Information for Faculty
The following information is based on the presentation Short Term Study Abroad in Athletic Training, presented by Larry Leverenz, Ph.D. of Purdue University, during the 2008 National Athletic Training Symposium
Q: Why would I lead a study abroad class?
A: In our increasingly global society, study abroad programs are becoming a larger part of higher education. Also, their FUN!!
Q: Can I really take 15 students to _______________?
A: When determing a location to carry out your study abroad try to make a connection and build a relationship with a foreign college or university who may be interested in hosting international students.
Try to find a colleague who has expereince with study abroad programs who may be able to point you in the right direction or provide helpful information. Try not to re-invent the wheel, well, atleast not for your first program.
Use your institutions International Affairs/Programs or Study Abroad Office. These individuals are experts on establishing study abroad programs and may be willing to help establish your program. Most universities or colleges will have such an office, but if not, try to resource other local institutions for advice.
Educate yourself on the area of interest. Doing research on your potential destination may provide insight on how to make a study abroad program feasible. On the flip side, doing research on a given area may help you determine if a given area is a worth while host site.
Don't forget your audience, the students. Determine where the interest of your students lies. If you are interested in establishing a program in Africa but your students are more interested in an Europeon country, you may decide to switch your location simply based on demand.
Q: Creating a study abroad program is a lot of work, isn't it?
A: Yes, most likely you would be expected to do the following:
- Submit a course request
- Request travel bids
- Develop an itinerary and budget
- Recruit students
- Atend faculty orientation meetings
- Organize and hold student orientation meetings
- Gather all the mandatory forms, passports, visas, etc...
- Order overseas health insurance
- Pay bills
- Submit grades
- Evaluate the course
Q: After going to all of this work, what are the rewards?
A: If you consider increasing your students sensitivity to other cultures, their gaining a more comlete understanding of the United States' role in the world, building life-long friendships between not only the enrolled students, but their international counterparts valuable, the answer is an enthusiastic yes!