Communications College study abroad coordinator balances helping students and traveling the world.

As an international communications trainer and consultant, Dr. Sam Swan travels at least once a month to a developing country, teaching how to operate a TV or radio station. Since 1992, Swan has conducted over 125 broadcast workshops in 26 countries. Although his primary focus is Eastern Europe, Swan has also held workshops throughout Africa and Asia.

As a expert in communications, Swan advises developing newspapers, television and radio stations on how media outlets work. Many developing countries are still learning about the implications of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, uncensored broadcasting and advertising. Some of these countries still struggle with journalist bribery, government corruption and misleading news reporting. Swan’s work helps to eliminate these barriers and promote free speech.

Swan’s aspiration to promote free speech began as a result of a year-long study abroad experience in Sri Lanka as an undergraduate. With his broadcasting experience from the University of Missouri, Swan created a radio program to improve farming techniques in rural Sri Lanka. The program was sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture. The radio show was a huge success. It featured game shows with rewards such as farming equipment and a national competition.

According to Swan, this event was the best thing he ever did. “It made me an international person,” and he says “It makes you see the world in a different light.” Ever since his time in Sri Lanka, Swan has been working for international cooperation and understanding.

Swan is an international communications consultant through assignments from the US Department of State. With the help of government funding, Swan is able to teach TV and radio operation to various stations in developing countries around the world. He also teaches fundamental broadcasting skills to new journalists that are not advanced in media production due to lack of exposure.

“They want to learn, that’s refreshing” Swan says.

For example, eight years ago Swan started working in Bulgaria to aid in the deveopment of the country’s first private television station. The station faced stiff competition from the only station in the country, which was run by the government. Despite these obstacles, the station became number one in the country within two years and is still broadcasting today.

Swan also works as the Director of Internationalization and Outreach for the College of Communication and Information. Because he believes that international study is crucial to college education, Swan’s goal is to give every student in the college an international experience.

“You’re not fully educated until you look at yourself and your country from the eyes of another country,” Swan explains.

According to Swan, stereotypes, images from the media, and government policies all get in the way of true international understanding. Swan says, “If American young people interact in those countries, this world would be a much better place.”