Questions & Reflections

The travel abroad experience as a faculty member is a life changing one. No matter if it is your first trip abroad as an educator or your 10th, each one is a learning experience and memorable. Below are some common questions and reflections from my travel experiences.

"I don't really know the faculty I am travelling with and worry that we won't jive"

In retrospect, I am so grateful I got to travel with a faculty member that I didn't know so well. We are both very different people with different styles but we have the same good intentions all the way around. I'm grateful that our Dean choose to put us together for this trip and was able to see the balance we brought to each other and our travel group before we could. She was great at dealing with sensitive issues and emotional well-being of the group while I was stronger in dealing with emergencies and logistical plans.

"How do I know if all my students are getting the most out of this experience?"

This is something I worried about a lot. I tried to have daily conversations with each student as we walked to classes or on our way to excursions. These conversations were great but they often resulted in small talk. Instead, one afternoon, a few days into the trip, my colleague and I asked to see the students in their buddy partners. Each meeting was to last 15 minutes or so and was a reflective check in of what they were enjoying, what they were struggling with and what they were excited for. Because they knew the reflective nature of this meeting, they were able to take the time to prepare for it, resulting in much more meaningful conversation. This private meeting also gave us an opportunity to share any information with individuals as we saw necessary.

These small reflective check-ins worked really well a few days into the trip and again just a few days before we were scheduled to come home.

"What's it like living with students 24 hours a day?"

Living with students whom you are usually only with for a few hours a day requires a bit of adjustment, flexibility and humility. Try to set some boundaries such as I need half hour and then I'll be available again. I often kept my door open and students knew this was an open invitation to come see me if they needed anything during their non-scheduled programing time.

I was open with my students and reminded them that I was human too. I let them see me tired. I talked about things that were not academic. It is ok to be less teacher like but still remain professional at all times.

The power of education: One of my best learning experiences was spending time with the in country faculty. I loved hearing their perspectives on education and learning about their educational system. It was great to share our trials and tribulations and realize that education at its heart is the same no matter where you are. Collaborating with educators aboard makes me a better educator with deeper understanding and appreciation for teaching and learning.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

The joy of teaching: I had no idea going into my first trip that everything was going to be a teaching opportunity. Everything from how to operate simple appliances, to preparing foods, to interacting with locals and more. I loved, loved, loved that every opportunity was a possible teaching moment. This was extremely reflective for me as I got to think back to who taught me that and pay them gratitude while I passed that on to one of my students.

I am always pleasantly surprised when my students bring up classroom lessons or ask me to share more about my own professional experiences back in industry. Do not underestimate the admiration that your students have for you. You are inspirational. Share wisely, openly and be mindful that they are watching and learning from your every move.