Mission Statement and Outcomes for International Programs

Mission Statement

The mission of Union College International Programs is to:

  • Provide a meaningful and rigorous academic experience abroad;
  • Foster a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures;
  • Promote awareness of cultural diversity and sensitivity to cultural differences among the Union community;
  • Promote a global perspective within the living/learning environment on campus;
  • Complement and enrich students' academic and extracurricular experiences on campus.

During their program of study abroad, we envision that Union students will:

  • Engage actively in academic courses and culturally "immersive" activities;
  • Learn to function independently in another culture;
  • Learn to recognize and respect cultural diversity;
  • Reflect on their values, perspectives, and culture;
  • Be good ambassadors of their own culture;
  • Develop an appropriate level of linguistic competency for programs in countries where English is not the first language;
  • Learn to work effectively with people from cultures outside the U.S.

Students will appreciate the contribution of their program of study abroad to their undergraduate education and recognize the importance of the international experience to their academic and personal development.

Outcomes

International Programs Learning Outcomes

Students who participate in an international program will significantly increase their

  • 1) Language proficiency (where applicable).
  • 2) Understanding of the host culture, of cultural differences in general, and of the world as a linked global enterprise.

  • 3) Ability to apply analytical skills to conducting research projects (where applicable).

International Programs Administrative  Outcomes

International programs should

  • 1) Maintain an academic rigor commensurate with the academic standards of the College.