International Studies Add Value to Academic Experience
Since last week, first-year students in the NC State College of Management have been hearing a presentation by Dr. David Henard, professor of marketing and director of the college’s International Programs, on the value of international learning experiences.
His presentations reflect the college’s commitment to providing business-oriented international learning experiences for its students. Across campus this week, the university is also emphasizing the value of global education as it celebrates International Education Week with a series of seminars, exhibits and films, informational sessions, and other events.
Among those events is a Passport Fair, to be held Nov. 20, at which individuals can meet with U.S. State Department officials to complete their applications and get their passport photos taken. The full schedule of university activities is available at the Office of International Studies website.
The campus-wide celebration is part of a national program led by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education to highlight the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
The College of Management has been increasing the number of international study options over the past few years. Most recently, it announced a new agreement with the International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS).
Why all this emphasis on international studies? Henard, who also is the lead faculty member coordinating the MGIM program, answered a few questions on the topic of international education.
Q. As director of the college’s international studies program, why do you encourage students to study in an international setting?
A: For starters, the world has gotten much ‘smaller’ over the years. Travel is easier and faster, communication is nearly instantaneous, and the world of business is now truly international. It is important that a contemporary business person be comfortable working and thriving in an internationally diverse economic environment. Studying abroad as a student exposes you to different viewpoints, cultures, and processes, which makes you a more flexible and valuable business person in the future. It also sends a strong signal to a potential employer that you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and seek out new and different experiences. International studies is a great way to expand your cultural intelligence (CQ).
Q. What is the college’s goal for our students’ involvement in study abroad?
A: Our goal is that each of our students will experience international study at some level. Studying abroad can literally be life transforming for many students. The university offers courses that range from one week in length to full semester study programs and even dual-degree programs where students earn degrees from both NC State and one of our partner universities while studying and working abroad for extended time periods.
Q. Do study abroad programs have only College of Management students in the classroom there? If not, where else are the students from?
A: It depends upon the specific program. Several programs host only NC State students. Others allow students from other US universities and still other programs link up with students from the overseas host school to create a more international element.
Q. What are one or two key things that you’ve seen as an instructor that happens with students as they study abroad versus learning in their home setting?
A: One vital thing is that students see that there are different ways of doing things and different viewpoints. The key learning comes when students stop judging events from their own personal bias or comfort zone and truly try to understand the other viewpoint or approach. If you study abroad but don’t try to immerse yourself in the foreign culture, you return home with some photos and a few good stories. If you try to understand and somewhat integrate into the other culture, you return home a changed person.
Students in the College of Management are encouraged to explore the wide range of international learning opportunities available through the university’s Office of International Programs, or to explore the options available specifically for students in the college, as described on the college’s” International Studies”:http://poole.ncsu.edu/index-exp.php/international web page.
Photo
Dr. David Henard, professor of marketing and director, NC State College of Management International Programs. Flags in the image are from a display at the recent signing of the college’s partnership agreement with the International Partnership of Business Schools.
