“I snapped this shot of a street performer because I loved the expressions of the people looking back at him.”
#10 Got Skills?
(20 points)
DUE DATE: Dec 14By now you’re nearing the end of your exchange experience. Not only have you developed some incredible memories and experiences, you’ve gained some skills that employers value. But having a global experience on your resume will not get you the job. You’ll need to translate the skills you have developed into a narrative that relates to the job you want to apply to. When employers ask “What did you gain from your study abroad experience” they want to hear answer beyond “it was the experience of a lifetime.” Your answer should be professional and relate to the job you for which you are interviewing.
For this task review the list of Skills and Qualities Associated with Study Abroad.
Adaptable
Resourceful
Motivated
Self-directed
Self - reliant
Flexible
Responsive
Organized
Independent
Empathetic
Self-sufficient
Creative
Confident
Problem solver
Open-mindedness
Assertiveness
Lead others in formal/informal groups
Understand cultural differences and similarities
Inquisitiveness
Goal - oriented
Motivated
Curious
Enhanced cultural awareness, sensitivity to customs, and cultural differences
Foreign language proficiency
Interpersonal communication skills
Quick learner
Ability to handle stress and difficult situations
Awareness of global, economic, and political issuesACTION:
Imagine you are interviewing with your dream employer for an internationally oriented position. To prepare, you need to reflect on your study abroad experience.
Select 3 - 5 skills or qualities from above (or another source) that you developed during your time abroad. Describe the context behind those skills. How did your experience abroad help you develop them? Give a specific example.Next, describe how your study abroad experience enhanced your knowledge, skills, and understanding of your intended career field.
Finally, describe how your study abroad experience might make you a better professional in your field.
Keep in mind this is for an interview. Make sure you articulate your skills and the context in which you developed those skills.
*** BONUS TASK 1 (10 points) Market yourself: Imagine you’re at speed networking event. Promote the value of your study abroad experience to employers in one or two sentences. Do not use the phrase “experience of a lifetime” or “life changing.”*** BONUS TASK 2 (10 points) Sell your program: In a paragraph, convince future Foster students to participate on your exchange program. Do not use the phrase “experience of a lifetime” or “life changing.” Get creative!
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS FOR THIS WEEK: 40
“My second spring break of the year was spent in Cape Town about 8 or 9 hours east of Port Elizabeth.
We left on Sunday where the first stop was the Bloukrans Bridge AKA the HIGHEST bungee bridge in the world… 216 meters (708 feet). Now before coming to Africa I had absolutely NO desire to bungee jump…”
Is That a Fish in Your Ear?: Translation and the Meaning of Everything
“In the guise of a book about translation this is a richly original cultural history … A book for anyone interested in words, language and cultural anthropology. Mr Bellos’s fascination with his subject is itself endlessly fascinating.” —The Economist
(Source: vimeo.com)
“… That’s the biggest cultural shock here in South Africa. The concept of timeliness. No matter where I seem to go people walk and drive and work as slow as humanly possible. You will NEVER find a team of construction workers where at least half are actually working. And schedules? Forget about it. Half the time teachers are late for their own classes.
And you know what? I LOVE it. I can not stress to you how nice it is to be able to relax and take my time instead of life in DC where people have places to go, people tomeet, and things to do- all the time.”
(click through to read the entire posting)
@StateDept
“Working through the United Nations means we do not have to choose between doing it ourselves, or doing nothing. Instead, we can show global leadership, to bring together allies and partners to achieve our goals. “