On Wednesday, April 3, the 2013 International Awards Ceremony was held where Phil Gardner and Linda Gross won an Award for Outstanding Service to MSU Study Abroad.

Through their innovative Unpacking Your Study Abroad Experience workshops, Philip Gardner and Linda Gross have contributed to students’ global, personal, and professional development since fall 2002.

Together they developed an effective model that promotes student reflection of study abroad experiences. While post-experience processing is key to students’ learning, it has been challenging to motivate students to attend workshops. By focusing on the value of education abroad for professional development, Phil and Linda have found a way to attract students and meet an important need. 

The workshops help students present their learning abroad in ways that are meaningful to employers and graduate school committees. Based on Phil’s research and brought to life through Linda’s facilitation skills, the workshops have helped hundreds of students express their unique qualifications that are enhanced by international experiences.

Phil and Linda have been generous in spending additional time with students after the workshops and in one-on-one follow-up meetings. The “Unpacking” methodology also has been adapted to facilitate the high school to college transition for Freshman Seminar Abroad participants. 

In addition, Linda and Phil have shared their expertise with colleagues on and off campus, giving generously of their time and energy. They are regular participants in OSA-sponsored professional development programs and have shared their knowledge nationally. Phil and Linda have presented their model at several international conferences. This has not only helped to train other professionals in the field but has also enhanced MSU’s reputation as a leader in study abroad. 

Admired for their dedication and ability to connect international learning with professional goals, Phil and Linda’s work is having an impact on the lives of students at MSU and elsewhere.