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Helping Others Benefit from your

International Travel

Mary A. Andrews, Ph.D.Michigan State University Extension

Nancy E. Crago, Ph.D.Penn State University Cooperative Extension

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The Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP)

Overseas Technical Assistance Project.– Sponsored by USDA with Poland’s MAFE– Time frame: 1990-1996

Extension specialists and agents sent.– 70 individuals from 26 states

Worked with Provincial level Extension staff.– Extension methodologies– Farm management, farm economics, household

and agricultural technologies, tourism, youth development, etc.

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Purpose of the study Determine the benefits and

impact of international assignments– Internal– External

Determine factors leading to greatest value

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Methods and Data Sources Total Design

Method Quantitative Data

– Mail Survey (N=70) 95.7% response rate

Qualitative Data– Phone Interviews

(n=28)– On-site

interviews (n=98)

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Research Questions

How did Intn’l assignments affect participants and near-associates?– Near-associates includes family,

colleagues, stakeholders and clientele. What influences or factors were

positive, negative or indifferent? Did domestic organizations and

communities benefit?

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Results: Personal and Professional Benefits Positive change in self-perception Renewed professional commitment New knowledge and understanding of

international issues Increased status

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Results: Benefits for Family Members Growth in self-reliance Ability to adapt New knowledge Increased interest in

international Issues Personal relationships with

community Family bonding

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Results: Organizational Benefits

Globally competent professionals with renewed commitment

Educational outreach with international dimension Increased visibility and support for international

programming

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Results: Benefits To Polish and American Communities

Increased international knowledge, awareness and understanding

Improved appreciation for others

Improved attitudes concerning international involvement

Greater interest in participating in exchanges, tours, hosting, linkages and business endeavors

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Recommendations from Lessons Learned Don’t be shy: Create visibility about intn’l

assignments/travels– Build a support system with early and continuing

involvement of others– Alert educational & community groups– Make connections with stakeholders

Accept hints from others and expect organizations to provide orientation– Anticipate interests to develop examples/stories

from travel to integrate into work/community– Plan continuous communications strategies

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Lessons Learned

Work at identifying ways people at home can become intn’lly involved:– Correspondence, hosting, exchanges

Emphasize international cooperation, not technical assistance—stress the “mutual” benefits of travel

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Pre-Travel Considerations

Develop an educational plan

Identify potential audiences and linkages

Involve others– Colleagues and co-

workers– Family members

Develop a communications plan

Put together a photo album to share with hosts

Contact local media Visit with persons

from host country Read and learn

about your destination

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Considerations During Travel

Document travel - photos, journals,videos, slides– Note similarities and differences– Keep audiences in mind

Collect items for program display Maintain communications with home Explore partnership opportunities Develop new skills/knowledge

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Hometown folks want…

To learn about your experiences and insights

To cooperate in providing reciprocal hospitality

To become involved internationally, but often don’t know how

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Hometown folks are interested:

Write “newsy” letters home--regularly Create e-mail or mailing lists to reach

large numbers with same communication

Create a news release or taped message for the radio

Encourage the children to share daily life with school friends

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Post-Travel Considerations

Share travel experience with others Design activities to help others develop global

awareness Reflect on how you have changed and grown Set goals for your own future

development/involvement Create ways to stay in contact with hosts

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Summary-- International Travel is an ideal way to:

Develop personal and professional skills and sensitivities

Involve family members Increase understanding of global

interdependence Help co-workers, clientele and

community members get involved in international affairs

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Thank you!

Mary A.Andrews, Ph.D. Michigan State University

Nancy E. Crago, Ph.D. Penn State University Cooperative Extension