IFDS>>  evaluations + testimonials>>  2005 evaluations>>  india>>

India: The Interplay of Geography, History, and Culture in Event & Experience

Chi Anyansi-Archibong
Faculty Coordinator for The Global Studies Certificate Program (GSCP)
North Carolina A&T State University

Participation in the International Faculty Development Seminar in India on “The Interplay of Geography, History, and Culture in Event and Experience” has implications for my teaching skills, professional growth, institution and the triad community. This is my fourth Seminar with CIEE but my first as a recipient of the ExxonMobile Fellowship (others: Senegal, 2002; South Africa, 2003; Hungary and Czech Repulic, 2004). The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University mission articulates emphasis on globalization. The Office of International Program (OIP) has the major responsibility for carrying out the goal of internationalizing the institution by creating awareness and counseling both students and faculty about study abroad experiences and integrating global topics in the curriculum. To date, the university has several exchange programs (directly and indirectly), including India. The Global Studies Certificate Program (GSCP) is an academic program designed to encourage students to learn about other cultures and languages through the study abroad experience. I am currently serving as the faculty coordinator for this program and have the responsibility of advising students towards earning this certificate.


Benefits to My Personal and Professional Growth:

In addition to my position as the faculty coordinator for GSCP, I teach the Global studies Seminar Course (a capstone course for students returning from the study abroad experience). This course serves as a re-entry as well as an overall multidisciplinary and experience abroad assessment course. I also teach International Management course in the School of Business and Economics. Syllabi for both courses include country study and profile development. Participation in IFDS-India has broadened my knowledge of India and will enhance my teachings in the area. Further impact will be on the assessment and advisory capacity for students traveling to India for study abroad. This fall, their semester project and final examination will focus on India’s fast developing economy and its diverse environment. My experience this summer will help provide direction for the students’ reseach.


Specific Activities resulting from this experience include:

• A two hour presentation to faculty and students (and some staff) sheduled for November 2005, during the International Education Week. Nov. 14-18. Topic : “India’s Culture and Its New Economy”

• Fall 2005 Semester Project/Final Examination: Research Topic:  “Globalization and India’s new Economy: The Challenges of a Diverse Society”

• Research Paper for possible publication: Case Studies on Three of India’s numerous NGOs (Non Governmental Organization) with a focus Factors Influences NGOs Effectiveness in India and other Emerging Nations.
  The NGOs visited in India include:

• I Create, Inc- Gujarat

• The Hope Project  (The Sufi Village)

• Deccan Development Society  (The Sangham Shot and other projects)

Contribution to My Institution:

Contributions in this sector go beyond teaching in the School of Business and advisory as the coordinator for GSCP. The University’s general studies program is currently being restructured to include global emphasis. As a member of the University International/Global Education Committee, experience from the Seminar will go a long way in selecting and making India one of our future area studies program. Expanded knowledge of India’s culture, economy, geography, history, etc. will definitely enhance my teaching skills, advisory capabilities, and thus my professional and personal growth.

I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this Faculty development Seminar as an ExxonMobil Fellow. I will continue to share my experiences with faculty, students and administrators. I am willing to serve as a reference to future participants and seek opportunities to participate in future seminars.