Making the Popular Provocative
Why does the rhetoric in education abroad increasingly vilify popular destinations and the students who choose them? Locations with an established profile, perceived familiarity, and allure present unique challenges in terms of student expectations, curriculum, and program design. Rather than discount or write off such destinations, educators should challenge themselves to create innovative and provocative programs that challenge students, subvert assumptions, and deny cursory experiences. The University of Minnesota programs in Dublin and Florence seek to engage with and interrogate the popular appeal of the locations while simultaneously challenging stereotypes and notions of educational tourism and travel. Presenters will discuss the process of developing these programs and share lessons learned along the way.
Chair
Martha Johnson, University of Minnesota
Presenters
Seona Mac Réamoinn, University of Minnesota
Mariarosa Mettifogo, ACCENT
Nanette Hanks, University of Minnesota