If you build it, they will come: A field of dreams in reentry programming, but what are attendees' l

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If you build it, they will come A field of
dreams in re-entry programming, but what are
attendees' learning outcomes key takeaways?
NAFSA Bi-Regional Conference November 12, 2008,
Hawaii
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Introductions

• Christina Sanchez, University of San Francisco
• Dino Pruccoli, DePaul University
• Lorien Romito, Saint Marys College of California
• Zac Einerson, AustraLearn AsiaLearn EuroLearn

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Agenda

• Best Practices, Re-entry Programming
• Theoretical motivations
• Overview of conference model
• Learning Outcomes for Students
• Evaluations analysis (on-site, longitudinal
  study, case study)
• Future Directions for our Model
• Questions Answers

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Interactive Exercise

• Pina Colada or Daiquiri?
• College/University or Program Provider?
• Lots of resources or Limited resources?
• Offer pre-departure orientation or do not?
• Offer re-entry programming or do not?
• Students attend or do not?

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Theory Behind the Model

• Extensive data Lack of resources student
  interest
• Experiential Learning Model
• Reverse Culture Shock, Cultural Transition
• Global Skills, Practical Applications

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Examples of Re-entry Challenges

• Boredom
• No one wants to hear
• You cant explain your experience
• Reverse homesickness
• Relationships may have changed

• Feelings of alienation
• Inability to apply new knowledge or skills
  (especially language)
• Loss of experience (shoeboxing)
• People see wrong changes in you

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Articulating applying new global skills

• Ownership
• Self-control
• Strong work ethic
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Goal orientation
• Motivation to achieve

• Ability to think critically
• Ability to resolve conflict with diverse
  workgroups
• Lifelong learning
• Positive outlook toward adversity
• Relationship building skills
• Creativity
• Good sense of humor
• Risk-taking
• Communication skills

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Overview of Conference Model

• Benefits of Collaboration
• Challenges with student attending reentry
  programs
• Student enrollment and participation
• Learning outcomes
• Working with NAFSA and colleagues to build a
  program
• NAFSA Mini-grant
• Sponsors

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Overview of Conference Model

• Conference Highlights 
• Articulate newly acquired global skills in a job
  interview
• How to work or study abroad after you graduate
• Network w/ professionals in internationally-focuse
  d jobs
• Meet study abroad alumni with similar interests
• Stay connected to your study abroad experience
• Conference Schedule 
• 1000- 1030 am      Registration
  check-in 1030-1200 pm       Key-Notes Bruce
  La Brack Kate Berardo 1200-100
  pm         Lunch Opportunities Fair 100-
  315 pm         Break-out sessions 315-400
  pm          Community Networking

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Exhibitors Advisors

• Motivation to participate.
• Active/engaged learning of practical skills
  (resumes, etc.)
• Ensuring student completion of 360 Degrees of
  study abroad
• Three Parts of a whole Pre-departure(1) to
  Being Abroad(2) to Coming Home(3)
• What to do now?
• Want a career in International Education?
• Study Abroad again? Where this time?
• Internships abroad?
• Graduate School abroad?
• Peace Corps?
• Foreign Service?

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Learning Outcomes Questionnaire

• On-site evaluations (n89, 70)

• to understand the benefits of my international
  experience (98)
• to identify marketable skills associated with
  international experiences (98)
• to establish a network of people in the
  international education field (78)
• to learn about post-undergraduate opportunities
  related to
• working abroad (92)

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Learning Outcomes On-site self-reported

• Comments strongly enforced the learning around
  marketing ones self and
• ones international experience.
• Resume Building and graduate school statement of
  purpose
• Ways to work / volunteer / research abroad again

In short, the conference helped me see how
marketable my experiences make me. It's nice to
be assured this economic option for the future,
especially in a smaller world than in past
times.
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Learning Outcomes On-site self-reported

• Attendees emphasized the value of interviews,
  networking, and expressing
• their skills learned abroad.
• Careers in the US with an international focus
• Incorporating your study abroad experiences and
  skills in a job interview

I mainly learned that these abroad experiences
can help me nab internationally connected jobs. 
I deeply appreciate(d) my study abroad
experiences but the conference gave me yet a
slightly different perspective on these
experiences and it was nice to see such a large
body of people recognizing the importance. 
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Learning Outcomes On-site self-reported

• Two additional areas of positive feedback were
  around (1) the holistic
• incorporation of the international experience and
  validation of ones
• normalcy and (2) knowledge about new options
  for abroad opportunities.
• Internationalizing your life, your school, and
  your community
• Graduate Programs with International Focuses

• I am more normal than I thought.

• I learned how many different options there
  are!

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Learning Outcomes Post-Conference

• 8-month post-conference feedback
• Self-Report data (October 2008) (n26, 20)

• to understand the benefits of my international
  experience (89)
• to identify marketable skills associated with
  international experiences (88)
• to establish a network of people in the
  international education field (60)
• to learn about post-undergraduate opportunities
  related to working abroad (77)

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Learning Outcomes Retained knowledge
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Learning Outcomes Student Perspective

• Did "Lessons" help you identify marketable
  skills?
• After the conference, I was much more
  comfortable articulating that I am a global
  citizen as a result of studying abroad I now
  know how to discuss those skills. we
  learned how to use study abroad to our
  advantage. I wish I had known that before my
  all-day interview.

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Learning Outcomes Student Perspective

• What was the most important thing you learned?
• Re-entry is a process. For me, it wasn't
  something I really realized before the
  conference. I don't think you ever really
  re-enter the US, because you are now part of a
  global home. That is hard when you are trying to
  re-insert yourself into your old life.

Final Thoughts Lessons was a useful
awakening experience"
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Advisors perceptions

• Education Abroad Advisors in Attendance
• Jake Hosier, UC Davis drove 10 students to
  conference!
• Kathleen McLaren-Hawking, UCSD flew in with 2
  students!
• Other advisors from local universities UCB, SMC,
  etc.
• Breakout Sessions were key in students learning
  specifics about certain topics(grad school,
  foreign service, internships, returnee
  challenges, etc.)
• Guest Speakers were phenomenal way of getting
  students involved in thinking critically about
  their experiences what it means now.
• Student interaction sharing experiences with
  people who will listen, understand, and care.
• Networking with fellow Study Abroad Alumni
  and with International Education
  Organization Representatives.

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Future Directions for our Model

• Implications / Changes for 2009 Lessons
• Participant Feedback
• Provide a separate session for staff/international
  professionals
• Identify opportunities for international
  work/internships that are independent of
  organized/structured programs (e.g., how to
  strategize around going abroad solo)
• Increase the number of options for
  post-graduation opportunities that are not
  related to study abroad

• Connect with local/national businesses/corporation
  s to provide a business presence (e.g., network
  fair, interviewing and the corporate world,
  sponsorship of conference)
• Highlight different types of international jobs
• Consider offering advance level sessions for
  returnees that have more experience

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Future Directions for our Model

• Implications / Changes for 2009 Lessons
• Planning Team Considerations
• Review attendee recommendations (esp. re an
  advisors session/track)
• Address techniques for increasing the
  effectiveness of the networking opportunity
• Develop strategy for improving student knowledge
  of work opportunities
• Provide stronger distinction between session
  content
• Create a more interactive options for
  participants
• Shorten keynote presentation w/ intent to add an
  additional breakout session

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Future Directions for our Model

• NorCal, San Francisco SoCal, San Diego
• Bi-district collaboration
• Model sharing
• Re-entry conference circuit for exhibitors
• Combining marketing efforts
• Professional development networking beyond
  region

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Future Directions for our Model

• Interview with Chris Kjonaas , Co-chair, SoCal
  Lessons
• What have been some of your challenges in
  re-entry programming?
• TIME, TIME, TIME!!!!  The emphasis at a large
  state university is on of students out the door
  of exchange agreements.  There isn't much
  talk about what happens to these students when
  they return to campus.
• What has been helpful in your initial planning?
• NorCals resources have been vital. The
  well-organized printouts with all info
  documented, the existing relationship with the
  Key Notes, the carryover of enthusiasm from
  last year among program providers have all been
  extremely helpful.
• What have you learned thus far?
• Collaboration
  is key!  The outreach to program providers
  the opportunity to come together for
  something that goes beyond the traditional
  study abroad fair circuit is a great
  opportunity for professional development. 

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Questions Answers
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Thank you!

• Christina Sanchez, cesanchez_at_usfca.edu
• Dino Pruccoli, dpruccol_at_depaul.edu
• Lorien Romito, lorien.romito3_at_stmarys-ca.edu
• Zac Einerson, zeinerson_at_globalinksabroad.org