Embedding global learning through in-country study
Date: 14 May, 2009
Location: George Eliot 219 (ICAN) (pdf), Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University
Event type: Workshop
Past event summary
This one-day workshop engages participants in discussion about in-country study and how it can be integrated into LLAS programmes. In-country study can be thought of as a period of structured international study, during which the host country itself becomes the object of study. It combines flexible course design, innovative delivery, often using blended learning formats. The workshop brings together colleagues working in languages, international relations, Geography and many other disciplines with an Area Studies focus. It aims to explore the key components of in-country study, and consider how it can be adapted to different contexts in order to foster experiential, deeper and longer lasting habits of international engagement by undergraduate students.
There is ample parking at Clifton Campus (see map, pdf) and a limited number of spaces are available for reservation directly outside George Eliot for those with accessibility requirements. Please contact: clare.newstead@ntu.ac.uk to reserve one of these spaces.
Travel information
www.ntu.ac.uk/about_ntu/maps_travel/travel_nottingham
This event is organised by Clare Newstead and Murray Pratt at Nottingham Trent University, under the Subject Centre's Workshops to go scheme.
Workshop fee
There is no charge to attend for employees and students of publicly funded UK and Republic of Ireland educational institutions. The fee for employees and students of private institutions/organisations is £40. Lunch and refreshements will be provided. We reserve the right to charge a £50.00 non-attendance fee.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10.00 - 10.30 | Registration |
| 10.30 - 11.00 | Welcome and introduction Prof Murray Pratt (NTU) |
| 11.00 - 12.30 | Transculturation and time: revisiting first impressions after a year of in-country study Dr Maja Mikula (UTS) |
| 12.30 - 13.00 | Lunch |
| 13.30 - 14.45 | Intercultural learning and study abroad Donna Humphrey (NTU) Download:  presentation (powerpoint) |
| 14.45 - 15.30 | Coffee and breakout group discussion |
| 15.30 - 16.30 | Roundtable discussion Dr Clare Newstead (NTU, chair) Dr Jo McCormack (Anglia Ruskin) Nicholas Manganas (UTS) Additional participant to be confirmed |
Event report: Embedding global learning through in-country study
by Dr Clare Newstead
Murray Pratt welcomed workshop participants and introduced ‘In-Country Study’. Maja Mikula then provided a fascinating insight into the shifting perceptions of the students she had worked with, over the duration of their In-Country Study in Italy, highlighting the opportunities for learning through reflection on personal encounters and experiences. Her talk also highlighted some of the practical ways this sort of learning can be achieved (e.g. through reflective diaries). Time in the programme was created for Neil Hughes and Phillip Pierce to introduce participants to a ‘Wiki-map’ they have designed so Nottingham Trent University exchange students can create information profiles on the places they are studying . After lunch, Donna Humphrey gave a presentation on approaches to inter-cultural learning. She encouraged participants to think about how they set-up intercultural learning and stressed how this can shape students’ confidence in cross-cultural contexts. The range of approaches presented complemented the breadth of experiences highlighted in Mikula’s presentation. Humphrey also provided an excellent range of resources for participants to draw upon in constructing learning activities. After tea, there was an hour for ‘roundtable discussion’. Due to the size of the participant group, this was informal and provided a useful opportunity for participants and panel members to share their experiences.
Event outcomes
Feedback on the day, both formally and in conversation with participants, suggested everyone found the event interesting, useful and inspiring. It was widely agreed that the sort of global learning promoted by In-Country Study was not only innovative but important for establishing lasting habits of international engagement by undergraduate students. It was recognised that In-Country Study provides opportunities to build upon existing international exchange arrangements but that it might work better when students are prepared for their study through research practice in advance of their departure. Over the course of the day, participants were introduced to practical forms of assessment and a range of learning activities that could be adapted or adopted in their own programmes. Finally, the workshop allowed NTU colleagues across the LLAS disciplines to meet, network and connect around the role In-Country Study will play in the Global Studies subject, new for 2009.
