Maximizing the Study Abroad Experience IDS 102X (.25)

The goal of the course is to prepare and assist the student in maximizing the learning potential of the study abroad experience as well as award credit for the time and effort necessary in the preparation, culture-learning, and re-entry processes of study abroad.

This course is required for students accepted to study abroad through Willamette University. By accepting placement in a Willamette Sponsored study abroad program you are registering for the course "Maximizing the Study Abroad Experience" IDS102X during your semester abroad. You will receive .25 credits upon completion of the course. Students interested in maximizing their experience even further and earning a writing centered credit while abroad should consider IDS 203W Intercultural Study within Cultural Immersion (1.0). Students enrolled in IDS 203 are only required to complete the mandatory meetings (#1) and evaluation (#5) in addition to the IDS 203 requirements.

Download your syllabus for specific deadlines and guidelines

WISE

Students studying abroad during the fall 2009, spring 2010 or the 09-10 academic year should logon to WISE (Willamette Instructional Support Environment) to find assignments and grading information.

Assignments

Students must complete a semester abroad.
Students must attend ALL mandatory pre-departure meetings. Absence at any of these meetings will result in dismissal from the study abroad program. The mandatory pre-departure meetings including:
1. The General Pre-departure Meeting (see syllabus for date)
2. The Site-specific Pre-departure Meeting (date announced at General Pre-departure Meeting)
3. The Language Learning Strategies session (see syllabus for date) - Students studying in countries where the primary language of instruction is English are exempt from this requirement. However, students studying at sites where social interaction is in another language are encouraged to attend the session.
Students must turn in ONE of the following preparing to study abroad assignments but are encouraged to consider all. See syllabus for due date.
Students must turn in ONE of the following while abroad assignments but are encouraged to consider all. See syllabus for due date.
Students must turn in ONE of the following returning from study abroad assignments but are encouraged to consider all. See syllabus for due date.
Students must complete the Willamette Sponsored Program Study Abroad Evaluation (click on link to access evaluation).
Students must attend or participate in ONE of the following re-entry activities the semester after they return from study abroad. Participation or intended participation must be acknowledged by the due date (see your syllabus for appropriate date.) Many descriptions of these events can be found online at www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/alumni
1. Apply to volunteer as a Peer Advisor (applications due October 15th for Spring semester, February 15th for Fall semester)
2. Participate in Language in Motion (attend an info session)
3. Submit to TellUs (submit at least one photo, essay or blog entry)
4. Attend the Study Abroad Returners Retreat by the Lilly Project. This semester the retreat starts in the late afternoon on Sept. 25th and will end by noon on the 27th. The retreat will take place on the coast in Lincoln City.

NOTES

The .25 credit will be recorded in the semester of your program.
All assignments should be submitted to Stacy West (swest@willamette.edu) by email, mail, fax or dropped off at the Office of International Education (Matthews Hall).
At meetings or events where attendance is graded it is the student's responsibility to verify attendance according to instructions given at the meeting or event.
Students who elect to take IDS 203 (W) Intercultural Study within Cultural Immersion (1.0) will receive credit for IDS 203 ONLY.
Students enrolled in IDS 203 are only required to complete the mandatory meetings (#1) and evaluation (#5) in addition to the IDS 203 requirements. For more information about this course visit www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/programs/ids203/
Students studying abroad for a full year will receive .25 credit for one semester (students choice) and are only expected to complete each assignment once.