Project Title: Study of Diverse Educational Cultures and Instructional Practices of Western Europe
Project Author: Linda Collins (Mesa)
Abstract: Write a concise summary with descriptive information about your project, location, time span, your relationship to it, etc. Include specific information-- since you have completed your project, your knowledge is valuable and can be shared with your colleagues.
I spent three weeks in central Europe visiting various colleges, universities, and businesses to research and learn about globalization practices, international cultures, and educational approaches in Europe. As I teach in the Business department at Mesa Community College and am the lead faculty for our international business program, it was a valuable experience as it provided me with a keen perspective on how both our business and educational approaches align with each other. In addition, I found my discussions with local businesses interesting as they discussed their perception of the United States business practices, educational approaches, and culture.
Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read.
I accomplished my objectives, plus! However, there were several places I was not able to access due to the beginning of the World Cup soccer championships being held in Germany. I added other events to my calendar that I believe provided for an even richer experience.
Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you?
During my research in Europe, I found it particularly engaging to work with students at several colleges. It was interesting to discover that students in the Netherlands are tracked to a specific type of educational opportunity leading to a specific level of career choices. While there I learned about two different types of colleges HBO and MBO. HBO is the higher level of career preparation which is similar to our universities. MBO is similar to a technical college.
I participated in student presentations at several colleges in relation to international business, international cultures, and international internships. I also had the opportunity to teach several modules of business English and discuss international internships in the United States. I also found it interesting the varied perceptions and approaches to international marketing and distribution I discovered as I met with a diverse group of businesses. My experiences included interviews with faculty and staff as well as classroom visits with students at Koning Willem I College www.kw1c.nl/english/ for international business and travel and tourism. I interviewed two faculty members at Evan Hogeschool University http://www.avans.nl/smartsite.shtml?id=307 and also attended student presentations for international marketing and internships. In the business arena, I had meetings with a farmer in Eindhoven who manufactures goat cheese for distribution and his perspectives for local vs. international distribution; a German clothing manufacturer and international distributor; and the perspectives and adapations in Bernkassel Kues, Germany and what this town has done to maintain their presence in the international arena and challenges. In addition, I also researched a partnership opportunity with one of the colleges to establish an international internship program with a major corporation in the United States. Future options may include this corporation's international interests in France. These experiences have helped me to be more aware of the international opportunities and prepare my students for these opportunities. It's been very exciting!
Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college?
I have already shared my experiences with my department including both fulltime and adjunct faculty members. I plan to share the experiences and related outcomes with other faculty at our college and provide information on the internship program established that includes credit for business courses as well as internship possibilities. I plan to meet with groups of students interested in internships business to share these experiences and also include information on my website. The internship is in its fledgling stages, but has been announced to students and posted in the hallway of our building.
For more information about this project, check out the "package" in the Maricopa Learning eXchange:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=01835