Study Abroad Models of the Future
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WHITEPAPER Study Abroad Models of the Future Pointers on Flexible, Sustainable and Inclusive Programming Working Group Members and Authors Campus OWL Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Dr. Katja Simons Ms. Priya S. Nayar DAAD German Academic Exchange Service Heidelberg University Ms. Uta Gaedeke Ms. Amanda Daquila Ms. Hanni Geist Mr. Peter Kerrigan UAS7 - Universities of Applied Sciences Ms. Patrizia Nobbe, Ph.D 2 Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE 03 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER TWO 05 BACKGROUND: CONTEXTUAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES CHAPTER THREE 08 IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES CHAPTER FOUR 10 SURVEY OF EXISTING EDUCATION ABROAD MODELS CHAPTER FIVE 14 BEST PRACTICES CHAPTER SIX 16 MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM TRENDS CHAPTER SEVEN 18 FUTURE TRENDS 3 Introduction This paper examines various study abroad models in existence, with a focus on transatlantic collaboration while also providing a critical analysis for opportunities and future trends. The purpose of the white paper is to review the disruption, which in many ways could be equated current state of the transatlantic exchange be- to a creative destruction space, has enabled a space tween North American and German universities for new opportunities for engagement and innova- and to critically examine, analyze and outline tion. Through this paper we are exploring the core the broad strokes of what a potential future takeaways that can positively impact higher edu- vision of this relationship could be. Specifically, cation institutions that participate in study abroad this review is aimed towards developing new programs. models that strengthen and enable transat- lantic study abroad and provide opportunities Our paper also highlights the values and life skills for reflection, change and inclusion. The paper (learning) students receive from their experience delves into what are and could be the learning of studying abroad. According to the Institute of outcomes of study abroad. International Education, “Study Abroad is one of the best ways students can acquire global skills and Typically, the study abroad programs are stu- open up personal and professional opportunities.” dent-centric models that are customized based on Historically, study abroad students have better em- university agreements, geographical limitations ployment prospects after graduation, AIM Overseas and other factors. We have made a full attempt to highlights that more than 60% of employers agree highlight the most common models in use by our that an “overseas study experience is positive on a various institutions and the specific challenges and resume”. opportunities they offer. While this paper is not an exhaustive collection of models, we are considering the most utilized options for student mobility. This paper operates on the as- sumption of the inherent value of Keeping in mind the current crisis globally - tradi- study abroad (see Fig. 1). tional norms, conventions and structures around business, international relations, socio-cultural markers, as well as teaching-learning methods have been disrupted. The institutional stakeholders in the higher education landscape are evidencing their capacity and ability to pivot the standard models in order to respond to the needs of the time. This 4 Fig. 1: Example of Values of Study Abroad LANGUAGE CULTURAL IMMERSION COMMUNICATION LEARNING INTEGRATION CULTURAL GROWTH EMOTIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARENESS MINDSET INTELLIGENCE SELF- PROBLEM ADAPTABILITY INDEPENDENCE AWARENESS SOLVING TRAVEL AND LIVING OUTSIDE SELF-RELIANCE COURAGE NEGOTIATING COMFORT ZONES CHOICES 5 Background Contextual Challenges and Opportunities Supported by massive, dedicated federal and International mobility and exchange have never state programs, academic internationalization been without challenges, especially between the from the American perspective has spiked in United States and Germany, but now long-term, sys- recent decades. Transatlantic academic mobility temic challenges are merging with short-term ones, was trending upwards: Over the past 20 years, forcing internationalization into a kick-start mode, education abroad more than doubled. (IIE) The and opening new possibilities. predominant study abroad fields were the STEM fields, making up 25% and Business & Man- In the following we will list a few of those well- agement as the second most popular with 20% known challenges to international mobility to out- (2017/18), even though study abroad interest line and frame the priorities for the way forward. shifted from traditional one-semester and one- year study abroad experiences to more short- term programs and internships. By March 2020, the abroad experience industry had grown exponentially, with countless opportunities offered via universities and third-party providers. However, international mobility came to a grinding halt during the COVID-19 crisis, which is still going on at the point of this writing, and its future shape is somewhat uncertain at present. 6 Known Challenges To International Mobility PANDEMIC ACCESS COVID-19 requires physical distancing mea- Expensive exchange costs bear on equal par- sures, leading universities in both United States ticipatory opportunity among groups who are and Germany to shut down parts of their Spring traditionally underrepresented in international 2020 and Fall 2020 national and international study abroad programs, for example, based on programming, including study abroad oppor- class, race, gender, and ability. Diversity and tunities. At the time of writing this, Spring 2021 inclusion at a university level require proactive programming remains uncertain. and affirmative actions which in turn make the programs more expensive. Opportunity: CLIMATE CHANGE restructuring of universities and university funding of study abroad towards more inclu- Transatlantic exchange happens across an sive measures. ocean, with environmental implications. Including non-mobility based, virtual formats POLITICAL may lower the environmental impact of inter- national education but at the same time, carry International education and higher education with them their own challenges. are under political fire in the US. While having only limited mandates over concerns related to COSTS higher education, federal policy decisions may target universities through spending patterns Study abroad is expensive for all students and visa regulation decisions, such as recent because of the financial and logistical costs changes in student visa and work regulations of living abroad, and the opportunity costs for foreign students. of generally not being able to work during physical exchanges. Costs are especially high LANGUAGE AND CULTURE for students in the United States, because of the tuition-centric model, which requires Study abroad is more integral to student life in them to continue paying tuition at their home Germany than it is in the US. This is not only campuses while studying abroad. Some of the supported by more comprehensive public costs may be mitigated through organizations funding of such programs, serving as a polit- supporting exchange (DAAD, DFG, Fulbright, US ical statement, but also reflected in language nonprofits and university grants), but full cost access. The different languages are barriers coverage often is not achieved. Study abroad in and incentives of study abroad at the same the United States is also expensive for students time. Even though it is difficult for both sides from Germany because living (and studying) to navigate administrative systems and culture costs are much higher with limited scholarship in the other language, the barrier is higher for opportunities. Finally, study abroad is also English-speaking US students, as German is a expensive for universities, which maintain less common language than vice versa. infrastructures and require program funds for these opportunities; that is a problem especial- ly for universities in the United States which are more competitively organized than Canadian and German universities. 7 Fig. 2: The Challenges of Traditional Study Abroad CHALLENGES UNITED STATES GERMANY OPPORTUNITIES Environmental Transatlantic exchange happens across an ocean, More virtual formats Impact with environmental implications. address this issue Costs for Travel, health insurance & cost-of-living abroad, costs Virtual, hybrid models students of non-work while abroad & blended mobility Environmental formats lower each of Impact these cost items Tuition-centric model Generally free for Hybrid models add students (paid for by study abroad flexibility German taxpayers) or low fees Costs for High associated infrastructure costs; programs more Re-prioritize universities endangered on the US side because of competitive international university landscape. education; virtual formats and hybrid models lower costs. Access Expensive exchange costs bear on equal opportunity The introduction of participation in exchange programs based on class, hybrid, blended race, gender, and ability. formats with emphasis on barrier-free technology may make access easier on all levels. Cultural Study abroad is less Study abroad is more The introduction of common in the US integral to student life hybrid, blended formats because of cost factors. in Germany than it is in may make access easier the US. on all levels. Political will & Study abroad and Broad uncertainty The proliferation of uncertainty higher education under over the near future of hybrid, blended political fire in the US, transatlantic exchange formats may serve as affecting visas & status.