Considering the History of Education Abroad Programs to Create Assignments Serving both the Academic & Professional Needs of Students

This contribution explores two technology-based assignments—a travel journal & video bio and a Wikipedia translation project—that were developed for implementation in study abroad courses. Developed in consideration of historical and contemporary study abroad program structures, instructors and program directors can modify and adapt the assignments described for many different courses and locations. Each assignment builds upon specific learning outcomes emphasizing international components that advance critical language, research, and writing skills. Secondary goals of these assignments are the creation of deliverables that articulate to future employers the depth and value of education abroad programs and how these experiences have prepared students who participate to engage in careers in the global marketplace. Learning objectives, considerations about technology requirements, frameworks of the assignments, and a rationale for the components are discussed in detail