ITAL 394 - Post-Study Abroad Symposium

Semester Offered: Spring.
1 unit(s)

Reflecting critically upon the transformative experience of one or two semesters spent studying in another country, and sharing one’s perspective with others, helps returning students appreciate the value of education abroad, integrate it into their academic curriculum, and build upon it for senior work and post-graduate life. This symposium offers returning students both collective and individual opportunities to reflect critically on several facets of their time abroad, and on the challenges and rewards of reentry on the home campus. The symposium also creates opportunities for returning students to hone their public speaking skills in order to share their reflections with other students at Vassar who are preparing for study abroad. Through readings, research, group discussions, and individual mentoring, participating students produce formal presentations on specific topics to offer in an end of the semester symposium. Culture shock and reverse culture shock, intercultural communication, the encounter with different educational systems, linguistic challenges and achievements, changing perspectives on one’s own country and/or culture, and the value of pursuing advanced proficiency in a language other than English are among the topics addressed. Simona Bondavalli.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: INT