Combining Applied Learning, Combining Applied Learning, International Travel, and Service: International Travel, and Service: Business Consulting in NicaraguaBusiness Consulting in Nicaragua

ANAC Summer InstituteANAC Summer InstituteElon UniversityElon UniversityJune 14, 2007June 14, 2007

Bill ClydeBill ClydeQuinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University

A little background…A little background… 10 day trip to Nicaragua—Jan, Aug,

Jan, Aug,…Consisting of Pre-trip research and meetings 3 day workshops including students

and businesses 3 days of on-site research by students

at businesses Living with families Post-trip research and meetings

The Right CourseThe Right Course Advanced enough to ensure that Advanced enough to ensure that

students have something to offerstudents have something to offer Curriculum that lends itself to Curriculum that lends itself to

applicationapplication Curriculum that lends itself to serviceCurriculum that lends itself to service Enough students to result in a critical Enough students to result in a critical

mass of those interested in the tripmass of those interested in the trip

Our solution? The Business CapstoneOur solution? The Business Capstone

(MAT, Nursing, OT,…) (MAT, Nursing, OT,…)

The Right CountryThe Right Country

Safety (Safety (State Department reportsState Department reports)) The right level of challenge for your The right level of challenge for your

students (and attractive)students (and attractive) The right environment for your The right environment for your

applicationapplication Costs (travel, food, lodging, etc.)Costs (travel, food, lodging, etc.) Travel Logistics (time zone, travel Travel Logistics (time zone, travel

time, administration etc.)time, administration etc.) Partnerships (Partnerships (Sister CitiesSister Cities))

Organizational LogisticsOrganizational Logistics

Marketing to students—channels and Marketing to students—channels and timing are critical, as is pricetiming are critical, as is price

Travel and lodging (including excursions)Travel and lodging (including excursions) Course related meetings and resourcesCourse related meetings and resources Travel DocumentationTravel Documentation Waivers and InsuranceWaivers and Insurance Health IssuesHealth Issues What to bringWhat to bring Emergency contact info and accessEmergency contact info and access

Partnerships can help with these…Partnerships can help with these…

Marrying the needs of the Marrying the needs of the community with the needs of the community with the needs of the

studentsstudents

Course outcomesCourse outcomes Community needsCommunity needs Finding overlapFinding overlap Filling in unmet course outcomes at Filling in unmet course outcomes at

home or onlinehome or online

A Positive ExperienceA Positive Experience Students--assessmentStudents--assessment

Businesses—assessmentBusinesses—assessment