This session will provide a model for building a successful graduate-level study abroad program, give session participants the tools to build a viable, sustainable study abroad program for graduate students, and aid and inspire session participants to do so. Panelists include three colleagues who have collaborated to build successful credit-bearing graduate-level study abroad programs, as well as a non-traditional student who participated in a study abroad program. During this session, we'll cover budgeting, recruitment, course credits, course delivery, program activities, coursework, logistics, accommodating non-traditional students, faculty pay and course load, and program assessment and sustainability.
Opening More Doors: Keys to Successful Faculty-Led Study Abroad for Graduate Students
1. OPENING MORE DOORS
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Southern Utah University
2. Introductions
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Ms. Karen Peterson, MPA
Education Policy Specialist, Office of the Governor of Utah
Dr. Pat Keehley
Professor Emerita and Former Director of the MPA Program
Dr. Patrick Clarke
Professor and Dean of the School of Integrative & Engaged Learning
Dr. Kurt Harris
Professor and Director of Learning Abroad
3. Session Goals
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Workshop participants will
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components needed
for a successful study abroad program offering graduate
course credit;
2. Review and apply best practices to increase recruitment,
ensure academic rigor, and sustain initiatives in study abroad
programs throughout successive years;
3. Draft plans for the development of a new graduate-level
study abroad program at their institution.
4. Session Agenda
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1. Instructions – 5 minutes
2. Table group discussions – 15 minutes
3. Administration discussion – 10 minutes
4. International Office discussion – 10 minutes
5. Faculty discussion – 10 minutes
6. Student discussion – 10 minutes
7. Q&A and Next Steps – remaining time
5. Discussion Points
5
Challenges: What obstacles must administrators, international
office staff, faculty, and students overcome to create effective study
abroad programs specifically for graduate students?
Best Practices: What processes or activities have been proven over
time to be successful?
6. Instructions (please don’t eat the candy yet!)
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In the next 15 minutes, your group must
1. Introduce yourselves to each other
2. Each person take a piece of candy
3. Choose a group spokesperson
4. Discuss what makes a graduate-level study abroad program
successful from each of the four perspectives
5. Record 2-4 challenges each group faces related to study
abroad for graduate students
6. Record 2-4 grad student study abroad best practices from
each group’s perspective
9. Administration Challenges and Best Practices
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Challenges:
Allowing faculty time to build and run study abroad programs,
and rewarding them for it
Financial considerations – loss of tuition revenue
Sustainability of programs after faculty turnover
Best Practices:
Trust faculty and International Abroad Office to coordinate
programs (don’t micro-manage)
Offer support and guidance when needed
Represent university interests
11. International Office Challenges and Best Practices
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Challenges:
Inadequate resources – support for undergrad programs only?
Recruitment of students into study abroad programs
Training faculty to be travel guides
Best Practices:
Leave academic aspects to faculty directors and department
heads
Provide general pre-departure orientation sessions for students
Assess programs
14. Faculty Challenges and Best Practices
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Challenges:
Students’ ages – different travel expectations
Course delivery
Financial compensation
Liability for student safety
Best Practices:
Base study abroad courses on existing courses
Offer experiences abroad that enhance course learning
Allow for student (and faculty) free time abroad
16. Student Challenges and Best Practices
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Challenges:
Time off (other employment)
Arrangements for family and kids
Online students may not know other participants
Little in common among students due to diverse ages and life experiences
Cost - there are limited scholarships and grants for graduate students
Best Practices:
Opportunities need to be shorter durations
Be cognizant of school schedules for K12 systems in your area
Make it worthwhile for credit accumulation (not just electives)
Provide opportunities for students to meet beforehand
Allow students to create unique projects based on interests and expertise
18. Brainstorm Together
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What did you learn today about graduate-level study abroad
programs?
How will you take what you learned in today’s session and
apply it at your university?
20. Keep the discussion going
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Website dedicated to the development of successful study
abroad programs for graduate students:
http://graduateprogramsabroad.weebly.com/