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The GVSU Spain delegation offers academic advisors a unique opportunity to enhance their advising capabilities by gaining firsthand experience and understanding of the educational landscape and cultural nuances in Spain. As academic advisors, your role is pivotal in guiding students through their academic journey, and this trip presents a chance to broaden your perspective and enrich your ability to support students in their academic and personal growth.

Spain ranks as the top destination for US study abroad students. The upcoming delegation trip will be centered in Seville, with planned excursions to Madrid and Granada, offering participants ample opportunities to engage with local communities and deepen their understanding of Spain's diverse cultural landscape.

The tentative dates for the 2024 delegation trip to Spain are scheduled for the first week of October 2024. A comprehensive itinerary will be tailored to the selected delegates once the delegation has been finalized.

Purpose and Objective

Academic advisors participating in the Spain familiarization trip are expected to have clear objectives that directly relate to their advising roles. These may include gaining insight into study abroad opportunities in Spain, understanding the academic programs available, familiarizing oneself with the cultural context that international students may encounter, and identifying resources to better support students interested in academic endeavors in Spain.

Integration Into Advising Practices

Upon return from Spain, academic advisors are expected to integrate their newfound knowledge and insights into their advising practices. This may involve incorporating information about study abroad opportunities in Spain into advising sessions, providing culturally sensitive guidance to students interested in such programs, and leveraging resources obtained during the trip to enhance the support services offered to students.

Internationalization Goals

Participation in the Spain familiarization trip aligns with the broader goals of internationalization within academic advising. By gaining firsthand experience in Spain's educational landscape and cultural milieu, academic advisors can contribute to fostering a globally minded advising approach and promoting international opportunities for students and offer support to international students at GVSU.

Professional Development Alignment

Academic advisors should articulate how participation in the Spain familiarization trip aligns with their professional development goals. This may include expanding their knowledge of global education trends, enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills, or developing expertise in advising students on international opportunities.

Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination

Academic advisors are expected to play a role in disseminating the knowledge and experiences gained from the Spain familiarization trip within their advising teams and to the student body. This could involve organizing information sessions, developing resources for students interested in studying in Spain, or incorporating insights from the trip into advising training programs.

Approval and Permissions

Academic advisors should ensure that they have obtained any necessary approvals or permissions from their supervisory chain to participate in the Spain familiarization trip. This demonstrates accountability and ensures that advisors can fully engage in the opportunity without logistical constraints. 

Advisors may have specific areas of interest or focus within the Spain familiarization trip that align with their advising responsibilities. Whether it's exploring particular academic programs, understanding support services for international students, or networking with counterparts in Spanish universities, advisors should articulate these interests in their application.

What is Included?

Awardees will be expected to cover the cost of their own passport, as well as some lunches and dinners in Spain, though some group meals will be included. Air travel, ground transportation, accommodations, and breakfasts are covered by the grant award.

Application Procedure

Applications submitted by May 1, 2024 will be considered. Delegation participants will be announced via email by May 15, 2024. A total of 5 applicants will be selected to travel. 

Questions may be directed to Meaghann Myers-Smith at [email protected] or Andres Ortiz-Estevez at [email protected].