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Reaching Across the Border: International Work in Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Arlen Albrecht Mary Crave Martin Havlovic University of Wisconsin-Extension. Objectives. Review examples Describe benefits Discuss implications. Who: 40 persons/5 years With: Peace Corps USAID
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Reaching Across the Border: International WorkinWisconsin Cooperative Extension Arlen Albrecht Mary Crave Martin Havlovic University of Wisconsin-Extension
Objectives • Review examples • Describe benefits • Discuss implications
Who: 40 persons/5 years With: Peace Corps USAID ACDI/VOCA Farmer to Farmer What: Training Teaching Evaluating Developing Designing Accomplishments
Wisconsin-Nicaragua • Wisconsin-Nicaraguan Partnership • UW-Ext faculty on WNP Board • System wide focus on Nicaragua
Individual Efforts • Mostly Agriculture and Natural Resources or Community Development staff • 2-3 weeks at time • University time and vacation • Most have previous international experience
Benefits • Invigorating • Broadens world-view • New knowledge of processes, policies, content, techniques
Benefits Improved Skills • Teaching • Creativity • Decision-making • Communication • Resourcefulness • Self awareness
Benefits • Develop new or build on scholarship, research opportunities • Learn new language
Benefits • Sensitivity to cultural differences • Teach content not in current position
Implications • Time – before, during, after • Stress and re-entry fatigue • Local programs may suffer • Exposure to risks
Revitalizes faculty Revitalizes program Develops or expands partnerships University serves international objectives Implications
Brings recognition to University Source of revenue Provides professional development Implications
Implications • Leadership needed • Need for training • Not for everyone personality resources support
Educators need to show benefits and be accountable Administrators need to understand value and provide support and leadership Implications
Conclusions • Many international education opportunities • Potential benefits for Extension educators, clients and partners
Conclusions • Internationalizing Extension is important step toward broadening the focus of international Extension work • Demonstrating value at home is a challenge • Look to benefits in diversity/multicultural work