Journeying Together: Developing Indigenous-serving Study Abroad Programs

Learning Objectives:

• Walking in a Good Way: Attendees will be invited to explore their positioning and what it means to be Indigenous-serving, and how to braid different ways of knowing and being interweaving the Indigenous and intercultural. The discussion will aim to bring about a foundational understanding of Indigenous worldviews, values, and educational priorities. This includes insights into how these perspectives can shape study abroad program objectives, student experiences, and collaborative practices in international mobility.
• Identify Partnership Opportunities: Attendees will explore ways to identify and engage with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and educational institutions both domestically and internationally. The discussion will focus on identifying and developing respectful, reciprocal relationships that benefit students, institutions, and the Indigenous communities involved in a study abroad program.
• Develop Culturally Responsive Programs + Connecting Through Kinship: Participants will be invited to explore ways of incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogies into mobility programs. This would include designing culturally relevant content and learning experiences that respect and highlight Indigenous identities, languages, and cultural practices during the conception, implementation, and concluding phases of the program with emphasis on reflection and reciprocity.
• Evaluate Program Impact and Sustainability: Attendees will be invited to explore methods for assessing the impact of Indigenous-focused mobility programs on students and communities. This includes discussing ways of post-activity debriefing, how to use the feedback to improve program elements continuously and ensuring that the programs contribute to the long-term empowerment and sustainability of Indigenous communities.