International Studies Become Pilgrimages: Geography in a Multidiscipline Overseas Program

Abstract

One of the goals of international education is to help students learn about different regions of the world. Such education is inherently multidisciplinary, including geographical and historical perspectives to put the places and regions in spatial, ecological, and temporal context. A wide variety of systematic disciplines also can be involved in such study. Recognizing this reality, Augustana College initiated in 1974 an overseas fall term program in East Asia and has continued the program on a triennial rotation with similar programs in Europe and Latin America. Teaching courses that normally would be offered on campus, the faculty adapt the classes to the countries and particular places being visited through use of guest lecturers, field experiences, special events, and the neighborhoods in which the accommodations are located. When each program is completed, students have a good multidisciplinary understanding of the region and of the importance of a geographic perspective for such understanding in any part of the world.

Key Words:

• study abroad
• Asia
• curriculum development

Norman Moline is Hamming Professor of Geography at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, USA. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Department of Geography at the University of Chicago. He has served as the codirector of Augustana's East Asia International Term since 1977.

Notes

1. NAFSA is the official name of the organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators (see http://www.nafsa.org). In May 1990 the membership formally renamed the organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The acronym was retained to reflect NAFSA's proud past and broad name recognition.