Leslie AndersonJeannie Bonner Simmons

Ryan MeyerJill Reister

Leslie Anderson◦ Study Abroad Coordinator – Ohio State University

Jeannie Bonner Simmons ◦ Program Specialist – Ohio State University

Ryan Meyer ◦ Program Manager – University of Cincinnati

Jill Reister ◦ Program Manager – University of Cincinnati

It’s hard to feel confident when talking to students about places you haven’t been to before yourself.

Pronunciation World Geography Staying up on current events and politics And above all being confident, even when

you’re not sure.

1. Phuket, Thailand◦ This is definitely not a good one to learn the hard

way and to make it even more difficult, advice on the correct way to pronounce it can vary. To avoid scowls, general disdain, and possibly worse, go with "Pu-get.“

4. Oaxaca, Mexico◦ For non-Spanish speakers, the chances of

mangling this one are pretty high. Just remember that there's no "hoax" in Oaxaca and that Osaka is in Japan. The correct way to say it is "Wah-ha-ca.“

6. Wauchope, Australia◦ If you want to give the locals a good laugh, refer

to this as "War-choppy." The real pronunciation is actually "War-hope."

7. Cobh, Ireland◦ Even the simplest of names can be deceptive.

Keep in mind that it's on an island, not in a cornfield, so pronounce it "Cove," not "Cob.“

*Reuters - Travel Picks: 10 of the top most mispronounced places

Preparation is key, when it comes to pronunciation.

YouTube is a great resource for hard to pronounce words.◦ Ex. Qin Shi Huang Di

Language departments and coworkers

Library videos and documentaries

Merriam-Webster online

Countries change, geography shifts, and politics can affect the names of places.◦ Ho Chi Minh City vs. Saigon◦ Burma vs. Union of Myanmar◦ Kosovo vs. Serbia

How can you stay current as the world continually shifts?

Geography is vital to what we do. It’s impossible to know everything, but

there are quick and easy things to do to “fake it.”

Wikipedia and Culturgrams are great resources for students and advisors.◦ Constantly monitored, and kept up to date.

Websites like http://www.sporcle.com/ can be a fun way to stay up to date.

Stay up to date with world news, pick a source that is easy to access.◦ NPR, BBC, CNN◦ CIA.gov, travel.state.gov

Read and use guidebooks that you would recommend.

We are not travel agents, or experts on world geography, but students still respect our advice.

Stay Current!◦ Students aren’t going to call centers, they are

using Skype, www.skype.com. Don’t rely too much on your own

travel/study abroad experience Danger of sounding outdated, rusty, or,

completely incorrect Danger of sounding like a “know-it-all”,

self-centered or could be intimidating

Confidence is key. Even if you haven’t been to a particular

destination, your world expertise is valued. Anticipate questions in advance

◦ Prepare your answers for questions you know are coming.

◦ Is North Korea going to attack South Korea?

Do your homework, when possible. Age and experience can impact confidence.

◦ Seek out ways to get more experience and continue learning. Rent documentaries Audit a class Enroll in a certificate program Seek an additional degree

Never underestimate the returnee experience. Incorporating information from past students is

always important:◦ Debriefings, blogs and websites, articles, evaluations

Hire employees and peer advisors with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

When all else fails, defer to someone in the office that does know.

Bringing another advisor into the conversation does not reflect poorly on your expertise.

Advise by example Don’t be afraid to tell students that you

don’t have as much experience in a certain area.

Encourage curiosity, resourcefulness, goodresearch habits.

It’s okay not to know everything-you’re not supposed to, but acknowledge that differences will exist

Framing your programs properly is important:◦Framing increases the chances of achieving

goals.◦Framing requires initiative.◦Framing is for everybody.◦Framing opportunities are everywhere.

Instead of a developing country, it’s ripe with adventure.

Instead of guinea pig, students are pioneers.*The Art of Framing: Managing the Language of Leadership, Gail T.

Fairhurst & Robert A. Sarr

Use language that students can relate to.◦ Adventure, fun, once in a lifetime.

Manage their expectations carefully.◦ Describe accommodations accurately◦ Don’t sugar coat it too much

Put things in historical context for students◦ Swine flu after SARS

Don’t neglect promoting programs you know less about

Recruiting versus Orientation◦When is it appropriate to correct a

student’s pronunciation/knowledge base or let it slide?

◦What is the student’s level of comfort and international experience?

◦What is reasonable to expect the student to know and what is “main-stream” pronunciation?

“Reading” the student

A sales approach to advising can impact recruitment and retention. ◦Students/parents are our customers.

Persuasive advising can impact retention.◦Consumer behavior: convince them that

this experience will be worth the total cost. Info. tables are mini advising sessions.

◦How can you impact a student in five minutes?

◦What is your sales pitch?

What are the advantages or annoyances of advising based on region?

What are the advantages or challenges of having a generalist approach?

What are resources you use or recommend for your students?

Pitfalls you have encountered with bad information or lack of information?