"To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail," goes a quote often (perhaps apocryphally) attributed to Benjamin Franklin that encapsulates the spirit of the pre-departure workshop hosted this week by The Global Learning Office. The session focused on risk management for students participating in international travel and study abroad experiences, underscoring the importance of proactive preparation, not just in anticipating tangible risks, but also in developing the intellectual and emotional resilience necessary for navigating unfamiliar environments and unexpected challenges.
The first part of the workshop focused on an approach that explored how a lack of personal reflection and self-awareness hinders personal growth and rewarding international sojourns. The discussion highlighted how embracing discomfort, fostering critical thinking, and bridging diverse perspectives are essential for resilience, independence, and effective cross-cultural engagement, all vital qualities for a successful study abroad experience.
Later in the session, participants focused on elements of risk management aimed at mitigating harm, loss of property, and legal issues. Various categories of risk associated with international travel were discussed, including security, personal, health, political, environmental, and legal concerns. The session emphasized proactive measures like thorough research, planning for contingencies, and practicing self-advocacy. The Ethical Decision-Making Model and the Study Abroad Code of Conduct were introduced as frameworks to guide students in making responsible choices abroad, with a real-world example illustrating the serious consequences of poor decisions.
Participants in the workshop explore elements of critical thinking
