What it is:

I am currently completing the capstone experience of my degree program at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, also known as my practicum. This final semester is intended to provide a guided transition into the workforce, with students pursuing work in a variety of international education niches.

What I’m doing:

For my practicum, I am working with Frontiers Abroad New Zealand Aotearoa Study Abroad Programmes. I’m particularly excited to be working with Frontiers Abroad since I’m a 2010 alumna of their Earth Systems Science- Auckland program. They offer semester-long field, research and internship-based programs for U.S. students in New Zealand. FA’s unique hybrid model, combining 4-5 weeks of hands-on field work followed by a more traditional semester of study, is what attracted me to the program as a student, and is a concept that I remain a strong proponent of as an international education professional today.

In the field! Kaikoura NZ, July 14

My work with FA encompasses a variety of tasks, including conducting market research to direct future program expansion, an in-depth analysis of FA’s competitors, and the design of new marketing materials to complement my recruiting efforts at top liberal arts colleges across the U.S. this fall. I also spent five weeks in NZ this summer as a TA for the Fall ’14 Earth Systems field camp.

For the academic portion of my practicum, I will be producing several “deliverables,” some of which you will soon be able to find here. I will updating this site regularly and adding new content as it is developed and completed this fall. Please check back soon for more info! And, as always, feel free to contact me at jshannon(at)miis(dot)edu with more questions or comments!