Program Director Involvement in the Pre-Departure Process
As program structures vary, the role of the Faculty Director in the pre-departure process will also vary a great deal from program to program. Some directors are actively involved in planning minute details and even selecting and establishing a new program site. Other directors may not assume responsibilities related to the program until shortly before the group arrives in-country.
At a minimum, it is helpful if students have some access to the Faculty Director via email prior to the start of the program to establish rapport. For programs that take a relatively small group of Iowa students abroad, an in-person pre-departure meeting with the Faculty Director may be beneficial. Due to study abroad consortial agreements and other special arrangements between the UI Study Abroad office and other campuses, students from other universities who will never set foot on the Iowa campus may attend an Iowa program abroad. Faculty Directors should discuss this variable and how it impacts their program’s pre-departure process with their Study Abroad staff contact.
