By Nazifa Islam

The second annual International Experiential Learning Institute (IELI) was a unique opportunity for US and Canadian NIRSA and NACA professionals to come together and learn all about experiential leadership and techniques.

The Institute took place this past May in scenic St.

John’s, Newfoundland and attendees found the experience invaluable!

Not only were they able to view experiential learning’s relationship to campus engagement from a global perspective, they were also immersed in the rich history and culture of North America’s oldest city.

The icebergs floating past St. John’s, Newfoundland offered a stunning backdrop for Institute attendees’ experience. Photos courtesy of Kathleen Hatch.

Being able to collaborate with higher education leaders and colleagues from all over North America “formed a learning community that helped me think about how to implement certain techniques into my practices at Ohio State,” notes Don Stenta, Director of Recreational Sports at The Ohio State University. The Institute’s format, he continues, “provided one of the most rewarding professional development experiences I’ve had.”

The Institute’s success was in no small part thanks to Dr. Susan R. Komives, the 2014 IELI scholar-in-residence and Professor Emerita for the Student Affairs Program at the University of Maryland. While last year’s International Experiential Learning Institute included material authored by Dr. Komives, this year members were able to work directly with her! Her contributions were “amazing,” says Stacey Hall, Director of Campus Recreation at the University of New Hampshire. “Her style, extensive knowledge, and her desire for us to learn [were] remarkable.”

Presenters guided attendees in really engaging the concepts and theories behind experiential education, as well as partaking in it themselves. This is a part of what makes the event unique—it mixes both vertical and horizontal learning opportunities.

The second annual IELI was a unique opportunity for US and Canadian NIRSA and NACA professionals to come together May in scenic St. John’s, Newfoundland and learn all about experiential leadership and techniques

2013-2014 NIRSA President, Kathleen Hatch, attests to this: “IELI provided an opportunity to really see and consider the development readiness of everyone in the community that we serve daily. It also asked us to focus on sequencing of learning. This helped me think differently about issues within organizational cultures and how to better sequence the right material for the best outcome.”

“The focus of IELI’s peer collaboration was on discussing the nuances of turning theory into practice.”

The key to that best outcome? “Creating ideal learning environments for others,” says Kathleen. “As practitioners [we often get caught up] in developing programs and services geared to the ‘middle’ when, in fact, we need to think about everyone outside of the natural bell-curve.”

This is the type of “deep and rich” conversation that, for Stacey, makes IELI such a valuable professional development experience. “Rather than spending a short amount of time on a variety of topics, which is what happens at larger events like the Annual Conference, we were able to dedicate a couple days to one topic,” she says. This meant the focus of IELI’s peer collaboration was on discussing the nuances of turning theory into practice—on how to actually use the information on one’s campus.

Such a unique opportunity was deservedly mirrored by an equally unique setting; St. John’s provided the perfect backdrop for this amazing event! While surrounded by breathtaking scenery, attendees got acquainted with the city’s traditions and residents. “The people are extraordinary,” says Kathleen. “Even on cold rainy days you can feel at home.” The presenters, attendees, and a wonderful location all came together to make the 2014 IELI a memorable and unique experience!