Pre-departure orientation : program for study abroad students utilizing the on-campus international community

Abstract

The purpose of this creative project was to create a pre-departure orientation for Ball State University study abroad students utilizing the resources of international students. However, the project can be altered to fit any university’s study abroad program. The project was conceptualized to give study abroad students the most pertinent information about the country they are studying in. The project will provide readers with specific instructions on how to create a pre-departure orientation involving international students to provide firsthand knowledge about their home country. The goal of this project was to provide study abroad students with the most helpful information about living in another country before they departed. The students will learn about culture and custom issues before they depart, which will allow them to prepare for the differences. The international students volunteering for the pre-departure workshop will be helpful to the American students, because the American students will be able to ask them specific questions about their home country. The presence of the international students is significant because students will become familiar with a new person from a foreign land. The workshop will allow students to begin thinking about independent travel excursions, studying techniques, and culture issues. This pre-departure orientation will allow students to get the most out of their study abroad experience, and will help them truly understand the culture of the country of their study abroad choice. College provides students with multiple ways for students to develop mentally, behaviorally, and emotionally. Studying abroad was a way for colleges to embrace and enhance student development. It was necessary for study abroad students to move beyond their borders to understand themselves and their home nation. The pre-departure orientation will assist students in gaining the most from their study abroad experience.