Study Abroad Learning Outcomes & the Immersive Learning Connection - CIS Abroad

Learning outcomes guide program development. At CIS Abroad, we’ve established a set of learning outcomes that guide the curricular and co-curricular elements of our study abroad programming – and that focus on students’ cultural, professional, academic, and personal development.

These outcomes are based on the premise that studying overseas via CIS Abroad is an engaged, immersive learning experience, one that provides “experiences that take into account the multitude of gray areas we deal with on a daily basis… (and that extracts) individuals from their environment and immerses them into a completely different environment altogether.” (1) We are intentional in our on-site programming and take learning to this deeper level through a combination of direct enrollment in one of CIS Abroad’s partner institutions overseas and participation in our cultural co-curriculum. As a result, students will:

Academically & Professionally

• Demonstrate knowledge of global issues, processes, trends, and systems.
• Communicate effectively across cultures, preferably in a second or third language.
• Understand their academic discipline within a global context.
• Have explored, examined, and strengthened their career goals.
• Understand their future career within an international context.

Culturally

• Have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of their own culture(s) and the varied US-American perspectives that exist.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of, and open-mindedness toward, other cultures.
• Exhibit an awareness of, and sensitivity toward, the issues that confront the local community.
• Display an understanding of values, beliefs, traditions, and perspectives different from their own.
• Will be more likely to regularly take into account diversity and cultural differences.

Personally

• Have reflected on their own identities, values, beliefs, and cultural frames of reference in a global context and demonstrate an understanding of how those identities, values, beliefs, and cultural frames of reference influence their relationships with others.
• Are able to approach life with a high degree of adaptability, independence, and self -confidence.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and cope effectively with ambiguous and unfamiliar situations.
• Actively seek out new, challenging experiences.

We recognize that many of these statements are bold – but we are boldly committed to providing students with a holistic study abroad experience that helps them achieve these outcomes.

Our learning outcomes were informed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Essential Learning Outcomes and Value Rubrics. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies are reflected in those outcomes addressing professional development.

If you are interested in finding out more about the learning outcomes specific to our Intern Abroad and Virtual Global Internship Programs, click here.

-1- Memon, M. (2017, May 10). Experiential Learning versus Immersive Learning. Accessed from: https://trainingindustry.com/articles/e-learning/experiential-learning-versus-immersive-learning