A Study on the Impact of the University Internship System on Students' Learning Outcomes: Examples of Cultural and Creative Industries

Background: Research on internship education in the cultural and creative industries remains limited. This study examines how university internship programs influence educational outcomes, focusing on key factors that may affect the effectiveness of such programs. Purpose: This study explores the impact of university internship programs on students’ educational outcomes in the cultural and creative industries. Methodology/Approach: The study used a web-based survey to gather data from over 1,000 undergraduate interns from the Cultural and Creative Industries Internship Base in Central Taiwan. A total of 293 valid responses were obtained. The research analyzed the relationship between four independent variables—internship hours, graduation requirements, compensation, and supervision—and nine dimensions of learning effectiveness, utilizing the Kirkpatrick four-level model. Findings/Conclusions: The findings highlight that both student attributes and the internship education system have a significant impact on learning outcomes. Key influencing factors include the student’s year of study, internship hours, compensation, and supervision. These elements are crucial in shaping the effectiveness of internship programs in the cultural and creative industries. Implications: Optimizing internship design— ensuring adequate duration, supervision, and compensation—can enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for careers in the cultural and creative industries.