Science and Technology Students DO Study Abroad: Supporting Successful International Experiences in the STEM Majors

Caine Francis

Advisor, International Engineering Programs

Oregon State University

Nick Fleury

Head Advisor, International Degree

Oregon State University

NACADA Region VIII ConferenceMarch 2012

Background

• STEM students are underrepresented among US students studying abroad

• Approximately 13% in 2009/101

• These low numbers are disproportionate to opportunities

1. Institute of International Education. (2011). "Fields of Study of U.S. Study Abroad Students, 1999/00-2008/09." Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from

http://www.iie.org/opendoors

Session Goals

• Understand barriers for STEM students

• Learn effective approaches to support STEM study abroad

• Gain tools to support academic success for STEM students while abroad

Step 1: All About You

STEM Study Abroad: Barriers

• Academic

• Rigid degree requirements

• Once yearly course offerings/course sequencing

STEM Study Abroad: Barriers

• Cultural

• Negative messaging from faculty/advisors

• Lack of personal/family international experience

STEM Study Abroad: Barriers

• Personal

• Financial

• Foreign language fluency

• Academic record

Advising Scenario

• What advice and direction can you offer in your role as an advisor?

• What other resources would be useful to resolve the situation?

Advising Scenario

• Scenario 1 – Faculty Support

• Scenario 2 – Change in Course Offerings

• Scenario 3 – Poor Academic Performance Abroad

• Scenario 4 – Publicizing New STEM Programs

Overcoming Barriers:STEM Study Abroad Promotion

STEM Study Abroad: Promotion• Provide proof

• Highlight student returnee stories and photos

• Provide space (physical or online) for prospective-returnee community building

STEM Study Abroad: Promotion

• Acknowledge the myth

• “Engineers DO Study Abroad!”

• Address the unique academic planning required

STEM Study Abroad: Promotion

• Personal benefits

• No better time for international travel

• Put your degree in a global context

• Study abroad is the first of many travels

STEM Study Abroad: Promotion• Personal benefits: the résumé

• A unique accomplishment among peers

• Familiarity with international travel

• Intercultural skills

• Demonstrates planning, organization, maturity

• Directed research and/or internship experience

STEM Study Abroad: Promotion

• Personal benefits: additional degree options

• Example: OSU’s Int’l Degree

• Int’l Studies or Global Learning minor/certificate

Academic Success Abroad

Prior to Departure• Scholarships

• Germany – RISE

• Global E3

• Whitaker program - Biomedical

• STEM consideration

• Boren Awards

• Gilman

• Freeman-ASIA

Prior to Departure

• The major-specific pre-departure orientation

• Connect with peers going abroad

• Ask “stupid” questions to gain confidence

• Emphasize new course approvals if needed

Prior to Departure• Relay academic information

• Europe:

• more theory, less application

• optional reading/attendance

• final exam = course grade

• oral exams

Prior to Departure

• Relay academic information

• Asia:

• instructors are invested

• performance reviewed publicly

• mutual responsibility among students

Prior to Departure

• Confirm grade translations, when possible

• Program providers:

• translations provided by program

• Exchange partners:

• translations determined by institution

During the Study Period

During the Study Period• Check in with students on academic progress

• Connect students with host university resources

• Ensure student transcripts will be sent

Science and Technology Students

DO Study Abroad!Caine Francis

Advisor, International Engineering Programs

Oregon State University

caine.francis@oregonstate.edu

Nick Fleury

Head Advisor, International Degree

Oregon State University

nick.fleury@oregonstate.edu