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Session Evaluation ViewAttendees 35

Knowledge to Action Session

Program Development and Management

Leading Students Abroad: A Simple Rubric or a Rubik’s Cube?

Thursday, March 20, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM US EST
Location: Birchwood Ballroom, Mezzanine level
How can we ensure our faculty are prepared to lead successful study abroad programs? Faculty-led programs offer cultural and academic experiences, but their sheer number can lead to inadequate preparation and expectations. This session explores the role of the faculty leader, the importance of training, and effective communication between faculty, staff, and host program leaders. Participants will receive a training framework, along with a templated guide for immediate implementation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Guiding Faculty in Delivering Meaningful In-Country Programs: Upon completion, participant will be equipped with simple practices to identify, mitigate, and manage challenges during study abroad programs. Training will cover advising, problem-solving, logistics, and effective communication. By sharing best practices for role definition, community strengthening, incorporating debriefs, and policy enforcement, faculty will feel confident in managing group dynamics, monitoring student experiences, handling emergencies, and understanding support roles both at home and onsite.
  • Guiding Faculty in Delivering Meaningful In-Country Programs: Upon completion, participant will be able to use simple practices to identify, mitigate, and manage challenges during study abroad programs. Training will cover advising, problem-solving, logistics, and effective communication. By sharing best practices for role definition, community strengthening, incorporating debriefs, and policy enforcement, faculty will feel confident in managing group dynamics, monitoring student experiences, handling emergencies, and understanding support roles both at home and onsite.
  • Understanding the Changing Landscape of Students: Upon completion, participant will be able to recognize the evolving needs of students and the responsibilities of program leaders. With more students managing mental health conditions, a greater awareness of diverse identities, and decreased resilience post-pandemic, leaders must build mechanisms to ensure student safety and success. This objective focuses on equipping leaders to be agile and responsive in-country, addressing escalated or emergency situations effectively.
  • Designing a Comprehensive Framework for Faculty-Led Programming: Upon completion, participant will be able to provide a structured approach to faculty-led program design, incorporating best practices for training and curriculum development. This includes access to a Google document detailing steps from MOU/Contract signing to post-program evaluation, with debrief techniques and reflective assignment recommendations. This framework ensures a thorough and well-rounded approach to planning and executing study abroad programs.