The EIL tagline of “enriching lives and inspiring global citizenship” is based on the fundamental belief that participation in an EIL programme opens participants to a menu of learning, awareness and development opportunity.
Following an extensive review of theory, analysis of academic research, and widespread consultation a practical understanding has emerged of the potential learning and development opportunities which participation in an EIL programme may offer. The EIL ‘Model’ is a combination of four central concepts/ characteristics that capture what is an EIL programme:
INTERCULTURAL LEARNING… the process of developing intercultural competence. This is your ability to act and relate appropriately and effectively in various cultural contexts….
GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS…. the awareness and understanding of our rapidly changing and unequal world. It encourages people to think critically, consider their rights and responsibilities as global citizens, as well as their potential to effect change for a more just and equal world….
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS…..the additional skills which carry personal and professional value. E.g. self-confidence, problem-solving, team-work & leadership and interpersonal skills. They are also highly valued in the workplace, increasing employability and lifelong career advancement…..
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING…. a learning process where the participant learns by ‘doing’. They take part in an experience, they observe that experience by living it, they think about how it is affecting them and finally apply this learning to their future actions…..
Using this ‘model’, we have now moved to identify the very practical menu of learning, awareness and development opportunities an EIL participant could walk away with after completing a programme. These are what we call “learning outcomes” or “learning goals”.
While more work is being done the following lists of outcomes/goals are associated with each programme area:
Study Abroad
After an EIL Programme, a Study Abroad participant will be able to demonstrate increased…
- Foreign Language & Communication skills
- Interpersonal & Teamwork skills
- Self-confidence & Self-awareness
- Problem-solving skills & Self-efficacy
- Reflective critical thinking
- Cultural Competence – (Ability to act effectively and appropriately in diverse cultural contexts)
Cultural Groups
After an EIL Programme, a cultural groups participant will be able to demonstrate increased…
- Self-awareness & interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team & Problem solving
- Reflective critical thinking
- Self- efficacy
- Cultural Competence – (Ability to act effectively and appropriately in diverse cultural contexts)
EIL EXPLORE
After an EIL Programme, an Explore participant will be able to demonstrate increased…
- Communication skills (including language skills)
- Interpersonal & Teamwork skills
- Self-confidence & Self-awareness
- Problem-solving skills & Self-efficacy
- Reflective critical thinking
- Cultural Competence – (Ability to act effectively and appropriately in diverse cultural contexts)
It is important to note that certain programmes deliver more substantially in relation to individual concepts than others, but the mark of an EIL programme is that learning is taking place in each of these areas to one extent or another. Based on key prerequisites of openness and enthusiasm, the genuine participant can achieve these outcomes and move through the four concepts over the course of their experience.