Developing students' educational experiences through work-based learning programmes

This study aims at identifying students' perceptions and attitudes towards a work-placement programme developed by "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia, for 2nd year students of Computer Science. 42 students were formally placed on a 2-week programme developed in cooperation with an Italian company, specialised in providing educational work-based learning. Students' attitudes were also assessed from the perspective of the usefulness of skills and knowledge acquired during the placement. The work placements proved extremely useful especially abroad, contributing to students' learning experiences both in terms of subject-specific knowledge and skills, and in developing their interpersonal, intrapersonal and intercultural skills. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.