Student-centered learning abroad that enhances internationalization of teaching programs

The goal of this project is to enhance the integration of international perspectives into teaching programs in animal sciences. A student-centered learning abroad program was developed that places students in direct contact with international researchers. Students participate in an eight-week internship at a research institute in Denmark or Holland where they work on animal-related research projects. They also learn about broader topics related to animal production and welfare as viewed by their international counterparts. The students worked on several specific ongoing research projects with Danish and Dutch scientists. Funding for the students??? visits is from a USDA-funded grant. Placing undergraduate students in a position to impact the internationalization of our departmental teaching program is challenging. To meet this challenge we developed a course aimed at enhancing direct faculty-student interactions, as well as developing specific products that may be used for internationalizing existing courses. The course provides the framework for the students to capitalize on their international experiences. Through this course, faculty work directly with undergraduate students who have learning abroad experiences to create modules on topics that may be used in other animal sciences courses. Modules are developed based on pedagogically sound principles. Modules will provide an opportunity for students to impact the learning of their fellow undergraduates about international technologies, approaches, and perspectives in various courses of the undergraduate curriculum. The students who have traveled to Europe have come to view that part of the world, as well as the US, in a very different light. Their experiences have heightened their interest in international travel and work. Collectively, their experiences will have an extended effect on the international perspectives and interests of other students.unpublishednot peer reviewe