How we support competency development on our programs

Experiential learning in the form of study abroad is naturally a powerful engine for growth. But at EF Study Abroad, we always strive for more—which is why our program design layers in additional academic and cultural elements, alongside resources, to round out and accelerate learning before, during, and after immersion (with a way to measure it all, too.) Learn more about our Global Learning Model or explore our resources below.

1. Pre-immersion
2. In-country
3. Post-immersion

Pre-immersion

Prior to traveling, learners are given access to a variety of resources to help prepare them for their experience in-country.

  • Goal setting

    Learners can leverage our Goal Setting resource to outline personal goals for what they want to get out of the experience and ground them in how to approach their upcoming journey.

  • Resource toolkit

    Before learners depart, they are given access to a variety of resources to help prepare them for their experience in-country, including journal prompts, webinars to watch, and pre-travel discussion topics. Educators also have access to our Course Planning resources for integration within their curricula.

  • Assessment

    Groups may choose to include our Cultural Assessment as part of their program. Before travel, learners will take an assessment to benchmark intercultural competencies. They will also take the assessment post-travel to measure development while abroad.

In-country

The in-country experience builds on pre-immersion development and utilizes resources to maximize student growth while abroad.


Curated experiences

Each program includes intentionally designed components, informed by subject matter experts, that fall within 3 categories:

Guided Learning
Moments that emphasize intentional learning and development, whether it be through guided intercultural visits, design thinking workshops, sessions to learn about an industry, and more.

Cultural Engagement
Some level of engagement with the community to gain deeper insight into the local culture and build a broader network.

Independent Exploration
Personal time to reflect and immerse within the culture on an individual level is just as important as group activities, which is why all programs allow space for self discovery.

Industry Engagement Experiences
Our Industry Engagement Experiences are designed to address specific insight to particular functions and industries. From teaching to nursing, fashion to computer animation, we place emphasis on connecting faculty and students with leading in-country professionals across a wide gamut of current and emerging industries.

EF Study Abroad industry engagement experiences afford students the ability to foster intercultural competency and communication, and learn, compare and contrast approaches and methodologies while furthering their career exploration and preparedness.


In-country resource toolkit
While on the ground, learners have access to reflection prompts, discussion guides, journaling exercises, and more.

Post-immersion

After returning home, learners' journeys continue.

  • Post-immersion resource toolkit

    Group Leaders have access to EF’s post-travel resources, including assignments to tie the in-country experience to their academic, personal and professional development.

  • Micro-credentialing

    On some programs, learners have the opportunity to receive micro-credentials that demonstrate evidence of learning and skill development.

  • Assessment

    Upon return, groups who opted-in to our Cultural Assessment will re-take it to measures the growth of skills development while abroad. Educators are also able to analyze and compare individual reports and aggregate group reports to measure tangible results and demonstrate evidence of learning.



Want to learn more about how EF supports students' cultural competency development?