Module 3: Role of guidance in mobility

The guidance counsellor usually has a limited role to play during the stay abroad. However, pedagogical, social and psychological aspects of the stay may still need attention in this phase.

• Support in the learning process. The participant must take greater responsibility for their own learning during a stay abroad and may therefore need support in the learning process. Learning takes place when the participant transforms their educational and social experiences into experiences that are used in everyday life. A continuous reflection can facilitate the process. For example, you can ask the participant to document what is happening by keeping a travel diary. An important part of the learning process requires the participant to have a high a degree of contact with the community in the host country. This presupposes proper preparation and a readiness to help with the introduction into the host country. In this regard, it matters whether the participant travels alone or in a group.
• Mentorship. The exact function of the mentorship depends on the needs of the specific participant. A study period in another country is a kind of problem-based learning - the participants are given the opportunity to find their own solutions to new and different problems. It promotes personal development. However, the uncertainty and discomfort must not exceed what the participant can handle. At the same time, the participant must not be overprotected. The participant needs to own his or her personal and professional development.
  
• Prepared for crisis. Being prepared for a possible crisis and having a clear responsibility for the practical and social aspects during a stay are necessary to be able to identify problems that participants cannot solve on their own. The mentor role should also include a psychological dimension with a readiness to handle crises. The key is to be able to refer the participant to the right authority in the event of illness, depression and similar crises. In a crisis, it may also be necessary to coordinate the efforts with other representatives at home and in the host country in order to determine the causes of the problem and make decisions about who should do what. The problems may also relate to homesickness or a desire to cancel a stay abroad prematurely, which can make a participant feel overwhelmed. Whether the problems relate to studies, employment or internship do not matter: There should always be a contact person to turn to discuss current situations.

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Watch a Danish video about everyday life abroad:

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