An International Dimension in Extension

The
Michigan State University
Experience
Mary Andrews
Major Goals:

Enhancing the organizational culture

Staff Capacity Building-Professional Dev.
Programming FacilitationAn
international dimension in all programs
Coordination & Encouragement
Experimentation
Beliefs:
Extension professionals
with access to information
and appreciation for the
nature of global issues can
be a source of unique help
to local clientele, and can
be active partners in
global development. web1.msue.msu.edu/intext
Mary Andrews
Program Strategies: International Extension
Training Program (IETP)
Intense Professional Development
Experience
Groups of 12-15 agents and specialists
Two year commitment of in-service time
Includes international travel
Financed by MSUE & Counties
Campus Training: Faculty
Campus Training: Interaction
I cant believe how much I learned
during our first session
Even if we never
traveled together, this
training is invaluable
Getting updated on
global issues is
important for all
agents
I already value my
involvement in IETP
Jim Wiesing, Grand Traverse Co.
Field Training: Exploration
Field Training: Sharing
Planning for Outreach
Upon return from
intnl travels, the
group debriefs and
plans for educational
programming in MI
Outreach happens
before, during and
long after IETP
Group XII, January 2002
Program Strategies: Study tours and
Exchanges
Participation in existing or
self designed study
programs (Study Abroad,
Study Tours, Professional
Meetings)
Add-ons to international
projects
Serving as chaperone to
youth or adult travel
experiences
ESP Study Tour to SE Asia, 2002
The Study Tour reminded me of all
the great interactions during IETP
IETP has always been
with memy travels
to SE Asia reinforced
those lessons
I feel better able to
talk about the global
food system nowI
have first hand
experience
Jan Seitz, Jackson Co.
Program Strategies: International Assignments

USDA opportunities
ACDI-VOCA and other Citizen Volunteer
Programs
Service Club/Partner Projects
Self designed opportunities
Program Strategies: Partnerships and
Exchanges
Irish Rural Development Exchange
South Africa-
Univ. of the North Extension
Development
EFNEP Adaptation in
Johannesburg
Latvia: Extension Management
Training
India: World Bank Model
Development
Polish 4-H Foundation
Development
I am a different person because of
my international work
I can empathize with
peoples of other
countries and cultures
I am critical of our
press and our govt.
I wish more people
would travel and learn
about the world
Roberta Dow, Grand Traverse Co.
Program Strategies: Hosting

Cochran Fellows
Various Delegations
(Russia,
Mexico,Ukraine, Egypt)
International Visitors to
MSU
International Students at
MSU
Youth Exchanges

Indian Students: Isabella Co.

International Experience as Leadership Development
Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

The IETP program gave me a better understanding of myself and my

leadership abilities.
The pre-travel seminars expanded my awareness and provided an opportunity to
develop a better understanding and appreciation for those who have had different
cultural experiences.
The international travel experience makes you test your limits in terms of
cooperation, patience, physical stamina, and communication - all of which are
important skills to practice as a leader.
I now have a sense of commitment to my staff and clientele to help them understand
how we are connected to the rest of the world and to appreciate the leadership role
we have as Americans and example we can set if we act as good global citizens.
I encourage my staff, my family and friends to seek out training experiences and
travel opportunities that will expand their awareness, test their limits and increase
their appreciation of different cultures and situations.
International Experience as Leadership Development

Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

The pre-travel seminars gave me a chance to study and appreciate the

global economy
I have a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the local
economy with global markets and I can better articulate that to clientele
Discussions changed my perspective on personal buying decisions and
their global impacts.
The seminars reviewed and refreshed my knowledge of technical financial
concepts that have improved my abilities as an extension educator.
International Experience as Leadership Development

Julie Pioch, County Extension Director Van Buren County

The travel experience provided opportunity to analyze Extension

systems
Learning about other Extension systems provided an opportunity to
analyze our own system in Michigan and in the US. I have a better
appreciation for the historical relationships that we have in this county
and appreciate our base within the university.
I witnessed that outreach models that are effective in this country are also
effective in India when the needs of the client are understood and
programs are client driven.
Citizen Education Initiatives: Methods

Citizen travel and Trade Expansion

involvement Intnl Business Center
Trade Fairs
Global Education: Networking/info access
Trade/Global Economy Technological
Sustainable Dev. Advances:
Environmental Issues Zebra mussel
Interdependence- Rotational grazing
terrorism/immigration Bedding plant industry
Maximizing Citizen International
Exposure
Creating opportunities for exposure to intnl
people, ideas, concerns
Involving local leaders in hosting/educating
intnl guests
Creating linkages from local to global
Modeling global citizenship
Reinforcing intnl interests of citizens
Lessons Learned: International
Exposure
Important for staff credibility and
confidence
Important to give comparisons/examples
Important for sensitivities and perspective
taking
Lessons Learned: Training
International exposure is not enough
Staff need guidance, instruction to create
messages, programs
Staff need to see examples of opportunities for
education
Being proactivecreating generalized interest
Being responsivetaking risks/speaking out
Working together
Lessons Learned
International Education is public affairs
programmingnot right/wrong answers
Educators Role is to expand awareness, interest,
knowledge, involvement
People learn from interaction/involvement
Global issues are everyday matterspart of
lifestyle, personal and professional practice
International dimension is everyday business
Future Issues

Maintaining staff competency/experience

Expanding global leadership
Expanding collaborations and partnerships
Accessing external funding
The future is now:
Our world is globalizing around us. To
serve our domestic clientele well, Extension
needs to be globally aware and
internationally active. We cannot, not be
involved!
Mary Andrews, Director
International Extension Programs, MSUE