Tom Millington’s Post

I do not agree at all with the methods employed by these protestors in Barcelona, but they raise an interesting and relevant point about tourism saturation and sustainability. Since study abroad is in some ways, an offshoot of tourism, how long will it be before protestors target American study abroad students, especially those who show no willingness to learn the local language? I saw this in Cuba last month with Americans studying Medicine in Cuba without having to learn Spanish and thus, behaved boorishly. When will we learn? https://lnkd.in/ePfFeNhG #globalthought #intled #intleducation #internationaleducation #studyabroad #educationabroad #tourism #sustainability

I don’t think Jennifer’s story is unique. Far too many people, including unemployed international educators have sifffered through this experience. #globalthoughts #intled #internationaleducation

As we hit "summer mode" this is the perfect time to sit back, reflect on the past year and then set a plan for the new academic year. I especially love the "one screen-free day-a-week sabbatical". Please share! #globalthoughts #intleducation #internationaleducation #intled #studyabroad #educationabroad #selfcare #motivation

URGENT: Call your representatives imploring you to vote “no” on these proposed items.

Imposter syndrome is very real. How is our field dealing with it? #globalthoughts #intled #intleducation #internationaleducation #studyabroad #educationabroad

Last week we said good bye to our Austin Community College students as they returned to the US. They had spent two weeks engaging and performing with Cuban musicians. A truly inspiring visit. The day after their departure I was at a hotel and I saw a group of American students studying through another provider approach the young receptionist and ask to be granted access to the swimming pool. There was not much space available and numerous Cubans had already made reservations. Unsatisfied with this answer the students kept pushing the receptionist, never once speaking Spanish. They harried her and later on she told me she had never ever been treated that way before. One student even tried to skirt the issue by purchasing a room for one day and then going to the pool using guest privileges. He said, "That's a lot of f*****g money!". I was prepared to step in, but hotel management explained to the students why they were not able to use the pool. After about 10 minutes the students had some drinks and left, but we were stunned by their behavior. The sense of entitlement, privilege, and arrogance was disheartening. They should have at least tried to use some Spanish. I eventually learned the name of the provider that brought them to Cuba. They offer attractive programs, but I think in this case, they should require that students have some knowledge of Spanish or at least remind them that they must be respectful to the citizens of the country that is hosting them. Photo credit: Cottonbro Studio #globalthoughts #intled #intleducation #internationaleducation #educationabroad #studyabroad #spanish #cuba #medicine

Johnny Maracas takes a percussion lesson in Havana! #globalthoughts #studyabroad #educationabroad #intled #intleducation #internationaleducation #music #musicexchange #musicabroad #highereducation