European Study Abroad Conferences

2023 EUASA European Study Abroad Conference

September 28, 2023

Organised by on-site staff in Europe, the Second Annual Virtual European Study Abroad Conference centred and drew upon the experience of colleagues in different programs around Europe, welcoming perspectives from U.S. colleagues to engage in conversation.

Call for Presenters

Proposals were sought for presenters or teams of presenters to join interactive sessions. Themes proposed included:

• Connecting with Students in the Digital Age
• Internships: Challenges and Opportunities
• Artificial Intelligence in Education Abroad
• A day in the life of a study abroad program: Jack of all Trades
• Tracking students across Europe during independent travel
• Accessibility and inclusion in education abroad for those with disabilities
• Legal issues related to operating programs on site
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with EU partner universities
• Erasmus + and Erasmus Mundus programs and the possibilities for U.S. Study Abroad programs in the EU
• The History of Study Abroad Programs in Europe
• Other topics of interest, including student perspectives

2022 EUASA European Study Abroad Conference

February 10 and 11, 2022

Conference Materials

Materials prepared by session leaders included:

• Session 1: Climate Action and Sustainability in European Education Abroad Slidedeck
• Session 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a European Study Abroad Context Reading List
• Session 3: Evolving Hybridity in Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad Slidedeck
• Session 4: Drawing the Battle Lines: The Future of Study Abroad in Europe Slidedeck

Schedule

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Session 1: Climate Action and Sustainability in European Education Abroad
Stephen Robinson – Champlain College Dublin, Ireland (Chair/Moderator)
Scott Blair – International Higher Education Consultant, France
Daniel Ponce-Taylor – IOI (Intercultural Outreach Initiative), Spain

COP 26 in Glasgow focused the world’s attention on the climate crisis, highlighting the need to cut carbon emissions and embrace sustainable lifestyles. Study abroad is by its nature a carbon intensive educational practice. This session outlined the magnitude of the carbon impact of study abroad in Europe and provided leaders and programs with steps to minimize climate impact through program adjustments, offsetting, onsetting, and insetting activities. It also discussed working with students to minimize their carbon footprints.

Session 2: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a European Study Abroad Context
Julia Carnine – Dickinson College, Toulouse, France (Chair/Moderator)
Janine Ludwig – Dickinson College, University of Bremen, Germany
Allison Davis-White Eyes – Fielding Graduate University, USA
Philipp Kneis – Oregon State University, USA

The topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has taken center stage at many U.S. institutions and study abroad sites. This session clarified terms and foundational works; placed these theories in a historical context of political thought and cultural theory; discussed intercultural problems resulting from applying U.S.-centered approaches; and presented a response paper on useful practices based on field experience.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Session 3: Evolving Hybridity in Teaching and Learning in Study Abroad
Pia Schneider – Iowa State University, Italy (Chair/Moderator)
Giacomo Sprocatti – Florida State University, Italy
Kelly Bohan – Middlebury College, France

Distance learning enabled programs to shift to remote teaching and working during the pandemic. This session discussed moving forward with hybrid models while promoting the cultural exploration and on-site learning crucial in study abroad, touching on ways to maximize technological possibilities for staff and faculty.

Session 4: Drawing the Battle Lines: The Future of Study Abroad in Europe
Karl Dowling – Big Pond Education, Ireland (Chair/Moderator)
Mark Blakemore – Big Pond Education, UK
Antonio Vanni – Accademia Europea di Firenze, Italy
Karen McBride – Bound International, USA

This session focused on how international education moves forward post-pandemic. Mark Blakemore spoke on the importance of nurturing empathy across difference through shared experiences and living/learning communities. Antonio Vanni spoke on infusing the concept of citizenship throughout course and programme design. Karen McBride argued that virtual programming provided a roadmap to make international experiences meaningful online while rendering the field more affordable and environmentally sustainable.