Maximizing Student Learning through Shortterm Study Abroad MERRIMACK

Maximizing Student Learning through Short-term Study Abroad MERRIMACK COLLEGE FACULTY-LED COURSES

Benefits-Study Abroad helps students: �develop skills and experiences not learned in a classroom �immerse themselves in diverse cultures and learn different languages �gain a global perspective �acquire skills such as intercultural communication, adaptability, and resilience �learn to establish rapport quickly with individuals in an unfamiliar environment �build self-confidence and independence �be more competitive in the job market

U. S. Study Abroad Trends �Study abroad by American students has more than tripled over the past two decades

Who’s studying abroad and where are they going?

Top Fields of Study?

Access �In an effort to increase access to study abroad, higher education institutions and study abroad providers have developed programs of various durations: Short-term (Less than 8 weeks) Mid-length (semester) Long-term (full-year)

Duration of Study Abroad: Short-term Study Abroad is Most Popular among College Students % of US students studying abroad 2009 -2010 -2011 Short-term 56. 6% 58. 1% Mid-length 39. 4% 38. 0% Long-term 3. 9%

Short-term Study Abroad Increases Access �Short-term programs provide opportunities for students who cannot go abroad for an entire semester for various reasons Cost Academic Major Athletes Confidence

The Problem: �Many educational leaders are concerned that students will not achieve the same intercultural competencies in a short-term study abroad program as they would in a semester or full-year program. �Tourism vs. immersion

The Solution: Intensive & Focused “Short-term programs, if well-planned, can offer a more intensive and focused experience – and may be the only realistic alternative in terms of the demands of your degree studies and economic resources " (Institute of International Education, Open Doors Report 2012)

What is Intercultural Competence? �It is a set of cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts. Cognitive: knowledge about cultural norms, values, behaviors, and issues; cultural self-awareness Affective: curiosity, flexibility, open-mindedness Behavioral: resourcefulness, problem solving, relationship building skills

Maximizing Intercultural Competence �Key components of short-term study abroad courses that maximize intercultural competency attainment Establishing desired learning outcomes for intercultural competence while abroad Requiring pre-departure meetings/class time with students and faculty Meaningful site visits that relate to coursework and Direct contact with the host community Structured & intentional reflection before, during and after the program

Short-term programs at Merrimack � This year, Merrimack has been offering 4 short-term study abroad programs: Summer Session in San Gimignano, Italy “Pellegrinaggio in Italia”, Italy Summer Session in Wroxton, England (NEW!) “Writing through War and Peace”, Dublin & Belfast, Ireland (NEW!) Courses offered in previous years: “Crossing Borders”, Spain & Morocco “Belizean Landscapes”, Belize � Merrimack is hoping to expand short-term program offerings; a wider variety of short-term programs will allow more Merrimack students the chance to go abroad

Summer Session in San Gimignano, Italy

Crossing Borders, Spain & Morocco

Types of Faculty Led Courses �Short-term study abroad courses can be applied to any academic discipline �Examples: Sports Medicine – volunteer at a medical clinic abroad Education – Intern or volunteer at a school abroad Mathematics –Study geometric architectural patterns in Muslim Spain

Types of Faculty Led Courses �Course can be integrated into the Fall/Spring semester Course can be taught at Merrimack during the Spring semester for Summer programs, or Fall semester for Winter programs Conclude course with a study abroad component. Examples: � Crossing Borders � Dublin & Belfast, Ireland �Stand alone Summer courses Have some pre-departure class meetings but do the bulk of the course work while abroad. Examples: � Summer Session in San Gimignano, Italy � Summer Session in Wroxton, England

How to start a short-term study abroad course? �If you have an idea make a proposal! �Course proposals Accepted each year for programs like San Gimignano and Wroxton (2 faculty per program) Accepted individually for new program proposals � New programs most likely need 12 -24 months lead time �Short-term Study Abroad Faculty Handbook Which provides a clear outline of policies and procedures has been developed and will soon be posted on the Provost’s and Office of International Programs web sites.

… �Course proposals are vetted by UCC Must have clear goals & assessable outcomes � 4 credit courses – 15 hours per credit Credit hours include site visits, intentional experiential learning activities, reflection Should be a balance between classroom hours and experiential learning hours Course should satisfy various requirements in order to maximize student enrollment.

$100 Grand Challenge What kind of course can you create?