So what will my final project be? I think I've figured it out!

As I mentioned (very briefly) in my last post, I have decided what I would like to dedicate my final project to--returning study abroad students at NYU. I currently work as a Study Abroad Coordinator at NYU's Office of Study Abroad Admissions and am confident that our office works diligently to ensure that students are prepared and informed about their study abroad options before they apply, are updated about their application status throughout their review process and receive the valuable information, tips, and updates about their pre-departure plans once they've been admitted. Yet, I feel that we can do a better job guiding our students back into life at NYU and in the US upon their return. Research shows that students continue through a U-curve upon returning home from a study abroad experience--they are excited to see their friends and family, to share their stories, and to live the "good life" of typically American comodities. That said, before long they bottom out and feel lonely, depressed, and/or out of place. At this point, it is important that these students find opportunities to engage in their community so that they don't become either a.) disillusioned with their life in the US or b.) disconnected from their international experiences. As a result, I propose creating a website that will act as a resource for NYU Study Abroad Returnees. My site will offer students a place where they can learn about the feelings that they're having and what research suggests they're going through. Additionally, it will provide them with information about international events on campus and in the City that they can become involved with. I will create a calendar that will post upcoming events and will offer suggestions for ways that the returnee students can become involved in the preparation process for new study abroad admitted students. Finally, I will dedicate a section of my website to work and experiences abroad so that students can research how they can become involved in the international community in the future.

My goal for the project is to create a website that offers a vast array of information to support returning study abroad students. I will include links to university resources like the Career Services Office, Global Education, Residence Education (and the international offerings that they post) and the Wellness Exchange. Furthermore, I will promote interaction amongst study abroad returnees by posting events on campus and in the City.

I will utilize CSS Style Sheets as well as images/flash that will add to the alure of my site and support the text. Additionally, I will try to incorporate the skills that we've discussed in class so as to make the site instructional as well as informational.