WA Summer Programs Abroad

Rationale/ProposalDecember 17, 2007

Aaron Stephenson

RationaleRationale

“The Academy aspires to instill the qualities necessary to also be leaders in a changing world. Our students must be equipped to become responsible citizens in a pluralistic, global society of increasing complexity.”

This is an opportunity to make our “Global Education” come alive and inspire greater understanding of the broader-world in our students.

“The Academy aspires to instill the qualities necessary to also be leaders in a changing world. Our students must be equipped to become responsible citizens in a pluralistic, global society of increasing complexity.”

This is an opportunity to make our “Global Education” come alive and inspire greater understanding of the broader-world in our students.

NYT Front page Education

11/4/2007 “The Foreign Legions”NYT Front page Education

11/4/2007 “The Foreign Legions”“Study abroad is the new must-have

credential.” “There is a consensus today, much like

the one about science and math studies after the launch of Sputnik 50 year ago, that globally fluent graduates are essential to American competitiveness.”

“Twice as many students are studying abroad than 8 years ago.”

“Study abroad is the new must-have credential.”

“There is a consensus today, much like the one about science and math studies after the launch of Sputnik 50 year ago, that globally fluent graduates are essential to American competitiveness.”

“Twice as many students are studying abroad than 8 years ago.”

Peer Schools- (as defined by the admission office)Peer Schools-

(as defined by the admission office)Peer School Language Trips

and exchangesOther Travel Sister Schools SYA Other

Bancroft MS and US trips and exchanges

Yes No Yes

Beaver Country Day School

Yes, various Yes, community service.

? Yes

Lawrence Academy

Winterim program sends students and faculty throughout world

Yes Romania-Japan, China

Yes Faculty exchanges. Has done Winterim for 30+ years and is a real signature program.

Moses Brown School

Yes Yes ? Yes

Noble and Greenough School

Many programs and opportunities. See websites

Yes, Art, Science, Community service

Yes Yes Special top-level website page devoted to travel opportunities. Offer financial aid.

Rivers School

Spain and France

Yes Science, History, English, community service

Yes, Argentina. Usually get a student and send a student in summer each year.

Yes

St. Mark's School

Various Yes, Arts, Science

Various Yes Dedicated top-level webpage “International Education”

Thayer Academy

5 different programs

Yes Four Sister school programs

Yes “International Opportunities” is top level on the website. Faculty exchanges. Working on MS program.

Worcester Academy-

X X X X X

Williston-Northampton School

Yes, various trips. Mexico, Honduras, Spain, France, Italy, Quebec, France, Italy

Yes, English, Arts, Science

No Yes. At least one a year.

Peer School Language Trips Other Travel Sister Schools SYA Other

DistinctionDistinction

For us- Offering summer international programs would be a further way to raise the profile of the school.

For the students- In addition to the invaluable cultural and linguistic enrichment inherent in study abroad, it is a great way for our students to distinguish themselves in the college admissions process.

For us- Offering summer international programs would be a further way to raise the profile of the school.

For the students- In addition to the invaluable cultural and linguistic enrichment inherent in study abroad, it is a great way for our students to distinguish themselves in the college admissions process.

ParentsParents

Most already understand the value of these experiences and are searching for quality opportunities of this type. I have been asked by many parents at open-houses, PT conferences, and in e-mails if we offer study abroad programs. Thus far we have had to refer them to other programs that we believe to be reputable and rigorous.

Most already understand the value of these experiences and are searching for quality opportunities of this type. I have been asked by many parents at open-houses, PT conferences, and in e-mails if we offer study abroad programs. Thus far we have had to refer them to other programs that we believe to be reputable and rigorous.

FinancialsFinancials

Although the program will likely never be a big revenue stream for the school, it should be net positive with a built-in fee to the school for every student. In a preliminary financial model I have created it could bring in as much as $10,000 a summer.

Although the program will likely never be a big revenue stream for the school, it should be net positive with a built-in fee to the school for every student. In a preliminary financial model I have created it could bring in as much as $10,000 a summer.

Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development

Running programs in target language environments will provide continuing professional development opportunities for the faculty who run the program. This chance to practice the language and delve deeper into the culture is free for the school.

Running programs in target language environments will provide continuing professional development opportunities for the faculty who run the program. This chance to practice the language and delve deeper into the culture is free for the school.

The ProgramThe Program

Intensive course of study in a target language area for each of the spoken languages. (China, Mexico, France/Quebec)

Homestays/ limited travel (deep experience, no “European Vacation”)

Student faculty ratio of no more than 7:13- 4 weeks duration during summerOffer commensurate credit and/or well-

defined acceleration opportunities in language

Less than $5,000

Intensive course of study in a target language area for each of the spoken languages. (China, Mexico, France/Quebec)

Homestays/ limited travel (deep experience, no “European Vacation”)

Student faculty ratio of no more than 7:13- 4 weeks duration during summerOffer commensurate credit and/or well-

defined acceleration opportunities in language

Less than $5,000

Challenges and SolutionsChallenges and SolutionsLarge logistical operations/ Start-up pains

We start now and use extensive contacts with professionals in the field and borrow from experience of other programs. I have many relationships with people and programs.

Enrollment management

Although demand appears to be very strong, we could possibly alternate years or accept students from other schools for numbers as enrollment dictates. Highly scalable budgets with low fixed costs allow trips to go with fewer students.

Challenges and solutions ctd.

Challenges and solutions ctd.

Supervision Each program would have 2 staff members who also work closely with the local school. Norms of alcohol use and curfews would be inflexible. Local cell included in program?

Access 1.Look for development opportunity.2.Build in a charge for those who can pay to subsidize some scholarship.3.Charge students from other schools a surcharge

Sample budget- Oaxaca, MéxicoSample budget- Oaxaca, MéxicoPer week 2 week 3 week

program4 week

Homestay 147 294 441 588

Classes 110 220 330 440

Lunch 60 120 180 240

Flight 500 500 500 500

Teachers 250 500 750 1000

Misc (travel, admissions. Etc)

200 400 600 800

WA "Fee" 300 300 300 300

total 2334 3101 3868

Cost 2 adults

1314 2628 3442 5256

Cost per w 14

Cost per w 14

2521 3346 4243