McLauchlan's Moldovan Musings: Fulbright Association Conference presentation "Cultivating Global Citizenship in Higher Education:Civic Engagement and Service Learning in Joint Study Abroad Courses"

I had the pleasure of presenting Cultivating Global Citizenship in Higher Education: Civic Engagement and Service Learning in Joint Study Abroad Courses" at the Fulbright Conference in Washington, DC

The Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the Fulbright Association at the Welcome Reception

Abstract

The authors developed an alternative Spring Break Study Abroad course to bring University of South Florida (USF) students to Moldova to study with their counterparts at the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM). The course was a Political Science seminar about the history, government, and politics of Moldova. The authors shared a desire to cultivate “global citizens” and to provide opportunities for their students to work collaboratively.

The course was distinctive in its level of integration of U.S. students with colleagues in Moldova. Students worked together in seminars, class discussion, research collaboration (that included presentations at a conference and publication in a journal) and participated together outside of the classroom in service projects. Students had the opportunity to meet with leaders of NGOs working to strengthen civil society in Moldova. In addition to their time spent in direct service, students learned from agency staff who answered questions about social issues, the formation of social policy, and social justice in Moldova. Students volunteered together at orphanages and at a domestic violence shelter. In addition to working with the students enrolled in the joint course, one service project was implemented with the Lion’s Club Chisinau with students from several other universities in Chisinau as well.

The authors will use (1) analyses of pre and post surveys, (2) a qualitative review of students’ written assignments (reflection papers, journals, blog entries), and (3) their observations and interactions with students to evaluate the effects of incorporating this international service learning experience in their course. They will analyze whether and how the knowledge gained through collaborative research and through civic engagement opportunities expanded students’ perspectives on “global citizenship.”

State Department Reception

I was so pleased that Ramsay was able to join me for this reception in the State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms.

Nashua is in the house! These 2 served on the Board of Aldermen in Nashua, way back when

The Treaty of Paris

State Department Selfie

The Chairman of the Board of the Fulbright Association

An honor to meet Mrs. Fulbright

There were many interesting panels and presentations throughout the conference.

Congressman Jim Moran, Keynote Speaker, discusses the affect of government shutdown on diplomatic efforts

The Missing Voice -- a male panel addressing gender discrimination

Sheryl Sandberg, speaking about Lean In

TBA...

I had remarkably productive meetings in the Capitol, despite the government shutdown. Though I must admit that it was surreal walking through the House and Senate office buildings.

I thought this was an ominous photo during the shutdown....

I loved being able to get up early and take walks along the national mall

Good thing I was tied up in meetings/conference all day.....or I would have been sorely disappointed that I missed out on visiting my favorite spots in DC -- like the National Gallery of Art

The First Monday in October

In addition to the conference meetings and presentations, I was also able to squeeze in other work-related meetings while in DC. The highlight was attending oral argument for the First Monday in October. The Supreme Court was open for business during the government shutdown. Of course, cameras are not allowed in the courtroom, but here are some pictures of exhibits designed by my former colleagues in the Curator's Office: