Special Project: Experiential Learning in International Education - Study Abroad Assistant

This special project course through the Student Life and Development Office offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the study abroad experience from the perspective of the hosting country. The SLD office is the main point of reference for all incoming students. Responsibilities range from assisting with planning, organizing and promoting activities, contributing articles to the school publications, and general office duties. Students are expected to effectively collect and share information to students and the academic community. Students assist with the preparation of all orientation materials for future sessions and students. Furthermore they will learn to handle sensitive issues related to culture shock and adjusting to studying/living abroad as well as leading facility tours for institutional visitors and potential students. Special projects are assigned depending on the area of interest.

This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.