Creating a Vibrant STEM Study Abroad Program With a Cultural Component

2018 ◽  
pp. 181-202
Author(s):  
Boyko Georgiev Gyurov ◽  
Mark Andrew Schlueter
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The United States ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Cultural Component ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
Successes And Challenges ◽  
Academic Content

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.

Low-Cost Initiatives for Expanding Study Abroad Opportunities

2019 ◽  
pp. 158-171
Author(s):  
Drew Allen Gephart
Keyword(s):  
Community College ◽  
Community Colleges ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Financial Aid ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Administrative Procedure ◽  
Promotional Materials ◽  
Study Abroad Program

Community colleges without a budget strictly allocated to study abroad programs need to be creative in how they expand opportunities for their students. This chapter will focus on the strategies developed by the Peralta Community College District's Office of International Education to develop a stronger study abroad program with limited resources and staffing. After the Peralta Colleges committed to the Institute of International Education's Generation Study Abroad initiative in 2014, it created new study abroad programs, organized annual study abroad fairs, was awarded a scholarship of $7,500, created new promotional materials and an administrative procedure, launched a new website and newsletter, organized financial aid workshops and professional development day presentations for faculty, and opened a study abroad scholarship through its foundation. The chapter will share how other colleges can learn from these efforts and institutionalize study abroad on their campuses.

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
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
The United States ◽  
State Funding ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
University Environment ◽  
Academic Exchange ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
The U.S

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.  

Using Instagram as a Preparation Tool for Study Abroad

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-37
Author(s):  
Simon Park
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
The United States ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
English Classes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Group Members

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。

scholarly journals Innovations in Integrating Language Assistants: Inter-Collaborative Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Fumie Kato
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Japanese Study ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
One Year ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
Study Abroad Students

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.

scholarly journals An Interprofessional, Intercultural, Immersive Short-Term Study Abroad Program: Public Health and Service Systems in Rome

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-168
Author(s):  
Sara A. McComb ◽  
Lorenzo Fedele ◽  
Patrick A. Brunese ◽  
Vicki L. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
The United States ◽  
Technical Program ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Short Term Study ◽  
Study Abroad Program

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.

scholarly journals Flying in the Face of Adversity: A Drosophila-based Virtual CURE Provides Semester-long Authentic Research Opportunity to the Flipped Classroom.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A Waddell ◽  
Dara Ruiz-Whalen ◽  
Alana M O'Reilly ◽  
Nathan T. Fried
Keyword(s):  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Complex Design ◽  
Research Opportunity ◽  
The Face ◽  
Upper Level

A call for the integration of research experiences into all biology curricula has been a major goal for educational reform efforts nationally. Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have been the predominant method of accomplishing this, but their associated costs and complex design can limit their wide adoption. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced programs to identify unique ways to still provide authentic research experiences while students were virtual. We report here a full guide for the successful implementation of a semester-long virtual CURE that uses Drosophila behavioral assays to explore the connection between pain and addiction with the use of a "lab-in-a-box" sent home to students. Individual components were piloted across three semesters and launched as a 100-level introductory course with 19 students. We found that this course increased science identity and successfully improved key research competencies as per the Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment (URSSA) survey. This course is ideal for flipped classrooms ranging from introductory biology to upper-level neuroscience courses and can be integrated directly into the lecture period without the need for building a new course. Given the low cost, recent comfort with virtual learning environments, and the current proliferation of flipped biology classrooms following the 2020 pandemic, this curriculum could serve as an ideal project-based active-learning tool for equitably increasing access to authentic research experiences.

Critical Consciousness Raising About Global Economic Inequality Through Experiential and Emotional Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 105382592097513
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Olcoń ◽  
Dorie J. Gilbert ◽  
Rose M. Pulliam
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Critical Consciousness ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Consciousness Raising ◽  
Global Citizens ◽  
Study Abroad Program ◽  
Economic Inequalities

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.

Students’ motivations, perceived benefits and constraints towards study abroad and other international education opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamilla Curtis ◽  
John R. Ledgerwood
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Study Abroad Program

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.

scholarly journals Development of a Short-Term, Athletic Training and Public Health International Service-Learning Study Abroad Program to Nicaragua

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam B. Rosen ◽  
Christine C. Center ◽  
Jason D. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Study Abroad Program

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.

scholarly journals The Short-Term “Bridge Model” Study Abroad Program: Peacebuilding in Latin America

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (04) ◽  
pp. 791-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Study Abroad Programs ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Bridge Model ◽  
Immersion Programs ◽  
Short Program ◽  
Objective Outcomes ◽  
Study Abroad Program

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.

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