Making the Most of International Experiences Faculty Workshop August 24, 2005 Dr. Juan Castro Dr. Ken Fairweather Dr. Scott Hummel Mr. Arturo Morales

International Experiences Discover Europe 2005

WHY International Experiences? Students get first-hand experiences which leave an effective and lasting impression Students interact with people and see them “in action.” Consider the following areas:

Culture Helps students see other cultures. Helps them compare others to their own backgrounds. Helps them to understand other cultures as being “different.” Help minimize the concepts of “ethnocentric” vs. “geocentric.”

Finance They experience the exchange of foreign currency. They experience making financial transactions and relative values. They compare differences between several countries, not just their own.

Marketing They see how differently marketing is carried out in several different countries. Different methodologies and technologies are easily observed and discussed. Some things are the same and some things are different.

Results? Students and faculty now approach all their business classes from a global perspective. They now consider the opportunities in other parts of the world and how they need to adapt or strategize. Students see how they personally have more career options.

Estudiando Español en México Summer 2005

¿Por qué Español? Second most used language in the USA Second most used language in the USA Second most used language in international communication Second most used language in international communication Intellectual development & Cultural competency Intellectual development & Cultural competency

Español en LeTourneau University First 4 semesters of Spanish (Elementary and Intermediate) First 4 semesters of Spanish (Elementary and Intermediate) Minor possible only through CCCU Minor possible only through CCCU No international exposure to students at intermediate level No international exposure to students at intermediate level

Español en LeTourneau University Our students want to minor in Spanish BUT do not want to spend a whole semester abroad just for that Our students want to minor in Spanish BUT do not want to spend a whole semester abroad just for that So, what do we do, Speedy?

Ándale, vámonos para México Not a whole semester… Let’s go for a summer term Not a whole semester… Let’s go for a summer term Offer the experience to students at different levels: intermediate and advanced Offer the experience to students at different levels: intermediate and advanced Immersion is THE BEST way to achieve language and cultural competency Immersion is THE BEST way to achieve language and cultural competency

Students begin to use Spanish without realizing it. All their communicative skills improved: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Exposure to another culture. Students begin to use Spanish without realizing it. All their communicative skills improved: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Exposure to another culture. We spend 14 days in Puebla, Mexico. Our students take traditional classes in the morning and conversation classes with native speakers in the afternoon. We spend 14 days in Puebla, Mexico. Our students take traditional classes in the morning and conversation classes with native speakers in the afternoon. Learning Process Students with both Elementary courses completed can receive credit for intermediate courses. Students with both Intermediate courses completed can receive credit for advanced courses. Students with both Elementary courses completed can receive credit for intermediate courses. Students with both Intermediate courses completed can receive credit for advanced courses. Prior knowledge Prior knowledge Immersion Internalization

Benefits Affordability Knowledge Culture Fun Spiritual Usage of the language

Physical Settings of the Bible Israel Greece Turkey Egypt Jordan Italy

Travel Experience Biblical Sites Historical Sites Archaeological Sites Religious Sites Cultural Sites

Academic Experience Reading Site Presentations Teaching on Site Evening / Lesson Discussion Travel Journal Exam Paper

Cultural / Religious Experience Broaden Interaction with Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, Coptic) Interaction with Judaism and Islam Hear cultures and religions in “their own voices.” Deepen Devotions (on site, evening) Reading the Bible is a cross-cultural experience

Why Experience the Holy Land? Incorporates all learning styles Challenges misconceptions Cultural competency Connection Contextualization Continuing Education “Makes Bible come alive.”

General Benefits of Study Abroad Survey of study abroad programs from [Mary Dwyer and Courtney Peters, “Benefits of Study Abroad,” Transitions Abroad (March / April 2004).] Increased self-confidence 98% Increased maturity97% Lasting impact on worldview95% Enhanced interest in academic study80% Better understand own cultural values98% Continues to influence interactions94% Ignited interest in a career direction62%

Making the Most of other International Experiences International Experiences of faculty International Experiences of students Cross-Cultural Classes

MANAGING THE PROCESS

Academic Credit What kind of International Experience for Students? –CCCU -Council for Christian Colleges and Universities - -China, Russia, Middle East, Costa Rica, London (Oxford), Uganda, and Australia Ask student to send application using the CCCU guidelines. –Third Party University -Trinity Christian College –Consortium Agreement, Student find own university (transfer courses) –Own Trip What classes will be offered? How many classes? Talk to the Dean Talk to the Provost Once classes are approved, send request for listing to Registrars office.

FINANCES / TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS CCCU – send names of students to Business Office to start process. Business Office will work in finances for students. CCCU makes all the travel arragements Third Party University – provosts of both universities will sign the consortium agreement including cost and classes students will take. Send agreement to Business Office for finances. University most of the time make travel arrangements in the foreign country. Students arrange USA flights Own Trip – –Travel Agent – Full Services (reservation, tour guides, translators, itinerary, payments of airline, hotels, meals, etc) All costs included for the group

FINANCES / TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Own Trip (Continued) –Travel Agent –limited services – arrange reservations for flight, hotel, and transportation in foreign country –Instructor responsible for itinerary and academic program –Payments to Travel Agent, may be individual or as a group, depending of student location (summer) –Contact Rica Payton (Continuous Studies Program) to work in approvals, account, and paper work for trip –Do it Yourself – instructor and students make all reservations for flights, hotels, transportation, etc. Responsible for the “whole enchilada” –Contact Rica Payton (Continuous Studies Program) to work on approvals, account, and paper work for trip

PREPARING FOR CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Prepare an “excellent” Itinerary –Places to visit, attractions, relation to classes If you don’t know the country, call missionaries, or people who can help you in the country to visit. Ask students to research the countries and places expected to be visited. Assign students topics or places to become “an expert” so that they can lecture during the trip. Prepare students about possible culture shocks Have meetings with students about similarities and differences of cultures.

MARKETING Start promotion with students early Use required classes or classes that can substitute required classes (no electives) Have a deadline for purchasing airline tickets or deposit Seek the collaboration of other professors to promote trip Students from previous trips naturally market for the next trip.