Building Confidence and Competence through International Training

Mary Andrews, Michigan State University Extension

Beliefs“Extension professionals with access to information and appreciation for the nature of global issues can be a source of unique help to local clientele, and can be active partners in global development.”Mary Andrews

www.msue.msu.edu/intext

International Extension Training Program

Intense professional development experienceGroups of 12-15 agents and specialistsTwo-year commitment of in-service timeIncludes international travelFinanced by MSUE and Counties

Campus Training: Faculty

Campus Training: Interaction

I can’t believe how much I learned during our first session…

Even if we never traveled together, this training is invaluable.Getting updated on global issues is important for all agents.I already value my involvement with IETP Jim Wiesing, Grand Travese Co.

Field Training: Exploration

Field Training: Sharing

Planning for outreach

Upon return from intn’l travels, the group debriefs and plans for educational programming in MI.Outreach happens before, during and long after IETP

Group XII, January 2002

Communicating

October, 2001

How big is your world? It is easy to live life looking no further than you can see. It is easy to focus on what is near and immediate. However, the terrorist attacks on September 11 forced us to look further – further away and further into the future. And hopefully, that reminded us that those who faced horror were part of our community – the community of America. It may not seem necessary to broaden your world until an event like this, but there are many reasons, and advantages, for looking beyond your horizons. There are things to be gained, and given, by getting to know your world and its people. And there are lessons to be learned by getting to know what affects them. My trip can become your journey. As you’ll read on page 3, I’ll be taking a trip to Asia in order to broaden my horizons. It will be an opportunity to possibly touch lives, and be touched by those whose cultures are simply foreign right now. In this newsletter, and in future ones, I’ll introduce you to things and people beyond your reach. I’ll try to stretch your perspective and help you look farther down the road, over the current horizon. What you’ll find, is that as your world gets bigger, that what really happens is that it gets smaller. For you’ll go from finding out about Indian rubber producing families to learning that they share some of the same concerns that Michigan milk producing families have. And you’ll begin to see them not as foreign and strange, but hopefully, as familiar. And maybe then you’ll see them as a part of your community – the community of your world!

E-mail from Asia? I plan to send regular updates from India and Thailand, as I am able. If you would like to receive these, send your e-mail address today to me at: (durstp@msue.msu.edu)

Involving Others: Study ToursParticipation in existing or designed study tours (study abroad, exchanges, professional meetings).

Add-on’s to international projects

Serving as chaperones to travelers and exchanges.

ESP Study tour, SE Asia, 2002

The study tour reminded me of all the great interactions during IETP…

IETP has always been with me…my travels to SE Asia reinforced those lessons.I feel better able to talk about the global food system now…I have first-hand experience.

Jan Seitz, Jackson Co.

Encouragement for staff to take international assignments…

USDA opportunities (Ukraine, Armenia, Bulgaria, Russia, Ghana, Guatemala)ACDI-VOCA and other citizen volunteer programs Service clubs/Partner projects (Rotary)Self designed opportunities (New Zealand, Poland, Ireland)

Contributing to projects/exchanges

Irish Rural Development ExchangeSouth Africa support: Johannesburg, U. of the North, Zimbabwe

Extension training: Latvia, India

Arlen Leholm & Mary Andrews, India 2002

I am a different person because of my international work…

I can empathize with people of other countries and

cultures.

I am critical of our press and government.

I wish more people would travel and learn about the

world.

Roberta Dow, Grand Traverse Co.

Hosting: An opportunity for all…

Indian Students, Isabella Co.

Various Delegations

International Visitors

International Students

Youth Exchanges

Business Trainees

Leadership Development…Julie Pioch, Van Buran Co

The IETP program gave me a better understanding of myself and my leadership abilities.

Coping with stress & the unfamiliarTesting one’s limits of patience, stamina, communicationsRealizing the global connectionsAppreciating differences

The travel experience provided opportunity to analyze Extension systems…and approaches.

Maximizing Citizen International Exposure…

Creating opportunities for exposure to international people, ideas, concerns.Involving local leaders in hosting/educating guests.Creating linkages from local to global.Modeling “global citizenship”Reinforcing international interests of citizens.

Lessons Learned…International Exposure

Important for staff credibility and confidence.Important source of ideas, comparisons, examples.Important source of sensitivities and perspectives.

Lessons Learned…Training

International exposure is not enoughStaff need guidance & interaction to create messages/programsStaff want to see examples of what others are doing in domestic educationNeed to reinforce being “proactive” and “responsive”—taking risks, speaking out.

Lessons Learned…Programming

International or global education is public affairs education—no right/wrongAn educator’s role is to expand awareness, facilitate discussion, encourage learning.People learn best from interaction and involvement—create opportunities.Make this part of everyday life—personal and professional.

Acknowledgements…

Group XII, IETPPast IETP participantsMSUE