Tag: Dennis Galvan

Investigating Variations in Unemployment Between North and South Spain and Associated Implications

Presenter: Emily Kraschel − Economics

Faculty Mentor(s): Glen Waddell, Dennis Galvan

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

Unemployment in Southern Spain has long been significantly higher than in Northern Spain, negatively affecting Spain’s national unemployment rate. This has caused Spain to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the EU, making it a target for sanctions and corrective policies which further isolate it from the international community. The regional difference has previously been explored through purely quantitative methods and is widely attributed to a deficit in industrial output or a cultural aversion to work. The purpose of this research is to use a combination of quantitative decomposition through regression and various historical, policy, and geo-sensing sources to determine correctable factors which may contribute to unemployment and areas where further development may attract industry and workers. The regression model suggests that regional differences in industrial output and overall age have insignificant effects on unemployment, while education, working age, and population have significant effects. Sensing suggests the South may lack not only employment opportunities but the necessary infrastructure to support the desired growth. To improve employment rates in Southern Spain, education and youth employment must be better supported, and infrastructure and resources must be improved to allow for growth in all sectors of industry.

Is The Far East Too Far? Explore the Relationship Between Chinese International Students and University Of Oregon Career Services Offices

Presenter(s): Haozhe Li − International Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Dennis Galvan

Poster 131

Research Area: Social Science

The number of Chinese international students in the US has increased dramatically. Are they using the career services, or does an American degree leads to a dream job? My initial hypothesis is small number of Chinese students use the career services because of the cultural differences and the services are on American standards. This research project assesses the career needs, job search mindset, and cultural differences the Chinese students have, and builds on this information to recommend potential service models and solutions for US universities to be more strategically and inclusively on serving this population. The study uses a quantitative research method by analyzing online survey responses from a randomized sample of University of Oregon (UO) Chinese international students. It also draws on semi-structured interviews with Chinese students, and with staff from the career services offices. The results from the survey indicated Chinese international students at the UO have different understandings of career services. Most student value and try to get US work experience, yet, many feel not career ready after obtaining the degree. More respondents would rather go to graduate school than work. The main challenges Chinese students face are language and visa/work authorization. Suggestions to the career services offices on supporting Chinese international students include exploring career options early, invoking motivation early, building experience early, intentional skills building, and knowing not all Chinese students want to work in the US after graduation; therefore, have the support system on helping with career planning globally or graduate school preparation.

Enhancing Education through Improved Communication: Case Study of Senegal

Presenter(s): Dylan Land—International Studies, Political Science

Faculty Mentor(s): Dennis Galvan

Session 1: Global Views—We vs. Them

Education is understood as a cornerstone of any development endeavor . Improved education has empirically proven to ameliorate health outcomes, bolster social and economic mobility, amplify civic participation and lay the foundation for other positive societal developments . The education system in Senegal has continued to improve through various initiatives, sponsored by the national government and the donor community . Despite the success of various reform programs, there is still much to be done in order for Senegal to meet desired benchmarks established by national, regional and global education expectations . At the core of Senegal’s educational shortcomings lies ineffective communication . There is a lack of consistent empirical data about the achievements of education initiatives . There are holes in reporting and monitoring mechanisms, and the complexity of results-based frameworks often produces inefficiency within the system, all of which, I contend, could be solved through improved communication . Grounded in expansive literature review and analysis of primary source documents, this paper will explore possible avenues for enhancing education in Senegal . Through the formation of robust communication channels, coherent systems of accountability, and transparent mechanisms for administrating, reporting and monitoring, educational deficiencies could be remedied . However, considering the significant absence of reliable and consistent data, further research is required to determine the exact measures that must be taken by relevant stakeholders . Understanding the possibilities of improving the Senegalese education system may teach us important lessons about how to further enhance education internationally and prepare students in all nations for meaningful participation in the modern world .