Examining Trends in International Study: A Survey of Faculty-Led Field Courses within American Departments of Geography

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an online survey administered to chairs of American departments of geography to ascertain current trends and perceived value of international faculty-led field courses within their departments. The majority of reporting chairs indicated increased field course offerings over the past decade most often resulting from increased faculty interest in teaching these courses. Chairs attached a high value to such courses in enhancing students’ academic and personal growth. Despite the value placed on these courses, few departments require them for a geography degree or have an instrument to assess course learning outcomes.

Keywords:

• International field courses
• faculty-led
• internationalization
• American Departments of Geography