Pandemic exacerbating Work Integrated Learning experience for International Students in Australia

Abstract

The key purpose of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is to offer domestic and international students the opportunity to explore and participate in real-life projects offered by industry or community integrating theory with practice. There are a variety of structured activities, for example, internships, field trips, industry guest speakers, and the industry or community projects. These activities are aligned with students' needs in gaining professional experience and enhancing their employability skills, as well as with engineering curriculum requirements. The literature presents numerous papers discussing students' WIL practices and students' expectations; however, it becomes more complex when international students need to be prepared for and made capable of understanding and navigating the cultural nuances and workplace differences.