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We live in a shrinking world, in which it is
ever more critical to understand other cultures and to move across borders. Smith
has long had an international emphasis in its curriculum, and a significant investment
in this area, with particularly strong and extensive programs in language and literature,
area studies, and study abroad. However, the rapidly changing global context --
where economic, social, and political issues and relationships are in constant flux
-- demands a re-examination of our curriculum. The careers and lives students will
pursue after Smith require a deeper and more nuanced understanding of other peoples
and cultures. In this context, Smith must consider how best to structure and proportion
its commitments to international study and research both on campus and abroad.
The basic challenge for Smith is how best to leverage
its considerable strengths, resources, and tradition of excellence in this area of
growing importance in ways that prepare students for success in an increasingly global
and interconnected world.
Recent discussions about study abroad have
suggested that the scattered character of our international programs reduces their
coherence and lessens their impact. Students and faculty have commented on the difficulty
of integrating study abroad experiences into their ongoing studies. Student enrollments
abroad are heavily clustered in Western Europe and English-speaking countries. The
large number of programs approved for independent study abroad makes program oversight
and quality control a challenge.
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Establish a Center
for International Study to consolidate, highlight, and draw attention to the
college’s multiple efforts and opportunities in global education. Utilize
the center to provide greater visibility for international visitors and to
expand support for international efforts, including better publicity about
campus opportunities to engage international issues. |
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Establish or join consortial
programs in under-represented parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and
South America to ensure access to high-quality academic programs. |
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Develop international partnerships
and agreements to extend Smith’s reach and exposure, particularly in
Asia, including faculty and student exchanges, field work, and other research
collaborations. |
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Pursue research collaborations
and other opportunities that facilitate study abroad for science and engineering
students. |
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The
Planning Process
Re-imagining
the
Liberal Arts at Smith
Strategic
Directions
Strengthen
essential student capacities
Promote
a culture of research, inquiry,
& discovery
Encourage
purposeful engagement with society’s challenges
Deepen
students’ awareness & appreciation of other cultures and global issues
Prepare
women for rewarding lives in a rapidly changing world
Support & promote
environmental sustainability
Open
doors to women of promise
Extend
Smith’s impact on the world
Committee
on
Mission & Priorities
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