Jul 17

Sustainability in International Education: Interview with Michael Despines

By Missy Gluckmann Globalization, International Education Conferences, International Education Tools, International Education Week, Multicultural Lives, Professional Development, Travel Tips, Uncategorized No Comments »

Michael Despines, Guest Blogger

Today’s guest post is by the very talented Michael Despines, Sustainability Advocate. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at the School for International Training in the early 90s. This past year, Michael served as the keynote speaker at the Connecticut State University System’s International Education Conference. His multimedia presentation was talked about for weeks!  He was incredibly effective at breaking down very complicated issues (climate change/sustainability and how it impacts the global community) into digestible morsels, while relaying individual action plans for participants.

For today’s guest blog, I asked Michael about how the crisis facing our planet is impacting communities around the world. Please enjoy his thought provoking responses and be sure to check out his incredible bio below.

Note: Michael is available for presentations (on both issues of sustainability and development) and can be booked through Melibee Global.

Melibee Global (MG): Michael, what prompted you to shift your career and personal focus from international relief work to environmental sustainability ?

Michael Despines (MD): Early on in my career overseas I realized that our work was to help poor countries become economic replicates of the United States or Europe.  Intuitively, I sensed that our society was not sustainable and I began a lifelong study on issues related to sustainability.  The more I learned, the more my sense of concern and urgency grew.  Over time, I decided to return to the U.S. and work on educating people about these issues and promoting a prosperous and sustainable society.

MG: Melibee Global is a blog that focuses on international education. In this field, there has been a lot of buzz about the “Green Passport” program. Are we moving in the right direction with this program?  How can those of us who plan programs around the world (study/internships/volunteer abroad) be more effective in minimizing or offsetting the carbon footprint?

MD: Your question is a profound one.  I am a passionate believer in the value of travel abroad – my overseas experience completely transformed me and opened untold worlds of intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.  That being said, international travel has a tremendous cost and recreational air travel will soon be an anachronism.  The Green Passport program is right on – it places travel in proper perspective.  Travel must be revered and respected for the extreme privilege that it is.  The traveler must understand the high cost to the planet of such an experience and be committed to making the changes needed to live his or her life, day in and day out, in balance with nature.  Carbon offset projects rarely produce the promised reductions – do not rely on them.

MG: As individual travelers, what are the changes we should be making to impact sustainability positively?

MD: Use public transportation as much as you can.  Drive as little as possible.  Support local business and local food suppliers.  Carry your own water.  Avoid plastic.  Be aware of your choices and their impacts.  Take your time.  Much of the worst damage we do to the planet takes place when we rush or when we are short on time (eating fast food, buying bottled water, using throw away goods, etc.)

MG: How do you address those who say that climate change is a fairy tale?

MD: The debate was over 20 years ago.  Every, and I mean every, credible scientific body in the world has signed on in support. Every government in the world, including the United States under George Bush, has publicly acknowledged that man-made climate change is a fact.  Get over it.  Climate change deniers now fall among those who believe that world is flat, or that man did not go to the moon.

MG: Can you recommend any books for our readers?

MD: Hmmm, so many.  “The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability” by James Gustave Speth. Read this book and you will understand all the key environmental, social, political, and economic issues, problems and solutions related to creating a sustainable society.  “An Agenda for a New Economy” by David Korten.  A thin book that changed how I live my life.  Here is a longer list.

MG: You spent many years working with the International Rescue Committee in Africa.  How are issues with climate change specifically impacting this region of the world?

MD: The poorest people in the world in both Africa and Asia are being hit hardest by the impacts of climate change.  Developing countries are heavily reliant on agriculture – the dramatic shift in climate is causing more frequent floods in some areas and extreme droughts in others.  Either way yields are dropping.  Hunger is rising.  Each year there are an additional 150,000 deaths from malaria as the rising temperatures are allowing malaria laden mosquitoes to move into new areas.  Women are particularly vulnerable –  they have the least access to education and information about how to respond to climate change.  Most farmers are actually women so they suffer most when crops fail.  Women also take care of the children and the household so they are least able to flee the rising number of extreme weather events caused by climate change.

MG: Is it too late for us to change to deal with climate change?  Is it too late to create a sustainable society?

MD: The way we live our life right now in America is taking us on a path to societal suicide.  Our demands on the planet are overwhelming the planet’s life support systems.  The signs are everywhere.  Temperatures rising.  Fish stocks collapsing.  Forests disappearing.  Water tables dropping.  That is the bad news.  The good news is that all the solutions are here, right now, today.  We don’t need any new technology to create a world that is prosperous and in balance with nature.  We simply have to make different choices.  The future can be astounding.  Really.  In my talks I help map out both the bad and the good and the potential that awaits us.  But the clock is ticking, and we must start making these changes NOW.  Mother Nature will not wait much longer before she takes corrective action.

MG: Before we wrap up, I’d like to switch gears for a moment. You are an accomplished photographer. Tell our readers about how you got started with this hobby.

MD: As a child I was always crazy about animals: my room was full of stuffed toy animals and animal picture books.  Every Sunday night I would anxiously await the next episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  I had seen every animal documentary made.  So, when I went to Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer I bought my first cheap Nikon camera.  Over the years I gradually taught myself how to take a decent photo and I went on safari every chance I could.  Connecting with nature is essential.  Nature nutures.

MG: Thank you, Michael, for sharing your wisdom with our readers.

Michael Despines' safari photo: Zebras

About the Author: For 17 years Michael Despines worked as a senior manager, strategist, and advocate for several international relief and development organizations.  As Regional Director for the International Rescue Committee, he supervised programs in Rwanda, Burundi, The Republic of Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Tanzania.  Michael spent six years in eastern DRC as the country director overseeing a broad range of humanitarian and development programs.  He has also worked for the International Medical Corps in Angola, and Action against Hunger-USA in Rwanda.  He began his overseas work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon. Over the last several years Michael has focused on promoting sustainable development in the United States.  He has worked with Environment America, Clean Air-Cool Planet, and spent a year with Friends of the Earth advocating for sound US policy to address the impacts of climate change and he co-authored a report on the risks associated with the use of carbon offsets.  He is currently the Regional Director for Asia for CHF International, an international development organization. Michael has conducted extensive reading and research on environmental science, climate science, energy technology, consumption, economics, and other topics related to sustainability.  Based on this research and life experience Michael created “The American Dream – The World’s Nightmare,” a powerful presentation that he offers to high schools, colleges, universities, churches and other public venues to increase public awareness and action on these issues. Michael holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering, a B.A. in General Arts and Science, and a Masters in International Management. He is fluent in French and English.


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May 18

Upcoming Training Opportunity: BEVI (Beliefs, Events and Values Inventory)

By Missy Gluckmann Career, International Education Conferences, International Education Tools, Professional Development 1 Comment »

While at the Forum on Education Abroad conference in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA) this past March, I had the pleasure of attending a session about BEVI:  Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory. This analytical tool helps people understand better what they believe and value about themselves, others, and the world at large, and how such beliefs and values may – or may not – be conducive to learning, personal growth, relationships and the pursuit of life goals.

Dr. Craig Shealy, Professor of Graduate Psychology at James Madison University and Executive Director of the International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI), will be conducting a certification training on the BEVI on June 10th and 11th at the campus of Brethren College Abroad in Elizabethtown, PA.

By attending BEVI Certification Workshop, participants receive the most recent edition of the BEVI Test Manual, sample reports, background readings and materials, and a BEVI Certificate of Completion, which is valid for two years (i.e., recertification is required after two years). BEVI Certified Administrators also receive periodic updates about the BEVI, notification of upcoming publications, and symposia, and other relevant materials. Because institutions and organizations that subscribe to the BEVI are automatically granted membership in the International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI), all of the benefits of IBAVI membership are granted to BEVI Certified Administrators (see www.ibavi.org). Successful completion of the two day workshop results in BEVI Certification, which allows the certificate holder to supervise the administration of the BEVI within their institution or organization according to the guidelines that are provided in the workshop.

There is still time to register for the BEVI Certification Training Workshop. Forum on Education Abroad member institutions will receive a 25% discount at registration.  I will be attending and will have the opportunity to interview Dr. Shealy while I’m in Pennsylvania, so definitely look for a follow up post in mid June.

Meanwhile, please visit the BEVI website for more information.

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Mar 25

Forum on Education Abroad Conference – Dialogue about Re-Entry

By Missy Gluckmann Forum on Education Abroad, International Education Conferences, Professional Development, Repatriation, faculty led study abroad No Comments »

I just returned from a  Forum on Education Abroad conference session entitled “Integrating Education Abroad into the Campus Ethos.”  One of the discussion points was re-entry and how schools are supporting students through coursework and campus programs/events. 

This raised a big question for me:  What about the faculty?  (Funnily, when I googled “faculty re-entry issues” I got a bunch of listings about “prisoner re-entry!” Hmmmm?!)

One of challenges that we often face is hearing from our faculty about how hard it is for them to be home and how many days/months/years it is before they can consider a sabbatical so that they can go abroad and conduct research and travel.  One of the most difficult situations in my career was hearing from a faculty member, who literally broke down in tears, unable to articulate how traumatizing it was to be ”home.”   All I could do in that moment was let her cry, which is what she needed to do.

I posed this question to the panel and audience – Are we seeing issues with faculty re-entry and how are we addressing them?

No one in the session, including the panel, had a structured program or plan for faculty facing challenges with this issue.  One of the panelists did contribute that his school required final reports from faculty leading courses abroad and that he often has them meet with the international committe, but that nothing systematic is in place to consider how they are doing upon return.

So, I pose the question to you:  Have you ever experienced faculty dealing with re-entry challenges?  Does your institution have a program in place to assist a faculty member who is readjusting to teaching in the “confines” of 4 walls again, missing the ability to speak a 2nd language 24/7, having trouble explaining the value of the time abroad to a spouse who remained at home to go to work and stay with the kids?

I look forward to your comments.

I will blog about “Day 2″ of the Forum on Education Abroad conference later tonight.  And by the way, for those of you who read last night’s “Day 1″ update, Mexico and Iceland TIED in the friendly soccer game!

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Mar 24

Forum on Education Abroad Conference: Day 1 (March 24, 2010)

By Missy Gluckmann Forum on Education Abroad, International Education Conferences, International Education Tools, March 2010, Professional Development, Research, Travel Tips, safety abroad 7 Comments »

I must begin this post by commending the Forum on Education Abroad  for starting this conference off on the right foot.  I attended the Standards of Good Practice Institute (Beyond the Basics of Health, Safety and Security) and it easily met my expectations.  The depth of knowledge was exactly what I had hoped for while the format of a mix of roundtable discussions, panels and case studies did not let me down.

Before I go any further, I must describe the scene in Charlotte.  I arrived to a rambunctious group of Mexican soccer fans at the Westin Hotel! Apparently the Mexican soccer team is playing against a friendly game against Iceland tonight. This photo is of fans outside the hotel today, waiting for the team to leave the hotel. There were HUNDREDS of fans!

Fans of the Mexican soccer team await their heroes outside the hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

 

I attended the day long Standards Institute – each session was 90 minutes with a plenary over lunch.  As much was covered, I will simply share some highlights.

Session 1:  ”You be the Judge: Case Studies in Risk, Negligence and Risk Management” was an excellent overview of legal terms and the definition of negligence. Presenter Julie Friend, JD, International Analyst for Travel, Health, Safety and Security for Michigan State University schooled us in legal terminology. She spoke about negligence (the careless performance of a legally required duty or the failure to perform a legally required act) and how a plaintiff must establish 4 elements:  duty, breach, causation and damages. She explained that if you plan not to follow a State Department travel alert suggestion, you must carefully document why you did not heed the government’s recommended standards.  If you do not do so effectively, you could be considered a breech of duty because the institution failed to conform to recommended standards. She recommended an article by Hoye (2006) :  “Legal Issues Influencing International Study Abroad Programs.” 

Session 2:  ”Where Does Student Responsibility for Student Health and Safety Begin and End?” That is the million dollar question for many of us in this field.  Of course, we all think that students should generally be more responsible than they are!  The highlight of this session was the presentation by a student, Ms. Sarah Hager.  She studied abroad in Morocco Fall 2009 and reflected on her orientation and how useful many of the tips and suggestions were.  She provided examples of using logic and following carefully doled out advice.  Then she spoke about the challenges of the rules of her program – for example, students were not permitted to surf even though there were free surfing lessons available. She could not ride a motorbike even though it was common practice in the country.  

Sarah chose to conduct research on the treatment of homosexuals in Morocco.  She and her translator traveled to Casablanca to go to an underground gay party, where she intended to conduct interviews for her research. After her first interview, the manager of the establishment kicked her and the translator out, afraid that they were investigating his property. Upon reflection, she realized that she could have been arrested and how that would have been a very difficult situation. Isn’t hindsight ALWAYS 20/20?

Her experience and perspective were refreshing – she was home, safe and sound and could articulate, diplomatically, why she felt the need to “break” some rules along the way. I smiled, and while slightly horrified at the thought of dealing with any issues related to her decisions, I was educated by hear her frank remarks, youthful perspective and solid determination to study a sensitive subject abroad.

Study Abroad student, Sarah Hager

Sarah Hager presents on her experiences in Morocco.

 

Keynote:  Dr. Eric Shaw. “Risk Measurement, Management and Mitigation as Best Practices Before, During and After.”  Dr. Shaw is an Associate Professor in the US Naval War College and a very engaging speaker.  He covered a lot, but I might suggest that you take a look at the GAR model, a risk assessment tool used in the US Coast Guard.

Dr. Eric Shaw (US Naval War College) and Bill Frederick (School for Field Studies)

 

Session 3:  ”Assessing Adequate Coverage: Case Studies in Disability Accomodations and Insurance Planning.”  This session covered some very useful gems:

 - the new health care bill does not apply to study abroad programs because it is considered a supplementary insurance plan.

- accommodation is a very fine line – it is often obligatory to provide accommodation in the classroom, but there is much more leeway with non-academic issues such as housing.  

-be creative about excursions.  Nine of out ten times, you can find a great excursion that will be more inclusive for all of your students.

Session 4:  ”Beyond the Basics: Case Studies Amidst Psychological Challenges.” 

Dina Nunziato, Director of Counseling Services at Sarah Lawrence College, spoke about the human brain and how it actually continues to develop into our early 20s.  The late adolescent brain is designed to be impulsive and respond with a “gut reaction.”  This prompted much discussion in our break out groups about how the freshman experience abroad really IS more demanding and how we can restructure orientation and communication to better support the young, developing brain!

I must digress for a moment – I hear many cars honking outside – I think Mexico won that game!  :)  Will do my best to blog tomorrow. I look forward to your questions and comments meanwhile.

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Mar 11

Melibee Global Partners with Digital Strategy Works: International Education Web Strategy

By Missy Gluckmann Forum on Education Abroad, International Education Conferences, Professional Development, Uncategorized No Comments »

As the founder of Melibee Global Educational Consulting, I am delighted to announce our partnership with Digital Strategy Works (DSW). 

DSW designs best of class web sites, blogs, social media widgets and mobile solutions that will make an impact. They can measurably improve your Google, Yahoo! and Bing search engine rankings, resulting in an increase in traffic and conversions through SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media and online marketing strategies. In addition, their reputation management service will help your brand or business discover what customers are sharing about your service or site online.

The Melibee Global/DSW partnership has been formed with the goal of making these tools and services available at a price point that is economical and results driven.  Special pricing is available to not-for-profit educational institutions.

I will be working closely with DSW on any international education related proposals and/or projects.  My expertise in international education combined with DSW’s talent in user experience on the web, will bring tremendous value add to the web strategy process.

If you are interested in meeting at the Forum on Education Abroad Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA) from March 23rd – March 26th to discuss your web strategy, please email me at info(at)melibeeglobal.com.

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