scholarly journals Embargoed exchanges: A critical analysis of emerging market dynamics in U.S. and Cuban academic exchange

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 98
Author(s):  
Taylor C. Woodman

Internationalization continues to remain a central focus within the U.S. university environment. The motives of internationalization are under question as neoliberal policies continue to limit sustained, long-term state funding for universities and undermine the academic mission of universities. Universities are leveraging internationalization practices, like study abroad programming, in response to the pressures of neoliberalism. In this study, qualitative case study methods were used to critically examine study abroad programming between the United States (US) and Cuba before, during, and after the Obama Administration’s announcement changing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba on December 17, 2014. The perspectives of 12 of the main actors in the field, including educational administrators and faculty from U.S. universities, Cuban universities, and study abroad program providers, were captured to provide a more comprehensive view of study abroad implementation in Cuba.  The findings illustrate the influences of the neoliberal university environment in which study abroad programming is situated. These findings point to the prioritization of a market-based approach to study abroad programming, which amplifies inequities and power dynamics within north-south study abroad programs.  

Author(s):  
Boyko Georgiev Gyurov ◽  
Mark Andrew Schlueter

In 2014, the authors of this chapter joined forces to create a unique STEM study abroad experience for Georgia Gwinnett College students, and that experience grew into a model worthy to be examined and replicated. The model addresses the main objectives of U.S. Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act to bring the demographics of study abroad participation to reflect the demographics of the United States undergraduate population and to implement the study abroad programs in nontraditional study abroad destinations, and in particular in developing countries. Further, the model contains six important components (bundle setup, faculty led, interdisciplinary academic content delivery, undergraduate research, low cost, and cultural component added). The characteristics of all of which are explained in details in the paper. Finally, the successes and challenges of the program are discussed through the prism of it successful implementation in the summers of 2015 and 2016.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-207
Author(s):  
Jonathan K. McNair ◽  
Eric Friginal ◽  
Alison Camacho

A major focus of Intensive English Programs (IEPs) in most universities in the United States (U.S.) is English for Academic Purposes (EAP), which prepares English language learners for undergraduate and graduate study, delivered or facilitated in English across scholarly and professional settings. The same EAP approach may also be successfully implemented for short-term, inbound study abroad programs for international students and professionals hosted in the U.S. This qualitative review of current best practices aims to (1) to explore and document measurable trends on the efficacy of outbound study abroad programs from U.S. universities that may, ultimately, help develop short-term, inbound EAP programs, (2) provide a framework that could help IEP directors and coordinators in running short-term EAP courses, and (3) discuss innovations and future directions in hosting short-term EAP programs in an IEP setting in the U.S. Data sources include an extensive review of literature in the field (especially focusing on faculty-led study abroad courses overseas), ethnographic interviews of various stakeholders, and assessment/evaluation results from EAP materials developed specifically for international students in short-term IEP programs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-37
Author(s):  
Simon Park

This paper describes the usage of Instagram (the social networking platform) in sophomore English classes at a private Japanese university. Instagram was used to help students prepare for their study abroad semester. Students created private Instagram accounts and used this platform for group exercises with a mixed group of students and staff at potential study abroad sites in the United States of America. The participants posted images and video of their daily lives and routines at their schools, and created posts based on tasks set by the instructor. Group members were then encouraged to ask each other questions and communicate through Instagram. The study found that Instagram usage has the potential to help students prepare linguistically and culturally for study abroad semesters. The paper recommends follow-up studies that use Instagram and other social networking sites to help students prepare culturally and linguistically for study abroad semesters. This has implications for language teachers who are teaching prospective study abroad students or are interested in incorporating technology into their classes, as well as coordinators of study abroad programs interested in modernizing their study abroad orientation programs. この論文では、日本の私立大学の 2 年生の英語クラスでの Instagram(SNS)の使 用法について説明します。 Instagram は、学生が留学の準備をするのを助けるため に使用されました。学生はプライベート Instagram アカウントを作成し、このプラ ットフォームを使用して、米国の潜在的な留学サイトで学生とスタッフの混合グル ープとのグループ演習を行いました。参加者は、学校での日常生活の画像や動画を 投稿し、講師が設定したタスクに基づいて投稿を作成しました。その後、グループ のメンバーはお互いに質問し、Instagram を介してコミュニケーションすることが 奨励されました。調査では、Instagram の使用により、学生が留学学期に向けて言 語的および文化的に準備するのに役立つ可能性があることがわかりました。この論 文では、Instagram やその他の SNS を使用して、学生が留学に向けて文化的および 言語的に準備するのに役立つ追跡調査を推奨しています。これは、将来の留学学生 を教えている、またはクラスにテクノロジーを組み込むことに関心のある語学教 師、および留学オリエンテーションプログラムの近代化に関心のある留学プログラ ムのコーディネーターに影響を及ぼします。


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Fumie Kato

A language assistant (LA) program was introduced into a university-level Japanese program. The LAs in this program consisted of Japanese study abroad students, that is English as a second language students, coming to study from Japanese universities for either one semester or one academic year, as well as American learners returning from a one-year academic study abroad program in Japan. In the southeastern region of the United States, the Japanese language is not yet considered a major foreign language, thus few opportunities exist for American learners to connect with native speakers of Japanese. The LA program endeavors to ease this limitation. It has been extremely beneficial for our American learners to have opportunities to communicate regularly with Japanese study abroad students in the classrooms. Furthermore, it was found tremendously valuable for Japanese study abroad students and greatly helpful for the instructors as well. This paper describes the procedures and examines the effectiveness of introducing an LA program into Japanese language classes. To analyze the program, questionnaires were distributed to LAs (N=20); five department instructors wrote comments concerning the program; and five Japanese language learners submitted reflection papers. Analyses of the qualitative data indicate that the LA program has many advantages for everyone participating.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-168
Author(s):  
Sara A. McComb ◽  
Lorenzo Fedele ◽  
Patrick A. Brunese ◽  
Vicki L. Simpson

The purpose of this paper is to describe a short term study abroad program that exposes engineering and nursing undergraduate students from the United States and Italy to an intercultural and interprofessional immersion experience . Faculty fr om Purdue University and Sapienza Università di Roma collaborated to design a technical program that demonstrates the complementary nature of engineering and public health in the service sector, with Rome as an integral component of the program. S pecifically, the intersection of topics including systems, reliability, process flow, maintenance management, and public health are covered through online lectures, in class activities and case study discussions, field experiences, and assessments. Here in, administrat ive issues such as student recruitment, selection, and preparation are elucidated. Additionally, the pedagogical approach used to ensure constructive alignment among the program goals, the intended learning outcomes, and the teaching and learning activitie s is described. Finally, examples of learning outcomes resulting from this alignment are provided.


2020 ◽  
pp. 105382592097513
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Olcoń ◽  
Dorie J. Gilbert ◽  
Rose M. Pulliam

Background: The ability to question global structures and analyze one’s own positionality in relation to economic, political, and social forces is essential for college graduates. Although study abroad programs claim to develop students into global citizens, most studies do not critically examine student learning about global inequalities. Purpose: This study analyzed the process of critical consciousness raising about economic inequalities through experiential and emotional learning. Methodology/Approach: It employed ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews, and written journals of 27 U.S. college students who participated in a Ghana study abroad program in years 2016–2018. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Findings/Conclusions: Witnessing and being emotionally affected by unjust global realities allowed students to question their actions and assumptions. Even though they seemed to have become more self-aware of their privilege and positionality, few of them questioned the global structures underlying economic injustice. Despite the limited analysis, they demonstrated inspiration to learn and do more. Implications: Moving beyond education’s traditional focus on students’ cognitive domain is crucial for critical consciousness raising about social injustice and global interconnections of oppression. Higher education should ensure a critical analysis of economic inequalities both abroad and in their own country.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamilla Curtis ◽  
John R. Ledgerwood

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify students’ motivations and perceived benefits of engaging in study abroad programs, as well as challenges and missed opportunities. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was sent to random samples of students on two university campuses. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were conducted with the use of the SPSS data management software package. Findings Despite the majority of students having previous international travel experience and understanding the benefits of study abroad programs, most of them will not pursue the possibility to enroll in the study abroad programs. Contrary, most of respondents did express an interest to participate in international co-op/internship opportunities while attending the university. The study identified motivations, perceived benefits and constraints for students to enroll in study abroad programs. Research limitations/implications Further research using samples from different universities and colleges would present a more comprehensive picture of motivations, expectations and constraints. Practical implications Educators should promote study abroad program benefits and clearly identify the link between international experiences and future students’ employability. Study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment. Social implications In higher education, study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment. Originality/value This research uncovers students’ study abroad intent, interests, motivations, perceived personal and professional benefits and desired structure for the program. The findings provide insights into how administrators can enhance the value of the summer study abroad program offered by higher educational institutions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam B. Rosen ◽  
Christine C. Center ◽  
Jason D. Coleman

Context Study abroad programs are a key educational opportunity for athletic training students to grow in cultural competence. Yet, there are few faculty-led, study abroad programs specifically designed for athletic training community engagement in low-income nations. Objective To describe the process of developing and implementing a short-term athletic training and public health service-learning study abroad program to Nicaragua. Background Partnerships with a Nicaraguan partner institution aimed at creating sustainable study abroad programs for students from a variety of disciplines were initially explored. A short-term, study abroad program with athletic training and public health faculty was established based on the opportunities and benefits that it would provide to students, interests of host staff, and the accessibility to a local community. Synthesis Nine athletic training and exercise science students, composed mostly of graduate students, participated in the program in Nicaragua. Students worked with local soccer coaches and their student-athletes. Curriculum for the coaches included basic athletic injury prevention and management techniques including the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 11+ injury prevention protocol, concussions and head injury, heat illness and hydration management, nutrition and performance, and basic first aid. With the student-athletes, the group implemented injury prevention skills including the Fédération Internationale de Football Association 11+, proper heading techniques, and teamwork drills. Results Working with the Nicaraguan soccer players and coaches provided students important lessons in cultural competence, interprofessional education, communication, and patient care. Recommendation(s) As athletic training education shifts to a professional master's degree, it is important for educators to consider study abroad program length, structure, and student learning outcomes if they are interested in creating faculty-led programs. Conclusion(s) Athletic training study abroad programs, which provide students with opportunities for direct interaction with coaches and student-athletes, can provide students with beneficial learning opportunities. This program can offer a framework for those interested in offering short-term programs abroad.


2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (04) ◽  
pp. 791-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Pugh

AbstractThe conventional wisdom about political science international education assumes that students choose between short “island” study abroad programs that are accessible but have only superficial impact, and longer immersion programs, achieving a greater effect. This article argues that well-designed study abroad programs can combine the best of both models to achieve significant impact even in a short program. It proposes a “bridge model” for reconceptualizing study abroad not as a discrete event with more or less impact on student learning, but as a key intervention that furthers a student's overall development within an internationalized curriculum. The article examines the case of a peacebuilding study abroad program in Ecuador. It measures alumni perceptions of impact, objective outcomes, and alumni network development. The key finding is that solid program design and structured cross-cultural interaction produces the type of long-term effect and networks traditionally associated with immersion programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Shibata

Context Although cultural competencies in athletic training education exist, there are limited international athletic training educational opportunities available. Study abroad experiences help students gain international and multicultural perspectives. The lack of study abroad opportunities is more pronounced in non–English-speaking countries. Objective The purpose of this article is to describe experiences with developing and conducting a short-term, faculty-led study abroad program in Japan. Essential elements and recommendations based on the study abroad program are interwoven throughout the article. Background The diversity in the United States and among the collegiate student-athlete population has increased. However, the population of athletic training professionals does not match this diversity. This mismatch has increased attention to the demand to find ways to nurture cultural competencies in athletic trainers. Simultaneously with changes in the United States, growth of the athletic training profession and athletic training educational programs is noticeable in Japan and other non–English-speaking countries. A well-designed study abroad program can expose students to the unique perspectives of athletic training and/or related health care professions and nurture cultural competency. Recommendations(s) A short-term, faculty-led study abroad program should include an assistant and local facilitator, multiple site visits, at least a day without guidance from the program, an adequate balance between academic and cultural activities, program dinners, opportunities for students to present and share their experiences, and a focus on keeping the trip safe. Conclusion(s) The short-term, faculty-led study abroad program in Japan offered unique opportunities for athletic training students to gain knowledge of and an appreciation for athletic training in diverse cultures and to incorporate these experiences into their future personal and professional practice. Further information and data are required to provide an optimum education for students to learn and apply cultural competencies as health care professionals.


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