Does Study Abroad Need a Makeover?

I saw the article this morning, and it’s thought provoking.  The title suggests that the study abroad experience needs a makeover.

I am ambivalent about the angle it takes. 

Here’s what I mean. 

Clearly, the most important element of the study abroad experience is learning to communicate across cultures.  Our advisors try to get this message across to students (and parents) from the time they are considering a program through “re-entry”.

On the other hand, I think the article draws on shaky evidence that international experience doesn’t impress employers.  For every survey that suggests that, we could find at least one that suggests the opposite.  I saw a study recently that says that 30% of US CEOs had studied abroad in college.  Of those, 2/3 instruct their staff to recruit people with study abroad experience.  

I am skeptical about that finding as well.  I think many professionals tend to oversell or over-promise what the study abroad experience can accomplish for a young person.

Bottom line – it is the cross-cultural element that’s key.  Study abroad is not the only way to experience that.  It is one important opportunity.  I believe what should distinguish study abroad from “backpacking across Europe” is the academic context to help students reflect on and appreciate their cross-cultural learning.

Study Abroad -- Misperceptions and Use of Alcohol

All too often, consumption of alcohol becomes a key component of study abroad programs.  Despite clear and specific discussion about alcohol as part of our orientation sessions, we see this issue negatively affecting student experience.

Alcohol can (literally and figuratively) numb the student's sensitivity to the cross-cultural richness of their program, and significantly limit their academic performance as well.

Recently, via Inside Higher Education, I saw this article in the University of Washington News.  It provides research findings, and suggests strategies to address the issues.

October 12 - Careers in the US State Department

U.S. Department of State Careers

Tuesday, October 12, 2010
1:30-3 p.m.
S203 Memorial Union

Presented by Ed Wehrli, Diplomat-in-Residence, University of Oklahoma

·         Learn about a career opportunity unlike any other.
·         Discover how you can have a global impact.
·         Show the world a side of America it has never seen.


Sponsored by the MU International Center

Call for Collaboration with South African Student Leaders

For the past few days we've been hosting visitors from our long-standing partner -- the University of the Western Cape.  Yesterday, Khaya Magopeni made an excellent presentation on "the University-Student Relationship: the Courage to Take a Positive Journey.

Thanks to the Columbia Missourian, you can read about it here.