This SMU-X overseas course integrates academic learning with experiential projects provided by international organizations. It challenges students to apply their disciplinary knowledge and skills to real-world problems through interdisciplinary methods. The course collaborates with corporate, non-profit, and government-sector organizations abroad for project design and content delivery. Students will receive mentorship from both faculty and practitioners of these partner organizations, guiding them to develop practical and implementable solutions. Although the course demands significant effort and time from students, its journey and outcomes can be highly rewarding. All SMU-XO courses meet the Global Exposure requirement.
With a focus on project-based experiential learning and cross-cultural understanding, SMU-XO courses aim to:
- Enhance awareness of interdisciplinary connections and differences, encouraging knowledge integration to address issues or challenges.
- Foster a deeper understanding of business opportunities and challenges in various global markets and economies relevant to students' interests.
- Familiarize students with informal networks and emphasize leveraging SMU-related networks in a global context.• Provide global exposure to cultivate culturally sensitive global citizens.
- Encourage adaptation to new environments and leadership development.
- Promote creative and critical problem-solving skills.
- Support sound decision-making in complex situations.
- Enhance collaborative and productive teamwork.
This course focuses on Southeast Asia, but may include South Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. The partner organization will have a need for strategic planning and communication, whether they have never conducted such planning or need to update an existing plan. In addressing that need, students will develop a communication strategy within the social marketing and strategic communication frameworks based on fieldwork in the host community.
The first half of the semester involves lectures about key issues in sustainable development, social marketing, and strategic communication. It also involves discussions with representatives from the partner organization, partner organisations, and communication practitioners who can guide preparation for the fieldwork. During recess week, and with the support of the partner organisation, students will interview, document, and observe members of the host community as part of formative research in formulating a communication strategy. This immersive experience will provide students with new perspectives on some of the challenges facing people and the planet. It will be an opportunity to put theory into practice and, hopefully, have a positive impact in the world.
In the second half of the semester, students will refine their communication strategies and develop communication collaterals. They will also reflect on the long-term sustainability of the strategy and how to evaluate its effectiveness. The semester ends with the presentation of the communication strategy before a panel composed of the course instructor and representatives from the partner organisation and other interested individuals.