Traditional study abroad is a credit-bearing academic travel experience, although UI Study Abroad may also administer non-credit international travel and virtual engagement courses that support the academic mission of the University of Iowa and contribute to faculty learning goals for students. There are many ways in which UI faculty can contribute to study abroad.
Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs
Faculty members develop and lead short-term study abroad programs with support from UI Study Abroad, enriching the curricular offerings for UI students.
Faculty members with ideas for new programs should contact the assistant provost of International Programs. If the proposed program is feasible, a preliminary proposal is completed for review by the Study Abroad advisory committee. If approved, the assistant provost will appoint a professional staff member from Study Abroad will be appointed to act as the program coordinator, working with the faculty director to promote the program, and to make logistical arrangements abroad. Planning a new program usually begins 12-24 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 critical mass of students
- Courses that fulfill specific UI degree requirements, e.g., a General Education Requirement, or a major, minor, or certificate program requirement
- A course 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 Study Abroad office 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 15 participants are required. Faculty can expect to have their airfare and housing provided by the course fee. Salary is usually collected from the students as part of the course fee they are assessed, although it is occasionally provided by the provost's office.
Study Abroad staff routinely offer the following assistance: creation and processing of applications, oversight and finalization of the program budget, student billing, disbursal of program funds, guidance and training for program leaders, a general pre-departure orientation for all study abroad students, processing of grades and student program evaluations, compliance and reporting support, safety planning and oversight during crisis response. Additional support or staffing from Study Abroad may be available if prearranged.
To begin the program proposal process, please complete the Preliminary Proposal for Program Development.
Faculty Advisory Committee
Faculty also play an advisory role to Study Abroad as it advocates for further internationalization of the University of Iowa through a broad range of study abroad offerings including faculty-led programs, affiliated provider programs, direct enroll and exchange programs, and, increasingly, virtual international courses and global internship placements.
If you are interested in learning more about this committee, please contact the assistant provost of International Programs.
Curriculum Integration
Faculty across campus play an important role in curriculum integration and the creation of Major Advising Pages to guide the international pursuits and study abroad program choices of students. Students typically consult departmental academic advisors for assistance completing a "Credit Approval Form," a learning agreement that analyzes credit transfer from study abroad toward major, minor, or certificate program requirements.