The Global Independent Study Initiative
“Bringing the Study Abroad Experience Full Circle”
“Just as Brown found its own path to national prominence before, it must now find a way to assert its unique identity on the world stage. This will require some fundamental new thinking about how we can build on what is best and most original about Brown in competing in this global context.”
What we Know
- Over 400 courses at Brown with international content
- Brown faculty heavily involved in international research projects with contacts worldwide
- On the whole, motivated and mature students who welcome opportunities to work independently
The Goal
- To integrate and facilitate off-campus and on-campus internationalization efforts in order to have maximum internationalization impact at Brown
- To effectively engage the undergraduate study abroad experience with the Brown curriculum, creating opportunities for student/faculty interaction that will reflect collaborative learning at its best
How it Works
- Students seek out on-campus Brown faculty with teaching or research experience in their proposed overseas study destinations
- Students design proposals for Global Independent Study Projects identifying project goals, including syllabi, bibliography and structured timeline for consistent communication with Brown faculty mentors
- Students and faculty identify ways to enhance projects by tapping into local resources unavailable in Providence, e.g., archives, museums, on-site experts in given disciplines, participation in cultural events, interaction with NGOs, business and industry leaders
- Assessment instruments and expectations clearly defined prior to departure
Outcomes
- Students receive academic credit equivalent to one Brown course for their Global ISP
- Will serve as catalyst for continued research, senior capstones, honors theses, enhanced faculty international collaboration and exchange, etc.
- Will create a repository of international research projects and expertise
- Particularly noteworthy projects recognized and showcased (both students and faculty)
- Priorities: maximizing quality experiences and bringing education abroad “full circle”
Introduction | Overview | Conceptual Framework | Outcomes | Getting Started | Apply
Updated: April 1, 2009