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My Experience In Pictures

My Experience In Pictures

Tool Objectives:

  1. To analyze and interpret local culture through the medium of photography.
  2. To investigate a particular global issue or topic central to the course and of personal interest.
  3. To become a more careful and astute observer and to engage in conscientious reflection of one’s intercultural experiences.

Tool Description:

A picture is worth a thousand words! Taking photographs is a common activity during most international travel.  This exercise encourages students to use their camera view finder as a means through which to better understand the host culture and expand their knowledge of a particular global issue. In doing so, students learn to be more careful and astute observers and engage in conscientious reflection of their learning.  And they might become better photographers, too!

Tool Procedures:

  1. Photography Etiquette. Prior to departure or shortly after arrival, facilitate a brief discussion about photography etiquette. For example, have students discuss the importance of asking permission before taking someone’s photo. Remind students to exercise caution when taking photographs.  Some country-specific laws may apply, see www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country.
  1. Global Issues. Have students decide on a particular global issue or a topic central to the course. The focus of the activity will be to document evidence of that issue while abroad. Potential global issues could include energy conservation, global branding, environmental degradation, terrorism, politics, etc.
  1. Photo Album. Upon return, have each student select 8-10 photos taken during the international travel component of the course and compose 2-3 succinct paragraphs describing each photo and its significance to the global issue. Encourage students to cite assigned reading from the course or other secondary sources in their descriptions. The photographs and descriptions should be organized in a photo album with other mementos or evidence of the global issue. Alternatively, consider allowing students the option of creating an on-line photo album, such as on My Space or Facebook.  A Facebook account for the course could be set up.
  1. Open House. If time allows, consider hosting an end of course Open House, in which students present their photo albums to each other and invited guests. This would allow students the opportunity to share their learning with others and thus, broaden the reach of the course. This may also be an effective strategy for the future promotion of the course.
  1. Optional:  As not every student will have a digital camera, it may be necessary to have students work in pairs. Also, consider having students write the descriptions in the host language.

Tool Evaluation:

Students should not be graded on their photography skills. Instead, they should be graded on how the photos and related descriptions document and explain the global issue. The assignment should not count for more than 20% of the overall course grade. If possible, prepare a sample photo with a description that explains a global issue related to the course content.

Tool Time Requirement:

One class session for Open House (optional, post-study abroad)

Tool Author(s):

M. Reinig & A. Ogden, 2009

Tool Handouts [.doc or .docx]:
My Experience in Pictures Handout

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

Sponsored by:

Mark Beirn

AFFILIATE

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

 

Stephen Appiah-Padi​

AFFILIATE

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

AFFILIATE

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.