Faculty Director Spotlight
Dr. Jo Ann Asquith has been involved with the St. Cloud Study Abroad office since 1998 hosting a number of different programs. She has a tremendous enthusiasm for world studies and incorporates that into her teachings with her students and family. Dr. Asquith is a professor of marketing. She has extensive experience in developing strategic plans for business and non-profit organizations. Dr. Asquith teaches Global marketing and Marketing Strategy at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Program: Chile - Business
When does your program start?
My first program to Chile was during the Winter ‘08 intersession. I have a proposal before the International Studies Committee for similar programs for 2009 either during the Winter or May Intersession. The Winter intersession is short (10 days) and we would go to several cities in Chile. If the program is approved for May, the group will visit cities in Chile and Argentina.
How long have you run your study abroad program?
My first study abroad program was in 1998. I was a faculty member in the Alnwick program. Since then, I have directed the Ingolstadt businessprogram (Spring & Summer 2000), Alnwick (Spring 2001) and directed short term programs to Australia (May 2004), and Chile (Jan 2008).
 What are the benefits of your study abroad program?
The study abroad programs provide tremendous growth opportunities for both students and faculty. First, students are exposed to the global environment and given the changing business environment it is extremely important that today's student understands global markets and appreciates cultural differences.
As a faculty member I can bring the experiences back to the classroom to share with students who have been unable to take part. Often times something I share in class spurs students to take part in an international program themselves.
What is your favorite memory from the study abroad programs that you have directed?
My favorite experiences have to do with watching the excitement students demonstrate and their increasing confidence as they take part in the international experience. When students tell me they look at the world differently after their study abroad experience it makes all the work setting it up worthwhile.
The international study programs I have taken part in with my own children have shaped their interests as well. My two sons took part in three international semester programs with me when they were younger. My oldest son then took part in the SCSU language program in Chile and another semester of an internship at the University of Concepcion. He also did a short term business program to China before graduating. His international experiences have certainly impacted the young business professional he has become. He now lives and works in Santiago, Chile and is as comfortable in that culture as he is in the United States. My youngest son will be doing his first study abroad as a college student this May when he takes part in the study program to Greece and Italy. He has plans to do the Semester at Sea program before he graduates.
If you could give prospective students one piece of advice about
study abroad, what would it be?
My advice for anyone considering an international study experience is - DO IT!!! I graduated from SCSU in 1978 and one of the reason I came back to be a member of the faculty here was the opportunity to take part in international study programs. The international programs were just getting started when I was a student at SCSU in the late 70's and I didn't think I had the time or money to take part.
I traveled in Europe for six weeks before my senior year and it was such an amazing experience I wanted to experience a longer time living in another country, unfortunately that gets harder to do once you have a career and family. My advise is to do it now even if it means extending your time as a student or taking out a loan.
I have never heard a student say they regretted going on a program. Most come back and want more international experiences.
What are you looking for from the students who apply to your program?
Students who apply for my programs have to demonstrate a genuine curiosity about studying another culture and a willingness to spend the time preparing for the experience. I think it is important to learn as much as you can about the country and its people before you go in order to appreciate the experience more fully. They also need to understand it is an academic experience and not a vacation.
If you could give new Faculty Directors of Study Abroad programs one piece of advice about leading a program, what would it be?
Like students, it is best if the faculty member prepares themselves for the study experience either by visiting the country prior to taking students or choosing a country for the study program that they have personal experience with either through their own travels or background.
I would also be sure that anyone who is considering directing a program understands that this is not a vacation. Taking a group of 20- 40 students anywhere is a lot of work both in preparation and while on the study program. You have to be flexible and be able to deal with diverse student needs and if necessary. Have the temperament to deal with emergency situations. You have to be willing to make decisions and follow through.
What marketing tips would you suggest to your fellow Faculty Directors to encourage more SCSU students to study abroad?
The College of Business has been successful in recruiting students for many programs, but it takes constant reminders to students of the opportunities. The first exposure may be through a class presentation on international study programs or during an advising session. Advisors need to work with students to find ways to make international study programs fit with their majors or minors.
Find out more information on the Chile Business program
-View the Chile Brochure
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