Hey Chardonnay, great post.  Take a look at Stanford 2025's "Purpose Learning" mini-video.  http://www.stanford2025.com/purpose-learning/  This vision aligns wonderfully with your re-design of the study abroad experience.

Jim

Hi Sonia and Kate.  I have a good design colleague of mine here in Colorado, Co Barry, who came out of Stanford and did some work years ago with the African Leadership Academy.  The ties between Stanford, the dschool and the ALA and have been there since its inception.  The ALA is such a great model for rethinking how we connect learning to the real world so we can meet real needs.   

Hi Gavin, Thanks for sharing your experience at Santa Clara.  I think your appreciation for the informal learning opportunities is something shared by so many of us that go to university.  Every time I am on any campus I am reminded of the incredible opportunities that these institutions are providing.  I wonder if universities were more intentional about integrating the formal and the informal learning experiences if learners would be better prepared to meet the needs of he future?