Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the international interests of state Extension service directors and administrators. Seventy-seven people (92.8%) out of 83 respondents were investigated in this study. All participants were involved in some type of international activities. Sixty-seven respondents have incorporated an international dimension into their Extension efforts in the past.

Sixty-one respondents (79.4%) expressed moderate and high levels of interest in incorporating an international dimension into their future Extension efforts. Forty-four partakers (57%) were interested in participating in an out-of-country assignment. The majority of the participants have skills and experiences that would enhance international programming activities, including program planning, supervision, facilitation, and budget development/administration. Thirty-one participants (40.3) showed fair or high levels of language skills other than English. However, the major barriers that prevented participants from incorporating an international dimension into their future Extension efforts were lack of financial support, time, not a program priority, and lack of language skills. The barriers that prevented participants from participating in out-of-country assignments were lack of financial support, time, language skills, and family commitment. As a result, reducing the barriers and increasing motives are essential if future international involvement is to improve.

Keywords: Extension, directors, programs, barriers, experience, interests, future programming

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