Globalizing Education: A Model for Study Abroad Programs for Landscape Design Students

NACTA Journal, Mar 2004 by Nassar, Hala F

Summary

With the change towards a more global environment, many land-grant institutions reoriented their mission and strategic planning to incorporate goals and objectives that contribute to increasing the degree of globalization of the curricula. In response, South Dakota State University strived to establish multiple study abroad programs. One of these programs was planned and designed for Landscape Design majors in the Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape, and Parks Department. The course was concluded successfully in the summer of 2002. Results and comments from a post-course survey indicated that students were very satisfied and perceived the experience to have had a very positive impact on their future academic endeavors, personal growth, and global understanding and awareness. Their experience also generated interest among other Landscape Design majors, other programs at SDSU, and university and community members. While not the only avenue for introducing globalization into curricula, the study abroad approach is considered one of the more effective strategies in preparing our students and future citizens to interact effectively in an increasingly global environment.

Literature Cited

Acker, D. and S. Taylor. 2000. Globalization of the learning environment: Results of a baseline study of selected indicators of globalization at north central colleges of agriculture, NACTA Journal (44) 1:17-22

Crunkilton, J.R., and J.R. McKenna, and J.M. White. 2003. A Model for an international undergraduate exchange program in the agricultural and life sciences, NACTA Journal (47) 1:14-18

Friedman, T. 1999. The Lexus and the olive tree: Understanding globalization, Gordonsville, VA: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Incorporated.

NASULGC Strategic Vision Committee. 2000. Expanding the international scope of universities. National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Washington, D.C.

Hala F. Nassar1

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV 26506-6108

1 Assistant Proi'essor of Landscape Architecture, Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences, Division of Resource Management, PO Box 6108