Internationalizing Extension

Since its inception, the U.S. Cooperative Extension System has succeeded to the degree that it has successfully adapted to societal changes. In recent years, those changes have increasingly been influenced by trends and events occurring beyond our borders. In today’s globally interconnected world, even the most remote rural community here in the U.S. is impacted by globalization. Changing demographics in many communities are creating new audiences for Extension. 47 million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home and 12% of our population is foreign-born. In strengthening the international dimension of its programs Extension will be better able to fully serve the changing needs of its clientele. Whether it entails increasing market opportunities over seas, understanding environmental and health issues that know no national boundaries, or using cross-cultural skills to better serve diverse domestic audiences, Extension can play a critical role.

Below are approaches that highlight the internationalization of the Oregon State University Extension Service.

OSU Extension Service—International Experience Data Base

Current and retired OSU Extension faculty members provide a rich pool of individuals with international experience. Both the University and the State of Oregon benefit from the knowledge base of the professionals in this pool.

Contact: Information in the data base is compiled and updated by the Global Relations
              Committee of the Oregon (Gamma) Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi.

National Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Global Relations Website

The ESP Global Relations Website can be used for posting and accessing international work opportunities. Individuals looking for overseas service opportunities will find contact information for organizations and agencies doing international work.

4-H World Citizenship Program/International Exchanges Website

The world has changed drastically over the past 50 years. What happens in other countries and on other continents affects each of us in some way. Young people need to develop a global perspective to better understand their own position in the world. 4-H world citizenship opportunities provide hands-on learning activities that develop awareness of the world and its peoples. As adults, we realize that the world's collective survival depends on awareness of the world and its peoples. We can pass on this responsibility by engaging young people in 4-H world citizenship opportunities. The Oregon 4-H Youth Development Program has been involved internationally for over 50 years.

Contact: Lillian Larwood, 4-H Specialist-World Citizenship

Corroboree: 4-H Across the Seas Website

A part of the National Initiative to Internationalize Extension, a mini-grants program was announced in 2003 and 26 state universities submitted proposals outlining a wide range of approaches aimed at enhancing the international component of their extension programs.  Ten proposals were selected for funding. The Oregon State University Extension Service proposal was funded, one of only two in the western United States, and the only one designed specifically for a youth audience.

Contact: Virginia Bourdeau, 4-H Specialist and Grant PI

Logistics Related to an International Experience

Foreign Travel and Risk Management Information

To learn more about foreign liability insurance coverage, travel assistance and risk services available to OSU Faculty and Staff that travel abroad in their employment duties, view the presentation: Foreign Travel and Risk Management.

Remember to register your trip with the OSU Office of Risk Management and obtain any immunizations at Student Health Services.

Contact: Joyce Fred, Risk Officer, OSU Office of Risk Management, 541-737-7252

Information on Approvals for Faculty International Experiences

There are several options available related to approvals for job related international experiences. Please check the following options for specific details:

• Study Leave Option
• Short-term Change in Post of Duty Option
• Sabbatical Option
• International Conferences
• If attending an international conference held outside of the United States the Out-of-State Travel Authorization Form must be completed and submitted for appropriate approval.
• Individuals attending conferences outside of the United States should also check the Foreign Travel and Risk Management Information noted above.

Reports on Projects and Experiences

Dave King, Interim Associate Provost—University Outreach and Engagement

• Linking the Teacher to the Learner: The Importance of Teaching Technology and Learning Support Systems in Distance Education (pdf)
  Slides and text for invited lecture to the Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School, Beijing, China. October 17, 2007.
• USDA/ADEC China Scientific Exchange (PowerPoint)
  Presentation report to All-ADEC meeting in Seattle, Washington. April 27, 2007.
• USDA/ADEC China Final Report (PDF)
  USDA/ADEC sponsored exchange to review agricultural distance learning in China. March 16 - 31, 2007.

"Why an International Experience: Benefits to Oregon"

This presentation, held during the 2008 Extension Spring Training Days, includes:

• Opening remarks by Scott Reed, Vice Provost, University Outreach and Engagement and Director, OSU Extension Service, related to how international experiences benefit clientele in Oregon.
• Extension faculty members, from all program areas, highlighting their international experiences and how this work has benefited both Oregonians and citizens in the host countries.

 The direct link is: http://media.oregonstate.edu/ramgen/extension/international-experience_20080416.rm

The program can also be accessed from the Archive Page: http://oregonstate.edu/media/archives/

Contact: Lillian Larwood, Chair, Global Relations Committee, Oregon (Gamma) Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi