What does global competency mean in the context of study abroad? (provide 2-3 sentence succinct overview)

Study abroad establishes a dialogue with another culture. It requires from the student a sense of adventure, flexibility, adaptation, and resourcefulness, and results in better understanding of one's self and an increased awareness and openness to the world.

The study abroad experiences (both positive and negative) and the incorporation of service learning in the overseas program can foster personal reflection for the student and improved dialogue among students on the home campus. The experience also helps to promote an interest in life-long learning.

What practices/techniques need to be developed to achieve these outcomes?

Pre-departure and on-site orientation;

Language and cultural preparation;

Post experience evaluation and follow-up;

An ongoing journal record (beginning, middle, and end);

Choosing a model of study abroad to allow for cultural immersion, freedom, flexibility and personal responsibility;

Presuming that global competencies cannot be fostered in students if they don't have global interest, how does one instill global interest within the study abroad programs?

Faculty members can increase interest in study abroad by providing mentor encouragement.

Institutions need to set up comprehensive campus internationalization as well as curricular and co-curricular focus, and should incorporate international students and faculty in their engagement efforts.

What are the leadership dimensions needed, and who must exercise them, if global competencies in study abroad programs are to be created?

Institutional commitment to study abroad, and global programs in general, is fundamental. There also needs to be demonstrated support and encouragement from the senior administration, through to the faculty. Senior administration needs to provide incentives and rewards to university constituents for engagement in the global mission. They should also build an infrastructure to support the development of international partnerships abroad.

List any other conditions/barriers relevant to creating global competencies within study abroad programs.

An institutional commitment to study abroad, with the resources to develop quality programs, is crucial. Ongoing program assessment and development is also important.

While short-term programs are a good introduction to study abroad, they do not allow students the experience of all developmental stages of culture shock. There is no risk for the student in their experiences, because of the prospect of a quick return home. Without the element of risk, there is limited growth opportunity. The short time frame also does not allow for adequate reflection, another key element to personal growth.