International Residency
The International Residency is an intensive 10-day module offered in locations outside the US. To date, Residencies have been held in Montreal and Ottawa Canada, Hamilton Bermuda, Aberdeen Scotland, and Port of Spain Trinidad. Taught by AU and local host faculty, this course focuses on consultation theory and skills, as well as diversity and cultural competence. Students gain basic knowledge, skills, and field experience needed to practice OD competently in multicultural client systems
Prior to the Residency, students spend a class weekend examining theory, models, and experiences of diversity, focusing on “differences that matter,” their use of self in diverse settings, and pathways to inclusion. They examine their experiences and assumptions as U.S.-based practitioners, including how this background affects their responses – and perceptions that host nationals may hold about them -- as professionals working outside the USA.
During the onsite portion of the Residency, cohort members conduct field research in the host community to develop their understanding of local and national cultures and acquire a deeper understanding of key theories related to diversity and cultural competence. Then, in small teams, they apply these theories and their learnings about consultation processes to complete a compressed 5-day full-cycle OD consultation in a local client system. Sample Residency clients include a chamber orchestra, social service agency, video production firm, and various government agencies. The faculty team serves as instructors, coaches, and mentors during the entire Residency.
This course includes foundational readings, field activities, the full-cycle OD consultation, lectures and presentations by faculty and leading executives and OD professionals from the host country. Students deepen their learning through written work, team and individual reflections, and presentations to their class. Our students find this Residency to be a landmark experience in the AU MSOD curriculum. When they return to the USA, they have a strong base of theory and practice, and powerful development of their use of self in professional OD work.
What Students Say:
“Instructors know the OD process so well that they knew it was important to give us certain support, such as emotional, academic, experiential, etc. at specific times. The course was beautifully designed. The closing session with firms and clients was exquisite. The professors are exceptionally qualified and committed to the work.”
“The client systems were impressive in terms of who they were within the community and how they worked with us, the students, in such an open and engaged manner. Our team's Senior Partner was always available and gave us excellent and timely advice and support. The learning we obtained, in partnering with clients of the caliber we experienced, was significant and life changing”.
