OPENING MORE DOORSKEYS TO SUCCESSFUL FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD FOR

GRADUATE STUDENTSSouthern Utah University

2

Introductions

Ms. Karen Peterson, MPA Education Policy Specialist, Office of the Governor of Utah

Dr. Pat Keehley Professor Emerita and Former Director of the MPA Program

Dr. Patrick Clarke Professor and Dean of the School of Integrative & Engaged Learning

Dr. Kurt Harris Professor and Director of Learning Abroad

3

Session Goals

Workshop participants will

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components needed for a successful study abroad program offering graduate course credit;

2. Review and apply best practices to increase recruitment, ensure academic rigor, and sustain initiatives in study abroad programs throughout successive years;

3. Draft plans for the development of a new graduate-level study abroad program at their institution.

4

Session Agenda

1. Instructions – 5 minutes

2. Table group discussions – 15 minutes

3. Administration discussion – 10 minutes

4. International Office discussion – 10 minutes

5. Faculty discussion – 10 minutes

6. Student discussion – 10 minutes

7. Q&A and Next Steps – remaining time

5

Discussion Points

Challenges: What obstacles must administrators, international office staff, faculty, and students overcome to create effective study abroad programs specifically for graduate students?

Best Practices: What processes or activities have been proven over time to be successful?

6

Instructions (please don’t eat the candy yet!)

In the next 15 minutes, your group must1. Introduce yourselves to each other2. Each person take a piece of candy3. Choose a group spokesperson4. Discuss what makes a graduate-level study abroad program

successful from each of the four perspectives5. Record 2-4 challenges each group faces related to study

abroad for graduate students6. Record 2-4 grad student study abroad best practices from

each group’s perspective

ADMINISTRATION

PATRICK CLARKE

8

ADMINISTRATION

Faculty – OIA

collaboration

Institutional support

Student recruitment Academic rigor

Sustainability

Other components

9

Administration Challenges and Best Practices

Challenges:Allowing faculty time to build and run study abroad programs,

and rewarding them for itFinancial considerations – loss of tuition revenueSustainability of programs after faculty turnover

Best Practices:Trust faculty and International Abroad Office to coordinate

programs (don’t micro-manage)Offer support and guidance when neededRepresent university interests

INTERNATIONAL

OFFICE

KURT HARRIS

11

International Office Challenges and Best Practices

Challenges:Inadequate resources – support for undergrad programs only?Recruitment of students into study abroad programsTraining faculty to be travel guides

Best Practices:Leave academic aspects to faculty directors and department

headsProvide general pre-departure orientation sessions for studentsAssess programs

FACULTY

PAT KEEHLEY

13

COURSE CREDIT

ACTIVITIES

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

SAFETY

FINANCES

Travel Com-panion

COMMON COMPONENTS

Student Age

Instructor Compensation

Course Delivery

GRADUATE INFLUENCES

GRADUATE INFLUENCES

14

Faculty Challenges and Best Practices

Challenges:Students’ ages – different travel expectationsCourse deliveryFinancial compensationLiability for student safety

Best Practices:Base study abroad courses on existing coursesOffer experiences abroad that enhance course learningAllow for student (and faculty) free time abroad

STUDENT

KAREN PETERSON

16

Student Challenges and Best Practices

Challenges:Time off (other employment)Arrangements for family and kidsOnline students may not know other participantsLittle in common among students due to diverse ages and life experiencesCost - there are limited scholarships and grants for graduate students

Best Practices:Opportunities need to be shorter durationsBe cognizant of school schedules for K12 systems in your areaMake it worthwhile for credit accumulation (not just electives)Provide opportunities for students to meet beforehandAllow students to create unique projects based on interests and expertise

How do we address our challenges?

Where do we go from here?

18

Brainstorm Together

What did you learn today about graduate-level study abroad programs?

How will you take what you learned in today’s session and apply it at your university?

QUESTIONS?

20

Keep the discussion going

Website dedicated to the development of successful study abroad programs for graduate students:

http://graduateprogramsabroad.weebly.com/

THANK YOU