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In
this issue, some of our faculty reflect on the benefits of international
assignments both for them and their clientele. In some cases the
benefits are tangible, such as identifying potential export markets
for Washington commodities. In others, the benefits are less tangible,
perhaps immeasurable, or may not be evident for years.
International travel gives us a chance to examine different approaches
and solutions. Many of the world's problems are not contained by
borders. Research and education that we have can be brought to bear
to address issues of food and hunger, protection of the environment,
access to and use of technology, and personal health and safety.
Visits abroad offer our faculty the opportunity to build relationships
that later can flourish into sustaining global partnerships.
Personally, I'm moved by the stories of personal growth of our faculty
while addressing relevant problems in remote corners of the world.
And the problem solving and collaborations continue after the faculty
return home. For example, Carris Booker, King County 4-H, traveled
to Africa. He continues to work with the U.S. Agency for International
Development and plans another trip to South Africa in the very near
future. In March, Louise Turner, Kitsap County chair and an intern
in the current National Extension Leadership Development program,
traveled to Hong Kong and China to study many facets of leadership.
Who knows what will pique her interest and what follow-up project
she may design.
In thinking about some of my own experiences, I would say that international
travel has helped me think more broadly. Sometimes we don't appreciate
other people's perspectives or opinions as much as we could. When
we travel, we get a different perspective on some of the things
we take for granted: shelter, food, transportation, and communication.
So, I would say that international travel helps us gain an appreciation
and perspective. It also makes us reflect about some of the things
we do because they are done differently elsewhere. |
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Linda Kirk Fox |
A number of years ago, I was invited to spend three weeks at the
Northwest Agricultural University in the People's Republic of China.
I met with the faculty, talked with students in the classroom and
was invited to speak at different women's organizations on the weekends.
When I travel, I take a lot of postcards and photos from home because
there is a common denominator in place and family. One of the things
I was asked to do was deliver a lecture before an economics class.
I expected to have a slide projector for the academic lecture I
had prepared. But on that day there was no electricity. I pulled
out my photos and passed them around as we talked about goods and
services, and markets and trade. The experience made me think about
my communication style and maybe made me a better teacher because
I had to give some thought about how I teach, whom I teach, and
what people are interested in knowing.
If you are given the opportunity for international work, take it!
Your view of the world will forever be changed.
Linda
Kirk Fox,
Associate Dean and Associate Director, Cooperative Extension
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