Packing Slip 
item |
Global Engagement:The Czech Republic , A Faculty Development Program in Prague |
contact |
Sue Vanboven (Paradise Valley Community College) sue.vanboven@pvmail.maricopa.edu |
college(s) |
Paradise Valley Community College |
discipline(s) |
International business |
summary |
I participated in a study abroad experience under the direction of the District International Education Office. Faculty from various campuses travelled to Prague, Czech Republic and studied at Prague College. |
details |
The District International Education Office offered a two-week program (July 15-31) in Prague, Czech Republic. With Prague College as the host, the program provided lectures and field visits in the area of history, politics, economics, and culture. The role of the Czech Republic in the European Union was a continual theme. The group consisted of faculty from all campuses. We engaged in a series of meetings, seminars and roundtables with educators, government officials, and business leaders. In particular I visited Radio Free Europe, Czech Invest, International Research Institute, and the American Chamber of Commerce. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------ The program went very well. The 15 participants, from various colleges, held many educational dialogues as a group. I certainly accomplished my objectives. I obtained a richer, more personal perception of World War II and communism. We actually spoke with former communists and the trials and tribulations they endured. I was able to personally observe the economy, culture, markets and general business environment of the Czech Republic. I One of the members of the group is an international distributor and I learned a great deal from him. This information I have incorporated in my International Business lectures. I would have liked more opportunities to hear from business leaders and explore factories, etc. There were no surprises, only the weather was a bit warmer than I had anticipated. The length of the program was perfect. We were not rushed but it was a fast paced program. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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? ------------------------------------------------------------ This program was very valuable for me. I grew up in the era of Russia and communism, the Cold War. Hearing several of the lecturers share their personal experiences, gave what I have learned new meaning. I now know people who have lived through communism. I have learned how difficult it is for a former communist country to become democratic. It was interesting to learn how important the European Union is for small countries. I had no idea the amount of political party turn-over the Czech Republic has encountered. The diversity of the population and the diversity of tourist were amazing to observe and hear. I feel confidant to discuss with my students many of the issues presented when the free nations attempt to communicate and trade with former communist countries. I want to encourage students to travel to Europe as the experience is something that can’t be taught. I am so looking forward to having yearly study abroad programs to Prague. I hope to teach there in the future. ------------------------------------------------------------ Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college? ------------------------------------------------------------ I will include cultural discussions of the Czech Republic in my Business Communications class and International Business classes. I received copies of most of the lectures. I will also discuss the differences between a capitalistic and communistic economic society in my accounting courses. Prague College is seeking business instructors so I have promoted that opportunity to my division colleagues at our division meetings. I will also be discussing this with our retired instructors. I have made some excellent contacts with Prague College. Next summer one of our business faculties will do a study abroad program in Prague. I have assisted this instructor in developing the program and will provide the student orientation. I will be holding a brown bag lunch on campus to discuss the trip, and future opportunities with my colleagues at Paradise Valley Community College. Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/ |
shareback |
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extra |
Last modified: Sep-08-2006 Date created: Sep-08-2006 Visitor count: 2070 Dublin Core Metadata record  This package is included in the Faculty Professional Growth Summer Project Reports special collection. |
Maricopa Learning eXchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=1860
