Studying Abroad: What We Didn't See Coming

Studying Abroad: What We Didn’t See Coming is a collection of testimonials that documents the unexpected outcomes of study-abroad cultural experiences. It highlights the value of such experiences and the throng of interwoven dynamics, and showcases the educational learning opportunities for those who participate and how their teacher preparation is enhanced. Its most valuable aspect, however, is the illumination of those dynamics that caught all participants unaware—unaware of cultural similarities and differences, the power of relationships, the intricacies of language, the universal characteristics of children, and mostly, unaware of themselves. Studying Abroad: What We Didn’t See Coming offers insight to those considering international travel, those involved in cultural exchange and study, those who want to learn and be reminded of life lessons gleaned through the documentaries of others, and those who simply want a reminder of the goodness of people. This book would serve as an excellent resource for any study-abroad course or program, as well as courses on language education, teacher education, educational foundation, multicultural education, and human growth and development.

About the Author :
Beth D. Tolley is currently Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice at the University of Georgia. She earned her Ed.D. in early childhood education from the University of Georgia and holds awards for her study-abroad program and excellence in teaching.

Review :
“This collection of essays, skillfully edited by Dr. Beth D. Tolley, on the study-abroad experiences of University of Georgia teachers and students, as well as their host teachers and families in Modena, Italy, offers a banquet of insights into the joys and the value of international educational experiences. New friendships lie at the core of the program and they teach us anew that global educational programs can encourage empathy between nations more effectively than any other approach to the pursuit of a safer, more peaceful world. These essays will touch the hearts of readers and give them hope for the future.” —Loch K. Johnson, Regents Professor of International Affairs, University of Georgia, Inaugural Professor of the Year, Southeast Conference “This excellent book offers not only a sophisticated theoretical approach to the international education experience, but also—and perhaps even more importantly— provides the reader with a series of eloquent testimonials written by the students themselves. Here we witness first-hand the dedication of college professors who skillfully and seamlessly integrate knowledge and practice, providing meaningful, academically rigorous, and transformative international experiences for their students. The results of the University of Georgia’s experiential learning initiative in Modena, Italy, are truly inspiring.” —Noel Fallows, Associate Provost for International Education and Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia “The personal narratives from students underscore the importance of study abroad for pre-service teachers. The concepts presented as sections of the book, Discovery, Inspiration, Acceptance, Subtleties and Collaboration are key components in a successful teaching career and it is clear that the experiences described here have not only had a profound influence on the participants, but also on the students with whom they worked upon their return to the States. This book demonstrates the perfect nexus of the personal and professional development that results from international experiences.” —Erin A. Mikulec, Ph.D., Fulbright Scholar, Associate Professor, School of Teaching and Learning; Fulbright Scholar Liaison, Illinois State University