University of Cincinnati

Division of Profession Practice and Experiential Learning

PD 4025 001

Experiential Learning Abroad

Spring Semester 2017

Instructors: Maureen Schomaker, Associate Professor

Office: 830 Steger Student Life Center

Office Hours By appointment

Email: maureen.schomaker@uc.edu;

Course Description and Overview

This course encompasses integrating experiential learning in a study abroad opportunity. Students
will experience interaction with business, universities and cultural events in Italy and Spain.
Students will actively participate in site visits to business organizations, universities and a variety of
cultural sites to effectively understand cultures in both Italy and Spain. Students will develop
increased communication and management skills through guided events with a completion of a
self-selected site visit in Barcelona, Spain.

The course will culminate in a final project that will provide students the opportunity to summarize
their learning experience and present that experience to a registered student group at the
University of Cincinnati or to post their experience on the Tell Us Your Story website of ProPEL.
This course focuses on the following goals of the Division of Professional Practice and Experiential
Learning

developing students as experiential learners

providing students more opportunities to engage in a global experience

Prerequisites: None. This course is focused on co-op students who are interested in a short-term
international experience that allows them to continue their regular curriculum of theory and
practice. However, this course is available to any student interested in a short-term
study abroad experience.

Student Learning Outcomes: Student will

Recognize major cultural icons for each city (Torino, Milan and Barcelona)
Plan, organize and implement time management skills
Demonstrate ability to take initiative in unfamiliar environments
Demonstrate professional behavior
Analyze situations and surroundings to navigate in a foreign city
Select and explore a cultural site visit of personal interest
Compare and contrast cultural site visits and industry site visits
Construct a visual illustration identifying areas of interest, challenges and articulate personal
growth

Academic Integrity Policy: The University Rules, including the Student Code of Conduct, and
other documented policies of the department, college, and university related to academic integrity
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will be enforced. Any violation of these regulations, including acts of plagiarism or cheating, will be
dealt with on an individual basis according to the severity of the misconduct.

Accommodations Policy: If you have any special needs related to your participation in this
course, including identified visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical impairments,
communication disorder, and/or specific learning disability that may influence your performance in
this course, you should meet with me to arrange for reasonable provisions to ensure an equitable
opportunity to meet all the requirements of this course. At the discretion of the instructor, some
accommodations may require prior approval by Disability Services.

Course Requirements, Evaluation, and Grading Policy

Attendance/Class Participation: Attendance for pre-departure class meetings are mandatory. There
will be approximately four pre-departure meetings. Full participation in all events schedule for the
study abroad is required. If this policy is not followed the instructor has the right to academically
withdraw you from the program and you will be sent back to Cincinnati. For class preparation you
are expected to complete the reading assignments, class assignments, and fully participate in
class discussion and/or the Blackboard discussion board link.

The following are brief descriptions and due dates of the course meetings/assignments.

Course Meetings/Assignments
1. Pre-departure meeting: Dates to be determined in January, February, March and April
a. . The purpose of pre-departure class meeting is to enhance your knowledge of the cities being
visited and clearly understand expectations in traveling to a foreign city. Additional meetings may
be scheduled.
2. Attend UC International Services pre-departure information sessions. See link below:
http://www.uc.edu/international/study-abroad/preparing-to-go-abroad/required-pre-departure-
orientation.html
3. E-Portfolio: May 2 May 13
a. Create a digital portfolio of your European study abroad Pictures, videos, artifacts or journaling
should be included in your portfolio
4. Create relevant questions for each industry site visit
5. Plan and participate in personal cultural site visit in Barcelona
6. Summary Meeting - TBD
a. Attend summary meeting upon return to campus -.
7. Final Project All students are required to give their final presentation to at least one student group on
campus upon their return and
i. Students will present a summary of their learning experience to a group. This group
could include a class, extra-curricular group, co-op office, religious group, any small
group. Students will be required to submit a short evaluation of the groups response to
their presentation. This presentation summary sheet will be submitted by students
through Blackboard

Required Texts and Materials:

Reading assignments for the class will be explained and assigned on Blackboard and at the pre-
departure meetings. Please check Blackboard for updates throughout the term. Students will be
required to have a valid passport.
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Grading

Participation in Pre 30 points

Departure Classes

E-Portfolio 40 points

Full Participation in 75 points

assigned events

Create questions for 15 points

onsite business meetings

Plan and engage in self- 15 points

directed site visit

Summary Meeting 5 points

Final Project/outreach 20 points

Total Possible Points 200

Grading Scale
180-200 A
160-179 B
140-159 C
120-139 D
0-119 F