Abstract
An international experience helps create an
awareness of international perspectives and prepares
students for a global workforce. Creating an effective
study abroad experience requires strong collaboration
and active involvement of local and foreign host partner
institutions. This paper describes a one month summer
study abroad experience in Uganda developed jointly by
North Dakota State University (NDSU) and Makerere
University in Kampala, Uganda to offer international
educational experiences with an emphasis on animal
production and health. The elements shared in this
paper include: course overview and objectives; course
requirements, content and evaluation, management and
funding; student participation; the experiential learning
experience in Uganda; impact; benefits; challenges;
student comments; and future directions in promoting
international learning experiences. The course supports
NDSU’s mission to “address the needs and aspirations
of people in a changing world,” its vision to “be globally
identified as a contemporary metropolitan land grant
institution” and its core values to “reflect and serve
geographically and culturally diverse populations,”
“remain committed to serving people globally” and “value
collaboration with colleges and universities around the
world.” When considering a study abroad experience,
students should be encouraged to broaden their choice
of place and include non-traditional destinations such as
developing countries in Africa.