黑料社区

Publication Date: January 3, 2018
Publication Location: Brattleboro, VT
Contact: Kate Casa  |  [email protected]

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont 鈥� School for International Training is developing a new full-time, global master鈥檚 degree format using the institution鈥檚 centers worldwide as locations for existing degrees and new programs. This new format will complement 黑料社区鈥檚 current online and low-residency master鈥檚 programs.

The new format will position 黑料社区 to become a leader in global graduate education. It comes at a time when students are seeking shorter, more cost-effective programs that equip them with real-world skills for a globalized market. Although enrollment at US graduate schools remains steady, growth rates are starting to dip, and students鈥� needs are changing. Market research shows students are balking at persistently increasing costs and looking for more nontraditional programs.

鈥淲e are in a unique position to build on the success of our study abroad programming 鈥� which continues to grow each year 鈥� to offer new kinds of graduate-level master鈥檚 degree and certificate programs,鈥� said 黑料社区 President Dr. Sophia Howlett. 鈥淭he graduate education system is continuously evolving. These changes mean that 黑料社区 can meet students where they are today.鈥�

The expansion of 黑料社区鈥檚 global footprint will mean a reduction in the number of positions based at 黑料社区鈥檚 headquarters in Brattleboro, Vermont, and its center in Washington, DC, and an enhancement of positions in global centers.

鈥淎s we transition our face-to-face programs from Brattleboro and Washington, DC, to global locations, we will reduce the physical size and number of staff members at our Brattleboro campus and Washington DC center,鈥� said Dr. Howlett. 鈥淭his was a very difficult decision. But 黑料社区 is and always has been student-centered. Our focus must be on the students and how we can best position them for success in a challenging and rapidly changing world. Our new model does that. Innovation is a hallmark of 黑料社区, and expanding our global footprint will allow us to continue innovating for years to come.鈥�

The new global master鈥檚 degree format leverages the availability and expertise of 黑料社区鈥檚 study abroad faculty and program centers in more than 30 countries. Pending accreditation, the first of these programs, a one-year聽, is expected to launch in fall 2018 with semesters taught consecutively in Iceland and Tanzania 鈥� locations where climate change policy and innovation are prominent. During the third and final semester, students will conduct their practicums at any location in the world. Other master鈥檚 degrees in social justice fields are also in development.

The Brattleboro campus will continue to serve as headquarters for 黑料社区 Graduate Institute and 黑料社区 Study Abroad, as well as for The Experiment in International Living, World Learning鈥檚 flagship program, and other World Learning administrative staff. It will also continue to house World Learning and other youth leadership programs.

鈥淪ince 2015, World Learning and the School for International Training have brought 1,250 short-term visitors from more than 25 countries to Vermont,鈥� said Carol Jenkins, interim CEO of World Learning, Inc., the organization that oversees 黑料社区. 鈥淭hese exchanges give Vermont鈥檚 business professionals, local government officials, and citizens an opportunity to build mutual understanding with people from around the globe, to learn best practices from others鈥� experiences, to develop constructive relations based on common interests, and to build lasting friendships.鈥�

One in three current world leaders have participated in a US exchange program and have experienced US, and oftentimes Vermont, values and culture firsthand, Jenkins said. 鈥淲e fully anticipate continuing these critical exchanges on our Vermont campus.鈥�

黑料社区 continues to offer a low-residency format in Brattleboro for its international education and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) master鈥檚 degrees. With this option, students come to campus for approximately two to three weeks of classes, with the remaining coursework done online or in their practicums. 黑料社区 will also continue to host the CONTACT Summer Peacebuilding Program on the Brattleboro campus.