Information Science Student Expectations and Perceptions of Overseas Internships.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/iskku.2021.16Keywords:
Expectations, Perceptions, Internship oversea, Information ScienceAbstract
Purpose of the Study: This study examines information science students’ expectations and perceptions of their overseas internships.
Methodology: The data collection of this qualitative study was conducted using structured interviews with the Thai students who performed their internships in India and Indian students who did their practicum in Thailand from the academic years of 2012 – 2017. Analysis of the interviewed data was presented in a narrative text and tables.
Main findings: There are fivefold expectations and perceptions of the students’ overseas internships. First – awareness, they had similar perceptions of awareness and experiences expected from their work internships which include team work method, development of knowledge and skills as well as information professional attitudes. Second – abilities, their highest level of expectation is found to be on English language practice, and the maximum level of experiences expected falls on the know-how to use all internship devices properly. Third – personality, they wish to be polite and modest. Fourth – experiences, the students strongly wish to obtain direct experiences from information professional work practicum. Fifth – self- development, they expect to differentiate theories and practices. Also, the participants proposed that they possess 3 sets of skills: learning skills including critical and creative thinking, group working method and communication; literacy skills incorporating information literacy, media literacy and technological literacy; and personal skills comprising flexibility, leadership, creativity, productivity and socialization skills.
Applications of the study: This research provides useful information for preparing students to conduct library internship abroad as well as for making revision of educational curriculums which respond to the market needs.
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