"Science and Technology Students DO Study Abroad: Supporting Successful International Experiences in the STEM Majors." Presented by Caine Francis, Advisor, International Engineering Programs, & Nick Fleury, Head Advisor, International Degree, Oregon State University NACADA Region 8 Conference 2012: Portland, Oregon

1. Science and Technology Students
DO Study Abroad:
Supporting Successful International Experiences in the
STEM Majors
Caine Francis Nick Fleury
Advisor, International Engineering Programs Head Advisor, International Degree
Oregon State University Oregon State University
NACADA Region VIII Conference
March 2012

2. Background
• STEM students are underrepresented among US
students studying abroad
• Approximately 13% in 2009/10
1
• These low numbers are disproportionate to
opportunities
1. Institute of International Education. (2011). "Fields of Study of U.S. Study Abroad Students, 1999/00-2008/09." Open
Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. Retrieved from http://www.iie.org/opendoors

3. Session Goals
• Understand barriers for STEM
students
• Learn effective approaches to
support STEM study abroad
• Gain tools to support academic
success for STEM students while
abroad

4. Step 1: All About You

5. STEM Study Abroad:
Barriers
• Academic
• Rigid degree requirements
• Once yearly course
offerings/course
sequencing

6. STEM Study Abroad:
Barriers
• Cultural
• Negative messaging from faculty/advisors
• Lack of personal/family international experience

7. STEM Study Abroad:
Barriers
• Personal
• Financial
• Foreign language fluency
• Academic record

8. Advising Scenario
• What advice and direction can you offer in your role
as an advisor?
• What other resources would be useful to resolve
the situation?

9. Advising Scenario
• Scenario 1 – Faculty Support
• Scenario 2 – Change in Course Offerings
• Scenario 3 – Poor Academic Performance Abroad
• Scenario 4 – Publicizing New STEM Programs

10. Overcoming Barriers:
STEM Study Abroad
Promotion

11. STEM Study Abroad:
Promotion
• Provide proof
• Highlight student
returnee stories and
photos
• Provide space (physical
or online) for
prospective-returnee
community building

12. STEM Study Abroad:
Promotion
• Acknowledge the myth
• “Engineers DO Study Abroad!”
• Address the unique academic planning required

13. STEM Study Abroad:
Promotion
• Personal benefits
• No better time for
international travel
• Put your degree in a global
context
• Study abroad is the first of
many travels

14. STEM Study Abroad:
Promotion
• Personal benefits: the résumé
• A unique accomplishment among peers
• Familiarity with international travel
• Intercultural skills
• Demonstrates planning, organization, maturity
• Directed research and/or internship experience

15. STEM Study Abroad:
Promotion
• Personal benefits: additional
degree options
• Example: OSU’s Int’l
Degree
• Int’l Studies or Global
Learning minor/certificate

16. Academic Success Abroad

17. Prior to Departure
• Scholarships
• Germany – RISE
• Global E3
• Whitaker program - Biomedical
• STEM consideration
• Boren Awards
• Gilman
• Freeman-ASIA

18. Prior to Departure
• The major-specific pre-departure orientation
• Connect with peers going abroad
• Ask “stupid” questions to gain confidence
• Emphasize new course approvals if needed

19. Prior to Departure
• Relay academic information
• Europe:
• more theory, less application
• optional reading/attendance
• final exam = course grade
• oral exams

20. Prior to Departure
• Relay academic information
• Asia:
• instructors are invested
• performance reviewed
publicly
• mutual responsibility
among students

21. Prior to Departure
• Confirm grade translations, when possible
• Program providers:
• translations provided by program
• Exchange partners:
• translations determined by institution

22. During the Study Period

23. During the Study Period
• Check in with students on academic progress
• Connect students with host university resources
• Ensure student transcripts will be sent

24. Science and Technology
Students
DO Study Abroad!
Caine Francis Nick Fleury
Advisor, International Engineering Programs Head Advisor, International Degree
Oregon State University Oregon State University
caine.francis@oregonstate.edu nick.fleury@oregonstate.edu