Learning AbroadStudy Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

Learning Abroad

1. What are you required to learn?

2. What do you expect to learn?

3. What do you intend to learn?

4. How will you learn?

5. How will you know you have learned?

6. How will you share what you have learned?

Awareness of culture, geography, socio-economic and political systems

Cultural self-awareness

Personal self-awareness

What are you required to learn?What do you expect to learn?

What have I gained from my experience?

Cultural Understanding and World View:

As a result of my international experience(s), I have developed:

A greater knowledge about another culture

Awareness of political, economic or social events around the world

My interest in global or transnational issues

My involvement with a global issue

A definition of my political views

My ability to speak a foreign language

Personal Growth and Values

My international experience(s) have helped me to grow and develop:

My desire for more diverse friendships and social networks

My desire to further my education (e.g., postgraduate degree)

A better understanding of myself and my values

My sense of confidence in new situations or when meeting new people

My ability to accept differences in other people

My ability to empathize with people, especially those who are different from me

My ability to be more flexible and open-minded

My tolerance of ambiguity in a variety of situations An understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses

My ability to be independent

My ability to take initiative

From Hubbard, A., Kaltved, D. & Durham, R. (2015). Marketing Your International Experience A workbook for students preparing for the job interview process, AIFS.

What do you intend to learn and experience?

Learning happens outside of your comfort zone.

Cognitive dissonance: experience internal conflict

Set some goals

Make a pledge

How will you learn?

IMMERSION

INTERVENTION

REFLECTION

61 programs 2003-2007 1159 students abroad, 138 non-

study abroad participants

Vande Berg, M., Connor-Linton, J. & Paige, R.M (2009) The Georgetown Consortium Project. Interventions for student learning abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 18, 1-75.

REFLECTION

Journaling

Blogging

Discussions

How will you know that you have learned?

Track your progress

Global Learning

Intercultural Competence

How will you share what you have learned? Who will your share your experiences with?

With your family

With your peers

With your professors

With a prospective employer

REFLECT&SHARE

Love maps?Map out your journey with Story Map

Love visual media?Create a video to tell your story withDigital Storytelling

Are you the social media type?Tell your story through social mediaCreate a group Facebook page, tweet your impressions, create a gallery in Pinterest

Love writing?Start a blog in Wordpress or Tumblr or create a

group website for everybody in the trip. Here are some blog examples.

REFLECT&SHARE

Gives a personal ImpressionI am a global citizen

It showcases the best of your work

Here are some eportfolio samples. Click around and discover what an eportfolio can do for you:

Gives a professional ImpressionI am mature. I am ready

Allows you to reflect on your experiences abroadHere is what I learned abroad

REFLECT &SHARE

Allows you to showcase your academic workI am a serious student

Allows you to showcase who you are beyond your transcriptI am more than a piece of paper

Employers views on ePortfolios

80 % of employers say that, when evaluating a job candidate, it would be very or fairly helpful for them to have access to an electronic portfolio.

Hart Research Associates. 2015. Falling Short? College Learning and Career Success. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities. Full report available at http://www.aacu.org/leap/public-opinion-research/2015-survey-falling-short.

Employers are willing to use eportfolios for hiring purposes.

Employers views on Skills

Employers are more interested in skills than in specific majors.

93 % of employers say that a demonstrated capacity:

to think critically communicate

clearly and solve complex

problemsis more important than a candidates undergraduate major.

93%

7%

Agree

Does not agree

It Takes More than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success. 2013. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities and Hart Research Associates. Full report available at http://www.aacu.org/leap/presidentstrust/compact/2013SurveySummary

ePortfolios allow you to showcase highly valued job skills.

The How To of Helping Students Incorporate Their International Experience Into the Job Search and Interview Process Ann Hubbard. M.A., Vice President AIFS, Director, University Relations for Customized Programs and Academic Assessment and Darren Kaltved. M.Ed. Assistant Director Career Services, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota.

S Situation

T Task

A Action

R Results

As you discuss the skills gained through your involvement in international organizations or study abroad, you can generate narratives that will prepare them for future job interviews.

Showcasing Skills

Academics

Immersion

Personal Growth

Learningis on you.Take OWNERSHIP!

Awareness of learning process

Reflection

Connect learning

Self-assessmentOwnership

Self-authorship