Increasing impact of international development study experiences
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Date
2022-02-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Antwerp
Abstract
Key message: International master’s programmes continue to be effective tools contributing to
development impact around the world.
Recommendation 1: The change agent pathway was the most frequent pathway of change
observed, yet reality shows a combination of different and hybrid pathways, which suggests a
need for further research and reconceptualization.
Recommendation 2: Learning gains on knowledge, skills and attitudes were highly prominent
among graduates of the international master’s programmes. There is a need to understand the
role of networks better in facilitating professional development to help host institutions design
targeted interventions. Results emphasise the importance of exchange of ideas, perspectives
and the profound effect on attitudes of an international study experience, which is too often
seen as a positive externality, rather than a key outcome of the programme.
Recommendation 3: Graduates strengthen the organisations where they work, building on all
learning gains, mostly through new ideas, perspectives, deepened knowledge and skills,
increasing the organisational performance. Investing in methods to stimulate more active
sharing of the learning gains throughout the organisation could increase the impact.
Recommendation 4:The majority of graduates contributed to the Sustainable Development
Goals and engaged in several impact arenas. Particularly, contributions to development outside
the professional arena (e.g. role model or voluntary contributions in one’s community) are too
often overlooked.
Recommendation 5: Engaging in a collaborative process with a multi-perspective international
alumni team throughout the entire research process increased the quality of the study and thus
facilitates uptake and dissemination of the findings.
Description
Article
Keywords
Positive development impact, International scholarships, International development study experiences, Policy brief