
This report explores how universities and careers services can better support international students and graduates, with examples of practice and recommendations for preparing students for different labour markets and career pathways.
Supporting International Graduate Employability: Making Good on the Promise · AGCAS · January 2020 -
Explore changing skills and working realities in the cultural and creative sectors
The EU Pact for Skills provides a sector-wide perspective on changing skills needs, professional development and working conditions across Europe's cultural and creative industries.
Creative and Cultural Industries · Pact for Skills · European Commission
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Prepare students for changing cultural and creative careers
This paper explores precarious employment, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and changing skills needs, and considers how higher education can better prepare students for evolving careers in the cultural and creative sectors.
Building skills for cultural and creative sectors in the digital era: current needs, trends and challenges · Pact for Skills · 2023
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