Transnational experience - a piece of long-term higher-ed goodness

Folks who look at my blog know how much I focus on applying evidence-based approaches to mastering well-defined learning outcomes - a key component of what I think learning environments need to become good at, as technology enhances and expands the types of learning experiences available, and the kind of learning evidence that can be used to judge progress.

However, there's more to learning than a narrow focus on key skills for individual productivity.  I frequently recall Dana Gioia's very good formulation of the purpose of education: to build "productive citizens for a free society." Yes, "productive citizens" comes first, but on its heels, we cannot forget "citizens for a free society."  One important component that contributes to both goals is exposure to global experience - learners, at many stages, getting experience with cultures, thinking, and meaning outside their home territory.