From Sunday, February 19th- Tuesday, February 21st I worked as
a volunteer at the AIEA (Association of International Education Administrators) annual international conference held in Washington DC. Around 800 senior level international education administrators from around the globe gathered at this conference to learn about and discuss the theme of this year’s conference, “Building a Secure World Through International Education.” Along with networking opportunities and conference experience, I was
allowed to attend one session per day of volunteer work.
One session I chose to attend was called, “Current Research in International
Education.” In the field of International Education it is very important to keep up-to-date with current trends and evolving practices in order to be a knowledgeable administrator and
to keep your university competitive with the thousands in the world who participate in International student exchanges. The presenter was Elizabeth Brewer from Beloit College. Major points included needs, fears and trends,gaps, literature comparison, research studies, and valuable resources all relating to the current trends in International Education.
Education.” In the field of International Education it is very important to keep up-to-date with current trends and evolving practices in order to be a knowledgeable administrator and
to keep your university competitive with the thousands in the world who participate in International student exchanges. The presenter was Elizabeth Brewer from Beloit College. Major points included needs, fears and trends,gaps, literature comparison, research studies, and valuable resources all relating to the current trends in International Education.
The largest concern in current international education trends is that the intended goals of study abroad are shifting more towards “travel and enjoyment rather than deeper learning.” Ms. Brewer presented the case that this concern beings with the misuse of recruiting materials which advertise study abroad too much as a vacation rather than a valuable learning experience. She stated that this shift in perceived study abroad purpose could have negative effects on the
validity of international education which already does not receive adequate priority on most university campuses. The other outcomes of study abroad such as new perspectives, self-development, and adaptability should not be discounted as benefits of international education but the courses and learning should be the top priority.
validity of international education which already does not receive adequate priority on most university campuses. The other outcomes of study abroad such as new perspectives, self-development, and adaptability should not be discounted as benefits of international education but the courses and learning should be the top priority.
In order to ensure that study abroad programs remain legitimate in the eyes of
universities, employers, and students, several steps must be taken by
international programs offices around the world. Ms. Brewer suggested that
international education officials focus on aligning study abroad outcomes with
home institution learning outcomes, make closer connections with the curriculum
and the work of the faculty, and specific identification of the impacts on
learning beyond intercultural development.
universities, employers, and students, several steps must be taken by
international programs offices around the world. Ms. Brewer suggested that
international education officials focus on aligning study abroad outcomes with
home institution learning outcomes, make closer connections with the curriculum
and the work of the faculty, and specific identification of the impacts on
learning beyond intercultural development.
This was an interesting presentation because I have attended several webinars
dealing with similar topics and it seems that Ms. Brewer’s case is one that
many international education administrators are concerned with. I think a great
way to ensure that students understand the importance of their educational
experience while studying abroad is to have them write down specific goals they
have both before and after their experience so they can differentiate between
the educational and personal growth benefits on future applications, resumes,
and interviews.
dealing with similar topics and it seems that Ms. Brewer’s case is one that
many international education administrators are concerned with. I think a great
way to ensure that students understand the importance of their educational
experience while studying abroad is to have them write down specific goals they
have both before and after their experience so they can differentiate between
the educational and personal growth benefits on future applications, resumes,
and interviews.
This is the link to the AIEA 2012 conference website- http://aieaworld.org/events/2012-conf-schedule.htm
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