An International Dimension in Extension

The Michigan State University

ExperienceMary Andrews

Major Goals:

Enhancing the organizational culture Staff Capacity Building-Professional Dev. Programming Facilitation—An

international dimension in all programs Coordination & Encouragement Experimentation

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

web1.msue.msu.edu/intext

Program Strategies: International Extension Training Program (IETP)

Intense Professional Development Experience

Groups of 12-15 agents and specialists Two year commitment of in-service time Includes international travel Financed by MSUE & 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 in IETP

Jim Wiesing, Grand Traverse 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

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)

Program Strategies: Study tours and Exchanges

Participation in existing or self designed study programs (Study Abroad, Study Tours, Professional Meetings)

Add-on’s to international projects

Serving as chaperone to youth or adult travel experiences

ESP Study Tour to 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.

Program Strategies: International Assignments

USDA opportunities ACDI-VOCA and other Citizen Volunteer

Programs Service Club/Partner Projects Self designed opportunities

Program Strategies: Partnerships and Exchanges

Irish Rural Development Exchange

South Africa-

Univ. of the North Extension Development

EFNEP Adaptation in Johannesburg

Latvia: Extension Management Training

India: World Bank Model Development

Polish 4-H Foundation Development

I am a different person because of my international work…

I can empathize with peoples of other countries and cultures

I am critical of our press and our gov’t.

I wish more people would travel and learn about the world

Roberta Dow, Grand Traverse Co.

Program Strategies: Hosting

Cochran Fellows Various Delegations

(Russia, Mexico,Ukraine, Egypt)

International Visitors to MSU

International Students at MSU

Youth Exchanges

Indian Students: Isabella Co.

International Experience as Leadership Development Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

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

leadership abilities. – The pre-travel seminars expanded my awareness and provided an opportunity to

develop a better understanding and appreciation for those who have had different cultural experiences.

– The international travel experience makes you test your limits in terms of cooperation, patience, physical stamina, and communication - all of which are important skills to practice as a leader.

– I now have a sense of commitment to my staff and clientele to help them understand how we are connected to the rest of the world and to appreciate the leadership role we have as Americans and example we can set if we act as good global citizens.

– I encourage my staff, my family and friends to seek out training experiences and travel opportunities that will expand their awareness, test their limits and increase their appreciation of different cultures and situations.

International Experience as Leadership Development

Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

The pre-travel seminars gave me a chance to study and appreciate the

global economy – I have a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the local

economy with global markets and I can better articulate that to clientele

– Discussions changed my perspective on personal buying decisions and their global impacts.

– The seminars reviewed and refreshed my knowledge of technical financial concepts that have improved my abilities as an extension educator.

International Experience as Leadership Development

Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

The travel experience provided opportunity to analyze Extension systems– Learning about other Extension systems provided an opportunity to

analyze our own system in Michigan and in the US. I have a better appreciation for the historical relationships that we have in this county and appreciate our base within the university.

– I witnessed that outreach models that are effective in this country are also effective in India when the needs of the client are understood and programs are client driven.

Citizen Education Initiatives: Methods

Citizen travel and involvement

Global Education:– Trade/Global Economy

– Sustainable Dev.

– Environmental Issues

– Interdependence-terrorism/immigration

Trade Expansion– Intn’l Business Center– Trade Fairs– Networking/info access

Technological Advances:– Zebra mussel– Rotational grazing– Bedding plant industry

Maximizing Citizen International Exposure Creating opportunities for exposure to intn’l

people, ideas, concerns Involving local leaders in hosting/educating

intn’l guests Creating linkages from local to global Modeling “global citizenship” Reinforcing intn’l interests of citizens

Lessons Learned: International Exposure Important for staff credibility and

confidence Important to give comparisons/examples Important for sensitivities and perspective

taking

Lessons Learned: Training

International exposure is not enough Staff need guidance, instruction to create

messages, programs Staff need to see examples of opportunities for

education Being proactive—creating generalized interest Being responsive—taking risks/speaking out Working together

Lessons Learned

International Education is public affairs programming—not right/wrong answers

Educator’s Role is to expand awareness, interest, knowledge, involvement

People learn from interaction/involvement Global issues are everyday matters—part of

lifestyle, personal and professional practice International dimension is everyday business

Future Issues

Maintaining staff competency/experience Expanding global leadership Expanding collaborations and partnerships Accessing external funding

The future is now:

“ Our world is globalizing around us. To serve our domestic clientele well, Extension needs to be globally aware and internationally active. We cannot, not be involved!”

Mary Andrews, Director

International Extension Programs, MSUE