Packing for Your Study Abroad Experience Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexual Politics Amsterdam 2012 Adapted from Linda Gross, Michigan State University, 2011

When you think about your upcoming study abroad experience, what are your learning goals and how will you achieve them in each of the skill groups below? Please feel free to elaborate in whatever way you choose in answering the following questions. That is, you do not need to answer point by point, but could choose to answer in paragraph form the basic questions asked in Skill Group #1 and Skill Group #2. Be thoughtful about this first excursion into thinking through the meaning of this experience for your development. You may place your response into the Angel Dropbox labeled “Packing for your Study Abroad,” or use email if necessary. Then bring a print copy of your answers to Amsterdam, as we will be looking at it over the weekend. The online version is due by June 29 th. This assignment will comprise 2.5% of your grade.

Skill Group #1 a. Interacting w/ people who hold different interests, values, perspectives b. Understanding cultural differences in policy-making, in academia, and in the workplace c. Adapting to situations of change

1. What knowledge, skills, or other aptitudes do you already have?

2. What knowledge, skills, or other aptitudes do you wish to enhance?

3. What experiences or learning might you seek out to achieve?

4. What barriers/challenges might you face?

5. What assets, skills, or support might you need to overcome challenges and achieve?

Skill Group #2 d. Gaining new knowledge from experiences e. Being able to establish priorities f. Ability to work independently g. Working effectively with others h. Resourcefulness in undertaking unfamiliar tasks

1. What knowledge, skills, or other aptitudes do you already have?

2. What knowledge, skills, or other aptitudes do you want to enhance?

3. What experiences or learning might you seek out to achieve this?

4. What barriers/challenges might you face?

5. What assets, skills, or support might you need to overcome challenges and achieve this goal? Adapted from Linda Gross, Michigan State University, 2011