At IES Abroad, our core values include excellence, integrity, inclusivity, vision, and authenticity. We believe that ENGAGE provides students the transformative experiences and dynamic skills to carry out these very values during their study abroad programs and beyond so that they can thrive as compassionate, visionary global citizens, making meaningful contributions wherever their journeys take them.
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What is ENGAGE?
During on-site orientation, staff will introduce students to ENGAGE, providing a unique opportunity to get to know peers and build a sense of belonging at their location. The first ENGAGE meeting will occur shortly after arrival. ENGAGE expands on our virtual predeparture orientation and on-site arrival programming, providing students with ongoing opportunities to enhance their skills, foster personal growth, and strengthen their support network throughout their study abroad semester.
Students will be placed in a small cohort group and assigned a facilitator from their Center’s staff and/or faculty. The cohort group will meet periodically throughout the semester to explore their values and those of others, contemplate the intercultural knowledge they acquire abroad, and leverage personal growth abroad to enhance their academic and professional pursuits when they return home.
Why ENGAGE Matters
At IES Abroad, our mission is to create life-changing study abroad experiences for our students that support their personal and professional development both inside and outside the classroom. Success will look different to every student, and our goal with implementing ENGAGE at our Centers is to enhance student success and support key areas of student development so that they can maximize their study abroad experience.
ENGAGE stands for Encouraging New Growth About Global Experiences, and is what we call our on-site student success program that runs through the entire semester. It is one of many things that make IES Abroad unique in study abroad.
“It helped me determine my goals for studying here and if they are realistic or if they make sense for what I want out of this experience.”Student Participant
How ENGAGE Supports Student Success
Cultural Awareness
Demonstrate the awareness and skills required to engage inclusively with people from different cultures
Inclusive Leadership
Articulate the importance of the leadership skills and appreciation of diverse perspectives acquired during study abroad for career readiness
Self-Reflection
Reflect on and communicate the community building, self-awareness, and professional skills they have gained from their time abroad
“Helpful and engaging way to understand my own and my peers’ views on the cultures we’ve grown up with and found ourselves a part of now.”Student Participant
The ENGAGE Framework
The ENGAGE Framework sets the foundation for the sessions, allowing students to thrive not only academically, but also leave their program with a richer, more impactful global perspective.
ENGAGE Process
The ENGAGE Process outlines the steps involved to deliver the sessions to help students have a smooth and enriching study abroad experience from beginning to end. This step-by-step approach allows students to navigate the complexities of studying abroad and have constant support and tools for the full duration of their study abroad program. It is structured around the following six stages.
Manage Culture Shock
Addressing the challenges of adapting to a new environment during onsite orientation.
Create Belonging in Location
Helping students build connections in their host community and feel at home upon arrival.
Provide Framework for Intercultural Growth
Establishing tools for cultural understanding throughout the program.
Goal Setting
Encouraging students to set personal and intercultural objectives near arrival.
Reflection on Growth
Facilitating reflection on intercultural and professional development near departure.
Manage Re-Entry
Preparing students for the transition back home and applying what they’ve learned.
“Being forced to talk to different people of different backgrounds was nice. I personally have been struggling to find friends, so this was nice being able to talk to new people.”Student Participant
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