LEARNING ACROSS BORDERS: STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN OUTBOUND MOBILITY PROGRAMME

Abstract

This study explores the use of a focus group approach to evaluate students' experiences in an outbound mobility programme in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand. It intends to reveal the various dimensions of their learning encounters, such as their understanding of local culture and architecture, academic and professional growth transformation, application of the experience, and improvement for future outbound mobility programmes. A qualitative method was employed, utilising an asynchronous online focus group with ten (n=10) final-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture students who participated in this programme. Through data analysis and coding, four key themes emerged: understanding the impact of local architecture and culture, effective collaboration with industry professionals and peers, motivation to pursue architectural projects in the future, and reflections on the post-mobility experience. This study offers a relatively good overview of students' experiences in outbound mobility programmes and shall contribute to the broader discourse on architectural education, especially for graduating cohorts. However, to assess students’ experiences more comprehensively, further evaluation needs to be conducted before, during, and after the outbound mobility programme.