A First Year Model for Study Abroad Nat Measley, FYE Graduate Assistant Martha Carothers, Associate Director Offjce of Undergraduate Studies University of Delaware Center for International Studies statistics provided by Lisa Chiefgo Ed.D. LIFE Program statistical assistance provided by University of Delaware Offjce of Educational Assessment.
Not Studying Abroad Yet? Fear of fmying. Kangaroo phobia. Severe sun burn. No prescription for homesickness. Snakes on planes.
Study Abroad At UD The Past 1923: 1 trip to Paris 8 students The Today 2006: 70 programs in more than 35 countries 1,500 total students 70 first year students 42 first year students in two FYE programs Sydney, Australia and Merida, Mexico
LIFE Abroad Seven Components of Success First Year Students Only Faculty Mentor Small Group / Cluster Size Pre-Travel Orientation Common Courses Scholarship Support Peer Mentor LIFE: Living Integrated Freshmen Experience
Component #1 First Year Students Only! Similar life position / experiences All first time studying abroad Same academic standing Similar impact on second study abroad hope “. . opportunity to do this as a freshman, expanding of horizons by being exposed to a culture that is similar yet so different.”
Component #2 Small Group Size Increased interaction within the cluster Elimination of the “lost feeling” Low Faculty Mentor to student ratio Low Peer Mentor to student ratio Service learning opportunities Ease of organizing excursions
Component #3 Common Course Load Formation of study groups “Same Boat” phenomenon Underlying themed course work Similar core curriculum requirements
Component #4 Peer Mentor Outlet for student concern (socially/academically) Resource / facilitator for student activity Facilitator of UNIV-102 course abroad Coordinator of LIFE Project On-location orientation manager “. . .very helpful with getting adjusted to the city.” “. . .great at organizing activities for us to do.”
Component #5 Faculty Mentor Professor of ART 129 course Resource for student-to-university affairs Mediator for student-to-student affairs Facilitator for critical thinking and cultural awareness “. . .very interested in us.” “. . .encouraged independence and chance to explore.” “. . .very accessible.” “. . .willing to deal with problems right away.”
Component #6 Pre-Travel Orientation Classes Boost general travel knowledge and savvy Destination basics Breaking the ice between group members Cost . . .risk . . .safety Trip specifics: courses and destination Meet former first year study abroad students “I thought I was very prepared [for the trip]. I knew what to expect.”
Component #7 CFIS Scholarship Support Full-time; matriculated undergraduates; academic merit; essay, recommendations; judicial review; financial need CFIS General Scholarships $300 - $800 FYE Study Abroad Scholarhips (Freshman Only!) $ 300 - $ 4,000 STARR Study Abroad Scholarship Funds $ 1,000 - $ 4,000
Go Out - Go About - Go Abroad First Year Students = Success Over Seas
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad- http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad- outcomes.pdf outcomes.pdf
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad- outcomes.pdf
How Have You Changed from this Experience? Sophomore First-Timers Freshmen -Adaptability - 18% -Confidence – 18% -Cultural Understanding - 18% -Adaptability – 16% -Language Skills - 12% -Global Awareness – 14% -Future Travel Desire – 14% -Cultural Understanding – 10% http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad- outcomes.pdf
http://international.udel.edu/studyabroad/assessment/freshmen-abroad- outcomes.pdf
January 2006 19 First Year Students Age 11 Eighteen Year Olds 8 Nineteen Year Olds Gender 15 Females 4 Males Ethnicity 1 Indian / African American 1 Asian 1 Puerto Rican
January 2006 (Cont’d) 19 First Year Students Honors 3 Honors Tuition 8 In-State Students - $1,242 11 Out-of-State Students – $3,146 Program Cost $5,400 Personal Spending $900 - $2,500 http://www.udel.edu/bill_coll/fees/06w_fees.html
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey Significant changes found in: Ability to compare aspects of Los Angeles and Sydney Ability to contrast aspects of Los Angeles and Sydney
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey “Mike Minehan was good in comparing and contrasting cultures.” “Going on excursions and meeting Australians and Aborigines helped us to get a feel of culture.” “You get more for your money [in Australia].” “A kip is a short nap.”
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey Noticeable changes found in: The course [Art 129] helping the way students view the world. The course [Art 129] affecting students’ understanding of those different than them.
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey “I was most exposed to the culture by interacting with it, such as meeting locals, shopping, and going out to eat.” “Australians seem to be very relaxed, very down to earth, and friendly. Even though they speak our language there are many subtle differences.” “Everyone’s super friendly.” “Vegemite is good.”
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey Finish the sentence: People with cultures different than my own. . . “. . .are all the same people with different ways of living.” “. . .fascinate me, I love to explore and learn more about them.” All students answered positively.
January 2006 Pre and Post Survey Finish the sentence: My beliefs, morals, and values are mostly influenced by all of the following. . . “. . .family.” (15) “. . .friends.” (12) “. . .past experience.” (6) “. . .self-discovery.” (5) “. . .school or teachers.” (5)
January 2006 Observations Culturally accepting group Diversity within the group Already traveled outside of the US Only one student without a passport Family likely to be travelers Parents / guardians willing to fund study abroad
Recommend
More recommend
