Notes: Session One, Exploration - International Extension Training Program 2003-2004

Understand what an internationalized extension system is, its role, constraints and opportunities.
Appreciate different socio-cultural contexts and how this relates to your work environment.
Develop opportunities for greater international participation in extension.

Explore the personal and professional aspects of working in different socio-cultural contexts and in an international environment.
Address aspects of internationalizing extension including opportunities and constraints.
Be aware of institutional programs focused on internationalizing IFAS and their role and opportunities in that process.
Develop a team approach to enhance the learning experience.

Appreciation for another culture
Understanding Impact of Extension from another perspective
Programmatic understanding of funding (different from UF/IFAS)
Why are we here?
Use of local governance
Discover realities of ecotourism in Costa Rica
Bringing experiences back to benefit local clientele (student, Extension agents …)
Improving cross-cultural sensitivity
County to county exports
Who will be interested in hearing about your trip?
What media outlets/internal communications are available to you?
What part of the itinerary do you think will be most relevant to your clientele?
What kind of pictures do you need to take?
What sources/messengers do you want to talk to?

Cultural diversity (food, music, art, family customs) and maintaining it.
Cooperative effort between countries/partnering on a smaller scale (conscious decision).
Broadening of vision/mission
Expansion of specific interests into specific geographic areas

Exchanging ideas on extension education between nations
Developing an international focus in all of extension to facilitate broader

Sharing Best Practices in Extension
Not necessarily International (different cultural audiences within our borders)
Partnering with other countries to work toward extension mission by sharing resources
Modify/internationalize our extension model
Passing benefits of international experiences onto local clientele/personnel
Mutual benefit

Raising awareness and preparing for a global economy (trade issues)
Negative connotation (passive) inevitable
Holistic view of the impacts of your actions: environmentally, politically, social, etc.
Each country has a unique role
Practicing of expended relationships across borders (similarities) homogeneity
Multi-national corporate self-interests (perceptions of Americans/U.S.)
Access to information; enables us to see commonalities