2026 SPE Annual Conference: Catalyst for Exchange
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print this pageThe Lifelong Benefits of International Studies
Teaching Methodology & Research: Skott Chandler & Jerry Rawlings
Saturday, September 14 - 2:00PM to 2:45PM
ELIF 305
In May we took 21 students on a two-week trip to Iceland, to experience the culture and photograph the people, places, and events we encountered along the way. We will discuss the benefits of these kinds of programs and how to develop an international curriculum.
Jerry has been involved with three service learning classes, two to the Philippines and one to Botswana. "In all my years of teaching I have never been involved on a project that has the positive impact that International Service Learning has on students," Jerry states. The success of the international trips has resulted in a curriculum change in the Black Hills State University photography department to encompass an international trip once per year to promote travel and cultural understanding.
The goal of this presentation is to both inspire and help other faculty who would like to include an international component into their curriculum.
Topics to be covered will include:
- Types of faculty lead international trips on our campus
- International Service Learning
- International Experience
- Working with the campus international relations staff
- Outlining and planning the trip
- Student pre-trip: Before leaving, students study the culture, politics, history and geography of the areas we are going to visit
- Learning outcomes, including: How international travel creates global citizens of our students
- Gives students greater understanding of different cultures
- Helps to combat racism and bigotry
- Exposes students to new religions
- Exposes students to differing political climates
- Promotes diversity
- Give students a better idea of the ideology of their place in a global society
- Student immersion in the culture where they experience some of the major differences between our two cultures.
- Topics for International Service Learning Trips:
- Students learn practical teaching experience
- The classrooms on site, our students implement their curriculum. The curriculum includes concepts about:
- Leadership skills
- Anti-bullying
- Healthy relationships
- Working within a team
- Anti drug use
- The value of education
- The impact on the students at the schools we visit is equally as influential as the experience is to our students
Last year we visited Sudlon National High School in the Philippines, 90 percent of their students are continuing on to obtain college degrees. Almost all of the students credit their interaction with BHSU students as one of the primary reasons that inspired them to continue their education. International learning experiences make a tangible difference in a student's life, and the results are almost immediate. These classes are the most positive, impactful teaching experience for both faculty, students, and the students and faculty of the international schools we interact with. With our presentation we hope to be able to provide both an inspiration and guide to help more faculty create these experiences on their campuses.
speakers
Jerry Rawlings
Skott Chandler
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