Study Abroad Programs: A Powerful Tool for Advancing the UN SDGs

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Study Abroad Programs: A Powerful Tool for Advancing the UN SDGs
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The need for sustainable development is undeniable. It’s about ensuring prosperity, economic opportunity, social well-being, and environmental protection for all. The UN member states acknowledge that sustainable development is the best path forward for improving lives across the globe. Therefore, in 2015, it adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 interconnected goals designed to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

As the founder of Authentica, a company dedicated to enriching lives through study abroad experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of international education. I also believe we can further amplify the positive impact of these experiences by aligning study abroad programs with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This will help create responsible global citizens of tomorrow who not only understand the pressing issues facing our planet but are also equipped to address them.

Traditionally, there’s been a perception that aligning study abroad programs with the UN SDGs is primarily relevant in the Global South (developing countries). However, the truth is that these programs in the Global North (high-resource countries) like Spain, France, South Korea, and the UK can be equally impactful.

For example, one of our open-enrollment programs based in the UK, “Savouring UK’s Rich Heritage,” explores the diverse culinary arts and hospitality in the United Kingdom. It addresses UN SDGs such as:
. Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)- Meaningful volunteering at local soup kitchens, allowing students to address food insecurity and hunger within communities.
· Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)- Learning responsible consumption and production.

Similarly, another one of our programs, “Exploring Climate Change Solutions in South Korea,” dives into the multifaceted dimensions of climate action in South Korea, ranging from community-based initiatives to innovative technologies. It also addresses UN SDGs such as:
· Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)- Understanding South Korea’s transition towards a low-carbon economy and advancements in renewable energy.
· Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)- An insight into Seoul’s sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure.

So, how do we achieve this alignment of the UN SDGs with study abroad programs? We leverage the valuable guidelines set forth by The Forum on Education Abroad and the CBPSA model (Community-Based Participatory Study Abroad). These frameworks provide a structured approach for integrating the SDGs into the very core of programs. You can also learn about the guidelines in detail provided by Forum by watching this informative video session titled “Advancing UN SDGs through Education Abroad.”

At Authentica, we use these frameworks to ensure that both our custom and open-enrollment programs advance the UN SDGs at the design as well as the operational level.

The world needs engaged, globally minded individuals to tackle the complex challenges demanding solutions. By strategically aligning study abroad programs with SDGs, we can empower future generations to build a more sustainable and just world.

About the author: Ravi Raj is the Founder and CEO of Authentica, an experiential learning company that advances SDGs through customized and open-enrollment internships, faculty-led and professional development programs in Asia and Europe. Authentica has a track record of 10+ years designing and delivering 150+ programs for 4500+ participants in 25+ countries. Ravi earned his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He has worked as a Social Enterprise Consultant at Eastside People in London (UK) & as a strategy consultant with Oliver Wyman in the US.

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Episode 29: Cultural Lens on U.S. Higher Education: Analyzing International Perceptions of 'Anti-Woke’ Discourse

Dive into a nuanced exploration of the global discourse surrounding higher education in the United States. Join us for a panel discussion with esteemed international educators as we embark on a journey through the lenses of culture and international perspective, examining how global audiences interpret and engage with the ‘anti-woke’ discourse within the context of U.S. higher education. This engaging panel discussion will delve into the intersections of culture, ideology, and education, and the complex landscape of how international audiences perceive the ‘anti-woke’ narrative that has emerged within U.S. academia.

Whether you’re a senior international officer, or simply curious about the diverse viewpoints shaping U.S. higher education, this podcast episode will provide an invaluable space for critical analysis and insightful conversations.

Speaker Biography:

Fanta Aw is a distinguished leader in international education, renowned for her extensive contributions to global learning, cross-cultural understanding, and educational equity. With a deep commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and promoting educational excellence, she has significantly impacted the international education community.

Fanta Aw’s career has been characterized by her dedication to advancing global education initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing partnerships that transcend borders. She has held influential roles in various organizations, advocating for the importance of international collaboration and learning experiences that empower individuals to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As a thought leader and visionary, Fanta Aw’s insights and expertise have shaped discussions on the future of international education, emphasizing the significance of equitable access, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning. Her work has not only elevated institutions but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace the transformative power of global education.

Date: September 14th, 2023
Time: 12 noon ET

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Mark Beirn

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An experienced global researcher and administrator, Mark Beirn brings a critical approach to risk management, factoring structural racism and identity-based violence into his rubric for supporting equitable global mobility.

Specialization Areas:

– Global Risk Management
– Education Abroad
– Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in International Education
– Health and Safety
– Curriculum Development

 

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Stephen Appiah-Padi​

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Stephen Appiah-Padi is an international educator with several years of teaching and administrative experience in both 4 and 2-year HEIs. An experienced global education practitioner-scholar, with a demonstrated history of success in the field.

Dr. Appiah-Padi has a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada in Educational Policy & Administration with a specialization in International/Intercultural Education.

At Northwestern College, he provided oversight in the administration of education abroad and international student services. In Lansing, Michigan, he first oversaw diversity and intercultural education at Lansing Community College, and later created the Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE) which merged intercultural engagement and international education programs of the institution, and he became its first director. Additionally, Dr. Appiah-Padi taught a course, “Diversity in the American Workplace”, to undergraduate management students of the College. In his current position, he provides leadership and vision in advancing strategic internationalization initiatives, including international partnerships and study abroad programs at Bucknell University.

Dr Appiah-Padi has created and facilitated several workshops for faculty and staff development in higher education and in business organizations. He has presented at several national and international conferences. In NAFSA, among several volunteer leadership positions, he has served as Dean of the Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication Workshop, the Leadership Development Committee member, Chair of the Africa Special Interest Group, and a Fellow of the Global Fellowship Program for mentoring emerging leaders of internationalization in African HEIs. He currently serves as a member of the NAFSA Board of Directors.

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Rosa Almoguera

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Dr. Rosa Almoguera has worked as an international educator for over twenty years. She was trained as a Hispanic Philologist at the Universidad Complutense, in Madrid, and did her M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania. Her Ph.D., from Universidad Complutense included a field study and edition of written balladry “Romancero”. During many years Rosa combined teaching and her role as a senior administrator at the Fundación Ortega-Marañón in Toledo, Spain. At the Foundation, Rosa directed and, in many cases created, programs for the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Princeton, Ohio State, Arcadia, and the University of Chicago. She has also been a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, University of Portland, and Interamericana de Puerto Rico.

Beginning in 2016, Rosa works as an international education consultant for both public and private European and US higher education institutions. Rosa has been successful in developing new partnerships and programs, as well as helping improve already existing ones.

Rosa is a member of Forum and NAFSA and has presented with higher education professionals on innovative academic and research programming, STEM in study abroad and Nationalism in Europe. Rosa is currently completing the final Professional Certification from the Forum on Education Abroad.

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