Study Abroad and International Exchanges

Study Abroad Capstone Project

Overview

Every Western Oregon University student who studies abroad completes a capstone project. The purpose of the project is to help students learn about their destination, enhance their cultural observation skills while they are abroad, reflect on the impact of their study abroad experience once they return, and articulate why the experience mattered and what hard and soft skills they developed as a result of the experience.

Students may access the capstone syllabus and the assignment handouts using the links below. In addition, students are required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation and on return, attend a mandatory re-entry session. Orientation and Re-entry session dates.

Important note:

(If you began your study abroad program prior to winter term 2011, contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchanges for the syllabus in effect at that time.)

Study Abroad Capstone Project syllabus and assignments

(If you are a graduate student, contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchanges for the graduate syllabus.)

The following syllabus is in effect through spring term 2012. A new syllabus is under development for summer 2012. However, this will give summer students an idea about what to expect.

Capstone Syllabus

Essentials to Know handout (Word Document)

Journal Assignment (Word Document)

Presentation Instructions and Scoring Rubric

Presentation Verification Form

Resume Assignment

Prior to pre-departure orientation:

1. Complete all WOU secondary paperwork.

2. Dowload and complete the Essentials to Know Handout and email to Michele Price.

3. Download and complete the pre-departure portion of the journal assignment and email to Michele Price.

4. Take the study abroad pre-departure survey, which is a requirement of the study abroad capstone project.

5. Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State.

While abroad:

1. Complete the "While abroad" section of your journal during your program and email to Michele Price mid-way through your program. .

When you return:

1. Take study abroad return survey before the re-entry session.

2. Complete the "When you return" section of your journal before the re-entry session and email to Michele Price.

3. Attend the mandatory re-entry session.

4. Prepare and give an oral (7-10 minute) PowerPoint Presentation following the guidelines in the syllabus and presentation verification form.

5. Prepare a professional resume following the guidelines for the resume assignment.

Submit all assignments electronically per the timelines noted in the syllabus. Late assignments are not accepted.

Due dates for completion of capstone project requirements for each term are listed in the course syllabus above. Late assignments are not accepted.

Contact

The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchanges phone: 503-838-8905 fax: 503-838-8435 | or e-mail: studyabroad@wou.edu