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Faculty Handbook
Keys to a successful program
Study abroad program leaders have identified the following elements as those that make for the most rewarding and successful study abroad program:
- Avoid simply duplicating courses taught in East Lansing: relate subject matter to the host country;
- Utilize personnel, facilities, and cultural resources of the host country as much as possible, with the aim of providing students with opportunities for an inter-culturally unique experience;
- Provide greater student-leader contact and interaction than is usually possible on-campus.
- Give attention to detail during all aspects of preparation.
- Prepare in advance for potential difficulties, problem cases, and emergencies.
A quality study abroad program will maximize use of the people and resources available in the host country. Students want an experience that they cannot obtain in East Lansing.
Your efforts and creativity in publicizing and recruiting will determine the success of your program. Set realistic enrollment targets when creating the program budget. This will result in an attractive program fee and a realistic budget for the program.
Regularly check your application files. Become familiar with the application process and Study Abroad Student Handbook so that you can answer questions and retain enrollments.
Order the study abroad sections of your courses following the usual on-campus course section scheduling process. Monitor your enrollments throughout the program.
Communicate regularly with students through orientation sessions, informal gatherings, e-mail, and phone to provide information and build group cohesiveness.
Be proactive in addressing your expectations and the group expectations for the program during pre-departure and on-site orientation.
Become familiar with handling on-site logistics and finances, and be prepared to respond to behavioral problems and emergencies.
Provide feedback. The only way we can make program improvements is through feedback from you and your students. We appreciate your assistance in promptly submitting a program report and by ensuring that a student returns the student evaluation forms to the Office of Study Abroad in a timely manner.
Thank you for the time, energy and commitment you have given the program and our students. Your role has helped to transform lives. We hope you will continue to be involved with study abroad at Michigan State University.
