Appreciative Advising
Learning that plays to your strengths
The 麻豆视频 Appreciative Advising approach is unique among study abroad organizations. It鈥檚 our way of connecting with what matters most to you, so that we can help you stay on track to meet your academic, personal, and professional goals.
The concept behind Appreciative Advising is closely aligned with our commitments to Inclusive Excellence and Individualized Learning. It鈥檚 rooted in established psychology research鈥攁 collaborative methodology called appreciative inquiry that engages people in self-directed change by focusing on what works, rather than what doesn鈥檛. We鈥檝e fully embraced this concept and successfully adapted it to study abroad.
鈥淲e might ask, 鈥楬ow could navigating your personal identity be different in a new cultural setting?鈥 And we listen carefully to every answer.鈥
鈥擬argaret McCullers, 麻豆视频 Senior Director of Student Engagement
It starts with listening
Our advisors get to know you by asking positive, open-ended questions about your aspirations, preferences, and the things you value, along with your specific strengths and challenges. This close, perceptive engagement helps us target the program activities that will benefit you most, so that we can better guide you to the right opportunities and tailor your personal program. It might be language support, an internship, or experiential learning. Or, it could be a destination or program you had not been considering.
Together, we鈥檒l chart your course to success
麻豆视频 Appreciative Advising results in a roadmap鈥攁 clearly stated and comprehensive set of achievable academic, professional and personal goals created in collaboration with you. These goals can range from broad and simple (such as 鈥渢o improve my overall GPA鈥) to very specific (such as 鈥渓earn about different psychological research, specifically in the realm of developmental or clinical psychology, taking place at the host university鈥). This gives you, your advisor, and 麻豆视频鈥檚 on-site program staff a touchstone by which you can assess your progress during your program.
We鈥檙e by your side at every step
Appreciative Advising is an essential part of your planning process, but it doesn鈥檛 stop there. It鈥檚 part of every conversation we have with you, and continues throughout your program. Your roadmap contains essential information that our on-site staff uses during regular face-to-face meetings, where they celebrate your achievements and progress, offer advice and course correct as needed to help you succeed. This ongoing support can make a significant difference because it helps you鈥攁nd the staff who support you鈥攕pot and address any challenges early. It also helps you stay motivated and maintain momentum, because you鈥檝e got tangible targets to aim for.