Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Dr. William Hoffa

Abstract

This Course Linked Capstone (CLC) proposes a new orientation model for harassment and sexual assault prevention on International Education Programs. The program is based on significant recent research representing a paradigm shift in how to understand and effectively address sexual violence, which is taught to the students, and practical skill training for risk mitigation. Both active programming elements are additionally assessed through the lens of intercultural communication theories to ensure their value in intercultural interactions. The three pillars of this programming are Enthusiastic Consent for consensual relationships; Bystander Intervention within the group to mitigate and prevent students from becoming a target for sexual violence; and frank discussion of research into the predatory nature of sexual violence. This last piece helps to inform students of the methods and behavior of undetected, repeat rapists, who account for a majority of perpetrators. The program was originally created for SIT Study Abroad. This proposal builds on that original pilot project for other institutions to be able to adapt it to their own programs. Given the current attention paid to sexual violence on campuses and the many Title IX complaints filed against institutions, post-secondary institutions must improve their policies and programming addressing this issue.

Keywords: international education; study abroad; sexual assault; enthusiastic consent; bystander intervention; undetected rapists.

Disciplines

Higher Education | International and Comparative Education | Student Counseling and Personnel Services

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