"In the service of international outcomes assessment, this book provides an accessible introduction to the uninitiated, reassurance to the intimidated, and new insights to the accustomed practitioner. An indispensable book for international educators who recognize the value in demonstrating the transformative results of their work to their campus constituencies."
- Dr. Harvey Charles, President , Association of International Education Administrators

For many in international education, assessment can seem daunting and overwhelming, especially given that such efforts need to involve much more than a pre/post survey. This book is a practical guide to learning-outcomes assessment in international education for practitioners who are starting to engage with the process, as well as for those who want to improve the quality and effectiveness of their assessment efforts.

“Strategic internationalization has rapidly become one of the most significant trends within higher education. With precision and purpose, Dr. Deardorff provides a rigorous and flexible model to measure, evaluate and showcase key student-based outcomes associated with international education initiatives. With its focus on inputs and approach, her work helps us measure outcomes and impact (what counts in international education), and makes an invaluable contribution to the community.”
- Clay Hensley, Senior Director , International Strategy & Outreach, The College Board

“This is a terrific book that will be enormously useful to international education professionals who are involved in the important work of assessing student learning outcomes.”
- Brian Whalen, CEO , Forum on Education Abroad

Assuming no prior knowledge, the book offers an accessible and clear road map to the application of assessment. Recognizing that a “one size fits all” approach cannot capture the diversity of goals and settings of international education, or the rich variety of programs and organizations involved in delivering it, author Darla Deardorff provides the reader with foundational principles and knowledge to develop appropriate assessment approaches for evaluating and improving student learning outcomes, which are the drivers of higher education internationalization

She provides the background for assessment, highlights how the characteristics of international education pose unique challenges for assessment, considers the contexts to which assessment may be applied – whether in cross-border or “at home” institutional experiences, such as in curricular, co-curricular or extracurricular settings – and distills a seemingly convoluted process into a manageable approach. From the basics of getting started in assessment to highlighting pitfalls to avoid, this book offers a holistic and practical approach to assessment that moves beyond seeing assessment as a discrete activity to on-going process that is integrated into student learning. There is also a unique chapter for education leaders on assessment essentials from a leadership-perspective.

The appendices include worksheets for implementing assessment, creating an assessment team, and getting buy-in from stakeholders. Other appendices include a list of standards adapted to international education outcomes assessment, guidance on assessing intercultural competence, and resources.

This book reflects the author’s experience of over a decade of work with international education programs and higher education institutions around the world, and synthesizes what she has learned into an easy-to-use resource for anyone who wants to understand and utilize effective assessment in the field of international education.