"The concept of the conference was far-reaching and eye-opening. Placing intercultural competence in the center of liberal learning is an important step in further articulating the role of intercultural experiences in a liberal arts education."

"I think we, as a team, have gotten to know each other and each other's perspectives so much better. It has certainly given me a bigger picture and a deeper understanding of all the areas our OIP is expected to serve. I believe the work we've done on our project will in fact benefit our students from other countries and I will be more attentive to our American students and their potential re-entry issues."

" 1) It helped me to think about a cooperative project with a sister institution rather than purely a local/in-house project. 2) It helped me to focus more clearly on the issues of the purposes and aims of study abroad programs."

" Helped us focus as a team; gave us the opportunity to brainstorm, plan and strategize in a neutral setting (away from our desks!) In a conducive environment. We all felt invigorated, creative and that we had made great progress. Thank you!"

"Just being together with my team members helped build a better working relationship which will serve us well when we team teach our course next winter term. Having the time away from office responsibilities allowed us to try out ideas on one another and bounce them off other folks, a luxury in a world often short on time and place to do that."

"Good contacts for this and other campus departments because of mix of teams; fac. admin., etc."

"A great conference for networking in a low-key atmosphere. It was good to hear about the intercultural efforts made at other institutions."

"I have met so many individuals with other schools who have enhanced my experience greatly. I've made notes of things I'd like to try on our campus and I've made contact with colleagues who I can call upon for additional assistance once we return to our own campuses. St. Olaf is a school to look toward as an awesome model of orientation and re-entry programs and I look forward to exploring that in greater detail."

"Meeting people from the various campuses has given me a network of people to use as resources. These are people I would never have met had I not attended this conference. (I've been an active and strong supporter of off-campus learning experiences but have not been served any institutional role other than through academic advising.)"

"Bennett's presentation helped me to think more critically and creatively about the connection of intercultural education and service learning."

"Milton Bennett's keynote address helped set the structure for so many conversations that followed in the workshops. It provided a common point of reference for describing where we are and where we want to go. And I could think of many other instances in which his scale of denial to integration is a useful tool to understanding the behavior of others."

"The particular value was in the several ways we could know who was working on projects of interest (the website, the conference program and word of mouth) and then we had opportunity to learn, either at sessions or at breaks."

"It was a wonderful opportunity to see old professional friends again and meet new ones. It provided a new sense of energy, commitment and excitement about the field. Reminded me not only of 'how' we do it, but 'why.'"

"A motivation to look at significant issues related to theory, pedagogy and substantive issues related to cultural competence and the liberal arts."

"First, I feel the bonding experience with the team from my college was invaluable. Secondly, I was stimulated and inspired by the workshops and team collaborations in a way I've not been in some time in my own field. Additionally, it expanded and enhanced my vision of the program for which I am responsible and supplied me with a new way to approach residence life and staff training."

"The conference got me to thinking about intercultural communication that has to occur daily on campus. I also learned a lot about using reflection as a pedagogical tool. (I use it all the time but I think I'll be able to assist students in getting more out of it.) So I picked up some ideas that will be useful even if students never leave our campus. These ideas will make me a better teacher and advisor."

"It helped to integrate my experience as a coordinator of International Studies at Rollins with a working philosophy for rationalizing the role of intercultural studies in a liberal arts setting."

"One of the best I have ever attended -- and there have been lots. The organization was great, but most important was the thought that went into the content. Milton Bennett was superb! He brought an intellectual focus to our goals that will enhance the arguments for more resources. Thanks to the task force for a great piece of work."

"A fine conference giving serious and practical attention to a very important area of educational need."

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