INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EXTENSION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Abstract

Extension systems across the country have been challenged to integrate international perspectives into programs and assist staff and clientele in developing global competency. For the past decade, national Extension leaders have encouraged state Extension systems to internationalize. Few studies have been conducted related to internationalization of the Extension component of the land grant university system. The purpose of the study was to identify the characteristics that will describe an internationalized state Extension system. The study used a three-round, modified Delphi technique to explore and describe the characteristics of an internationalized state Extension system. By consensus, the Delphi Panel identified 38 characteristics of an internationalized state Extension system. Five critical elements were identified: (1) Clientele develop a fundamental understanding of global and national interdependence; (2) Extension educational programs within the U.S. stress the impact of international economic forces on agricultural markets; (3) Extension educators incorporate international perspectives into on-going activities; (4) Extension faculty/agents recognize the relationship between basic international issues and the Extension mission; and (5) Personnel evaluation systems recognize international efforts. The absence of any one of these critical element would mean that the Extension system could not be considered to be internationalized.