Enhancing Postgraduate Learning and Teaching: Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science

Dairy science is a multidisciplinary area of scientific investigation and Ph.D. students aiming to do research in the field of animal and/or veterinary sciences must be aware of this. Ph.D. students often have vast spectra of research interests, and it is quite challenging to satisfy the expectation of all of them. The aim of this study was to establish an international Ph.D. training program based on research collaboration between the University of Sydney and the University of Padova. The core component of this program was a two-week Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science, which was held at the University of Padova, for Ph.D. students of both universities. Therefore, we designed a program that encompassed seminars, workshops, laboratory practical sessions, and farm visits. Participants were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Overall, participants have uniformly praised the Summer School calling it a rewarding and valuable learning experience. The Ph.D. Summer School in Dairy Science provided its participants a positive learning experience, provided them the opportunity to establish an international network, and facilitated the development of transferable skills. 1. Introduction Internationalization of higher education refers to institutional arrangements set up by governments, universities, and education agents that involve the delivery of higher education services in two or more countries. For teaching and research, effective and appropriate national and international networks are essential. In some cases, the academic enterprise will depend on an international network of collaboration, while, in other cases, it is difficult to imagine how anything much could be achieved without such a network. Academics often establish their own networks, and the best role of the institution may often be facilitation, following after good leads, and reducing bureaucratic drag and friction. Individual research collaborations between academics from different countries are important; however, formal collaborations between universities that involve curriculum and program development are growing and likely to expand in the years ahead. Such arrangements could include short-term placements in overseas laboratories, arrangements for registration for specialized Masters level courses, teaching fellowships to widen experience, and joint supervision and coqualification arrangements, such as the increasingly popular cotutelle programmes. If appropriately organized, such bilateral arrangements can foster research collaboration, as research communities build interests