1. Domestic Impacts resulting from the International Extension Projects
Nick T. Place, Ph.D.
Department of Agricultural Education & Communication
University of Florida

2. International Extension Projects
USDA-CSREES Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP)
University of Florida/IFAS Internationalizing Extension Training Project (IETP)

3. Background of the Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP)
Overseas Technical Assistance Project.
Sponsored by USDA with Poland’s MAFE
Extension specialists and agents.
70 individuals from 26 states
6-month terms
Worked with Provincial level ODR staff.
Extension methodologies
Farm management, farm economics, agricultural technologies, etc.

4. Background of the Internationalizing Extension Training Project (IETP)
Program designed to increase knowledge of internationalizing extension and international opportunities
Sponsored by USDA-CSREES, UF/IFAS Extension and the UF College of Ag. & Life Sciences
Extension agents, County Commissioners, Graduate students and Extension specialist
Four part program
Two 3-day introductory sessions, A 10-day international experience, A 2-day reflective session

5. PAEP Data Gathering Process
Questionnaire to all PAEP participants.
96% return of 70 participants
Random on-site state visits with participants and near-associates.
8 of the 26 states
Telephone interviews with PAEP secondary contacts.
28 completed interviews with community representatives

6. IETP Data Gathering Process
Pre-test/Post-test
Used to assess experiences, knowledge, understanding and aspirations
Impact questionnaire
Used to assess change, results and impact

7. Data Analysis Quantitative data Qualitative data
Basic statistical analysis
Qualitative data
Content analysis
Organizing data into patterns and categories utilizing logic comparison for common themes

8. Primary Level Impact and Effects
Participants

9. PAEP Participation Findings among Participants
Increased international knowledge, awareness and understanding.
Skill development, reinvigoration and higher self-esteem.
International integration into subsequent extension programming.
46% noted extensive levels
International impact and involvement among near associates.

10. Integration of the PAEP into Extension Programming

11. PAEP Output and Visibility with Others Upon Return to the US%

12. IETP Output and Visibility with Others Upon Return to the US

13. Benefit and Impact upon Participants
Greater self-perception
Greater commitment for Extension and grassroots programming
Keener awareness of culture and working with diverse people
Greater international perspective
International connections

14. Second Level Impact and Effects
Coworkers and Colleagues
Clientele

15. PAEP on-site interview findings
Substantiated participants’ self-observations and change in participants.
Domestic value to technical assistance.
Implications of international technical assistance.

16. Results from PAEP Telephone Interviews
Unanimous opinions of “Very Positive” and “Very Important” from their secondary interactions.
Interviewee comments:
Provides new perspectives
Rejuvenates thought processes
Creates awareness
Gives confidence to meet other cultures
Brings cultures together
Benefits both sides

17. What Telephone Interviewees Learned or Gained
Satisfaction from helping people.
Learned about cultures, people & history.
Broadened world views & competencies.
Expanded insights about interactions of environments & people’s behavior.
Created appreciation for differences.
Increased knowledge of international markets, business transactions, and difficulties of labor and product supplies.

18. So, what were the main domestic effects of the PAEP & the IETP?
Domestic benefit and impact resulted.
Awareness, knowledge, understanding, new connections, international dimension.
Encouraged involvement among others.
During and after the assignment.
Created opportunities for others.
Included: study tours, exchanges, hosting, linkages, business endeavors, trade.

19. Summary Numerous International opportunities for extension.
Knowledge, awareness, and understanding to attain a better globally informed public.
Focus on Mutual Benefit
Cooperative Assistance versus Technical Assistance.
What will be the benefit & impact of Extension’s international involvement?