Starting a New Program
Creating study abroad programs provides UI faculty with opportunities to highlight and share their international expertise with undergraduate and graduate students. Such programs often grow out of a research interest, a collaborative arrangement with faculty or institutions abroad, or a desire by faculty to strike out for new intellectual territory.
Most faculty-led study abroad programs are short term, occurring during the summer or during winter break. Short-term study tours may also be conducted during those periods, or during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. Time abroad might range from a week to several months, and academic credit will vary depending on the curriculum and the amount of time overseas.
Developing a new program is a collaborative effort between faculty members and the Office for Study Abroad. Often, a faculty member approaches the Director of OfSA with an idea, which is sketched out, broadened, and reviewed by the International Programs Executive Committee. As the viability of the new program develops, the Director frequently appoints a professional staff member of OfSA to become the coordinator, working with the faculty director to promote the program and to make logistical arrangements overseas. Planning a new program usually begins 24 months prior to its first offering.
The success of a new study abroad program depends on many factors. Some of these include:
- Course content that is relevant and interesting to a broad number of students
- Courses that fulfill specific UI degree requirements, e.g., a General Education requirement, or a major, minor, or certificate program requirement
- Situating the course in a location that reinforces the curricular content and makes the site a learning laboratory
- An energetic, motivated faculty director who can successfully promote the program to students
The Office for Study Abroad operates study abroad programs on a cost-recovery basis. Every effort is made to keep a program affordable for the broadest possible range of UI students. In general, for a new study abroad program to break even, approximately a dozen participants are required. Faculty can expect to have their airfare and housing provided by the program. Salary is often covered by the Provost, although occasionally faculty salary must be collected from students.
OfSA staff who coordinate study abroad programs routinely offer the following assistance: creation and processing of applications, finalization and oversight of the program budget, student billing, disbursal of program funds, guidance for program directors, a general pre-departure orientation for all study abroad students, processing of grades and student program evaluations. Additional support from OfSA may be available if prearranged.
The following documents are provided to assist University of Iowa faculty in the design and implementation of a study abroad program.
Factors for Consideration in Approving New Programs for Study Abroad
OfSA Proposal Worksheet for the Development of New Programs
Study Abroad Program Development Overview