Soft at the Centre”

Using Study Abroad to Stimulate Reflection on Soft Skills

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15316772
AutoresG Barrett (0000-0002-8763-1192, Liverpool John Moores University, autor de correspondencia), Giles A Barrett (0000-0003-4937-8699, Liverpool John Moores University)
Año2025
Páginas1-16
Fecha de publicación2025-12-24
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Criminal Justice Education (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1051-1253 • E-ISSN: 1745-9117
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10511253.2025.2603259
OpenAlexW7116337156
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas30

Study abroad experiences have a clear learning gain for students exemplified through reflection on soft and hard transferable skills that boost graduate readiness. These aptitudes include problem solving, teamwork, and global citizenry. Two time-phased semi-structured questionnaires were administered to a cohort of UK-based university students participating in a recent Criminology program course unit which incorporates a study visit abroad to Slovenia. We analyse how learning on the course unit facilitates reflection on graduate employability skills. The paper finds that there is significant learning gain from participation in study abroad as measured using a “before” and “after” Likert scale scoring mechanism. Study participants raise doubts whether their perceived skills development would have been achieved through domestic UK-based fieldwork. The findings underscore the value of study abroad experiences as an option within all or most undergraduate degree programs. These opportunities provide a key pathway to reflective practice on personal and professional skills

Employability · Higher education · Likert scale · Reflection (computer programming · Reflective Practice · Soft skills · Study abroad · Unit (ring theory · Higher Education and Employability · Higher Education Governance and Development · International Student and Expatriate Challenges