foundations, foibles and discovery: internationalising a campus through short-term trips abroad

Abstract

This article examines how the political science department of a small, regional university (Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania) has tried to develop activities that will help internationalise the student body and the campus. The article examines, in an attempt to prepare and internationalise students, the departments' short-term study abroad opportunities. In particular, the article evaluates one course as a case study and proposes a new method aimed at trying to assess its efficacy. In doing so, this article will review the literature on the impact of study abroad, focusing on shortterm study (or faculty-led) experiences and discuss the pedagogical motivations of such courses. Finally, the article will propose, and preliminarily test, a new method of assessing short-term study about courses. The conclusion of this article speculates on the final results and details the substantial barriers to replication and augmentation of these programmes.

Bridging the Unbridged: A Case Study of a U.S. University’s Study Abroad Program in Beijing

“…Meanwhile, many parents worry that studying abroad will not directly promote their children's future employment, with doubts about studying abroad involving questions like "Will this help them find better jobs in the future?" (Sachleben, 2016). This doubt presents both a challenge and an opportunity for attracting foreign students to study in China.…”