Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Richard Rodman

Abstract

Operación Retorno is a comprehensive study abroad reentry program design for Fulbright Colombia. This program seeks to better serve returning Colombian grantees during the process of repatriation and beyond. Successful reentry is one of the most important and often most overlooked elements of international exchange programs. The U.S. Department of State does not offer any comprehensive reentry program models; individual Fulbright Commissions are left to their own devices to offer reentry support for returning grantees. Traditional reentry program models largely do not apply to the unique profile and context of returning Colombian grantees.

Colombian Fulbright Grantees return to their home country after an extended period of separation to find that so much has changed, including themselves, and re-adjusting to life in Colombia is surprisingly challenging. Feedback from former grantees reinforces the concept that returning Fulbrighters could benefit as much if not more from a reentry program as they did from the pre-departure orientation before going abroad. This reentry program, Operación Retorno, seeks to address three major areas of returned grantees needs: 1) Professional development resources appropriate to re-entering professional workforce; 2) Psycho-social / emotional support and assistance; and 3) a special emphasis on continuing to develop the civic engagement awareness and potential of returning Fulbright grantees.

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Community-Based Learning | Educational Psychology | Educational Sociology | International and Area Studies | Social Psychology and Interaction | Student Counseling and Personnel Services

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