Expand Your Perspective: International Programs in South Africa, Thailand and Denmark & Sweden
For students seeking an international learning experience, faculty of the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning offer three distinct learning abroad programs in South Africa, Thailand, and Denmark & Sweden.
Each program’s curriculum specifically integrates experiential and innovative teaching and learning practices, allowing students to expand and redefine their perspectives through international education, interdisciplinary thinking and cross-cultural engagement.
Stories of Social Change: A South African Perspective
EDHD 3100/5100 – 3 Credits
December 27, 2014 – January 17, 2015
During this winter break program, Ezra Hyland guides students as they investigate the ways literature illuminates individual struggles and the relationships of these struggles to larger, global social forces. Students can expect to build their capacity for literary analysis and gain a deeper understanding of diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies.
Hyland, who travels frequently to South Africa and has brought several South African scholars to the University, sees South Africa as a mirror for America: one that gives students a metaphorical window into American society. His desired outcome of the program is to help students see the world with new eyes. “Once they’ve read the literature, interacted with the people, and seen the places, I don’t think they’ll ever be the same again,” says Hyland. Course description and enrollment.
Global Change, Environment, and Families in Thailand
EDHD 3100/5100 – 3 Credits
May 16 – June 6, 2015
During this May term study abroad, led by Linda Buturian (PsTL) and Dr. Catherine Solheim (FSoS), students will gain insight into social justice issues from interactions with community leaders and hill tribe villagers in northern Thailand. Students will examine the complexity of globalization, specifically its impact on environmental sustainability, economic and family well-being, and community development as it relates to changes along the Mekong River. Through brief home stays and service learning projects, students will experience community life and contribute to the social change work. “The program provides students with a deeper vision of community, and demonstrates the power of community-based approaches to effecting positive social change,” says Buturian.
After they return, students will use digital storytelling to reflect on and communicate their learning. A writer and digital storyteller herself, Buturian knows the value of the assignment: “A digital narrative is a respectful, inclusive medium that helps students shape, understand and communicate the layers of their experiences with greater ownership and engagement.” Course description and enrollment.
Examining the Good Life in Denmark and Sweden
EDHD 3100 – 3 Credits
May 20 – June 13, 2015
How do education, urban design, employment and environmentalism contribute to a happy and healthy population? Using positive psychology and happiness research as conceptual frameworks, students will critically examine quality of life issues, current events and policies of Denmark and Sweden, whose residents are reported to be some of the happiest individuals in the world. With Copenhagen as their living laboratory, students will employ a multidisciplinary approach to investigate factors that contribute to urban livability and positive well-being. A visit to Malmo, Sweden allows students to compare findings of the good life between neighboring countries.
“The curriculum encourages students to think and act like social scientists using their own disciplinary lens,” says Mike Stebleton, program leader. “Like the local residents, we will explore the city by bike and foot through car-free streets, but we’ll also analyze issues related to immigration, diversity and social justice.” At the end of the course, students will prepare a digital storytelling narrative based on their analysis of a current event in Danish society. Course description and enrollment.
