What are the priorities of your institution and how do those priorities fit with various studies abroad options?
In the same way, your institution allows students to choose their major and a variety of academic avenues to earn a diploma, it is also necessary to encourage a variety of study abroad options for students.
There is not one "ideal" study abroad program or type. Think of it as providing a "portfolio" of options for students to choose from.
Different types of programs will produce different outcomes. Things to consider when reviewing/ promoting programs:
– Length of program
– Geographic location
– The language of the host country
– Academic standards and structure
– Academic curriculum choices
– Immersion in a host culture
– Interactions with locals
– Housing
– Safety and emergency services
– Orientation services
– Utilization of host country resources
– On-site staff
– Cost
There are currently no "certified" or "accredited" study abroad programs per se. The Forum on Education Abroad is a professional organization authorized to establish "best practices" that will distinguish programs that operate on the highest standards? Familiarize yourself with these standards and ask program directors and/or study abroad providers how they measure up to best practices for responsible study abroad programs.
It is crucial to determine the appropriate methodology to produce the intended outcomes. There are valuable and consequential learning outcomes from a two-week international experience, however, a two-week experience cannot be considered an appropriate methodology for developing an adequate level of intercultural competency. Thus, the type of program should be appropriate for the intended outcomes.…