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Living Our Learning: Transformative Impacts of Study Abroad and Field Studies for Students and Faculty

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The Palgrave Handbook of Teaching and Research in Political Science

Part of the book series: Political Pedagogies ((PP))

Abstract

This chapter explores how a commitment to experiential learning, especially via study abroad and academic field studies, can unlock new forms of knowledge and help to expand learning and research opportunities for faculty and students alike. Authors engage the relevant literature and share insights gleaned from their own experiences in diverse teaching contexts, which include extended semester- and year-long study abroad programs, shorter-term academic field studies, and emergency adaptations amid a global pandemic environment. In each case, they highlight how respectful teacher-student interplay and shared critical reflection on the desired outcomes serve to enrich mutual learning and scholarship in areas linked to international relations.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Prior to teaching at IADC, Dr. Hamilton studied at a semester study abroad program in Central America, based in Costa Rica. He returned years later as an intern and faculty member, building competencies in experiential education via service learning projects and short-term field studies with undergraduates. Critical reflections on a study trip to Cuba are explored in Hamilton (2001). Ms. Almeida’s student-faculty narrative (on gender/field-studies) is discussed later in this article.

  2. 2.

    Dr. Hamilton has served on the IADC faculty for more than ten years, and Ms. Almeida has played diverse roles: she was a student, nominated by the Dominican Republic as a diplomat. She graduated with distinction and then continued at the College as a staff member, supported by her country, serving as Assistant Faculty with increasing responsibilities across three years.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inter-American Defense College (IADC), Washington, DC, USA

    Mark Hamilton

  2. William J. Perry Center, National Defense University (NDU), Washington, DC, USA

    Katherine Almeida

Authors
  1. Mark Hamilton
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  2. Katherine Almeida
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Correspondence to Mark Hamilton .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA

    Charity Butcher

  2. School of Government and International Affairs, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA

    Tavishi Bhasin

  3. School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA

    Elizabeth Gordon

  4. School of Government and International Affairs, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA

    Maia Carter Hallward

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Hamilton, M., Almeida, K. (2023). Living Our Learning: Transformative Impacts of Study Abroad and Field Studies for Students and Faculty. In: Butcher, C., Bhasin, T., Gordon, E., Hallward, M.C. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Teaching and Research in Political Science. Political Pedagogies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-42887-6_21

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