Abstract

A descriptive case study was conducted to determine professional, personal, and cultural/social implications and impact among American Extension professionals and near-associates resulting from the Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP). The study documented positive impact for American participants as well as secondary spin-off effects and impact among colleagues, coworkers, clientele and the general public. Unanimity existed among most PAEP participants and interviewees regarding the important role the United States exercises with international cooperative assistance.

This study revealed that the PAEP served to create camaraderie and meaningful relationships with U.S. citizens and another country. Participants were significantly changed in a positive manner through this professional international experience. They gained an increased global awareness, knowledge, and understanding as well as skill development, reinvigoration, and higher self-esteem. Through extensive integration of this experience into subsequent extension programming, many other people were able to gain international awareness, knowledge, discernment, and involvement from the initial PAEP participant. The study uncovered factors that can lead to improvement of similar types of international Extension programs.

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