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International Programs Office: Study Abroad
Guidelines
Introduction
The following guidelines have been structured to assist faculty
interested in developing and directing study abroad programs for
students enrolled in courses at Benedictine University. These
study abroad guidelines reflect Benedictine University policies
and philosophy, current International Programs Office practices,
and national trends. Issues of safety affecting study abroad participants,
institutional liability, and accountability procedures are mandated
by the United States government for all institutions of higher
education. These must be updated or amended periodically to address
changing conditions in our students' lives, in the university
and the world in which we live. It is expected that faculty who
are involved with and lead study abroad programs will familiarize
themselves with these procedures. It is essential that faculty
members directing overseas studies adhere to these guidelines
in order to provide the most beneficial experience to students
and to reduce risks to the participants and to the University.
Study Abroad
Courses
There are many educational reasons to design and offer study abroad
courses:
1.Most academic disciplines have an international dimension to
their curricula; study abroad courses assist in exploring these
dimensions.
2.Study abroad courses broaden the student's world view.
3.Students are more inspired and motivated to complete their education
after they have participated in study abroad programs that improve
University retention and graduation rates.
4.Participants develop new academic and career interests and options
5.Study abroad programs foster student development in the affective
and social domains
6.Study abroad courses enable faculty members to grow professionally
and to enhance their areas of expertise.
Academic Issues
Study abroad courses are, first and foremost, extensions of Benedictine's
academic programs and must meet the standards of academic integrity
established by the University. Conducting a study abroad program
in which academic mismanagement occurs can quickly damage the
reputation of the instructors involved, study abroad programs,
and the University itself. Therefore, the "curriculum, delivery
system, and administrative systems…." (Academic Policies
and Procedures for Faculty, 2001) must incorporate the following:
1.positive learning climate;
2.diagnosed learning need;
3.need-satisfying objectives;
4.specific learning experiences;
5.appropriate teaching techniques and supplemental resources;
and
6.evaluated learning outcomes and re-diagnosed learning needs.
(Academic Policies and Procedures for Faculty, 2001)
In addition, these issues must be considered:
1.Courses taught abroad should have the same number of contact
hours as cohort format programs.Most of the courses are completed
in five weeks. Class meetings are held one night per week for
four hours. Study groups meet for an additional four hours weekly.
A total of fifteen to twenty hours of study per week outside the
class meeting time is expected of each student. Instructional
methods include mini- lectures, seminars, case studies, role-playing,
simulations, and projects related to the student's professional
goals. (Academic Policies and Procedures for Faculty, 2001-2002)
2.Lecture time should be calculated on the ratio
of 1:1; one 50-minute lecture equates to one contact hour.
3.Field trips and excursions should be tallied on the ratio of
2:1; two (total of 100 minutes) hours on a field trip or excursion
equate to one contact hour.
4.Students should be provided with detailed course syllabus, trip
itinerary and handouts explicitly describing the course requirements
and expectations.
5.Requirements related to attendance, examinations, assignments,
and grading must conform to general University policies.
6.When appropriate, faculty may want to cross-list the course
with another department.
Course
Credit
All study abroad courses offered by or through the International
Programs Office must earn Benedictine University credit. Students
who choose to enroll in study abroad programs offered by other
institutions or companies must complete the necessary paperwork
with the staff of the International Programs Office. There is
a separate process to assist and facilitate students' participation
in other study abroad courses, transfer of academic credit to
Benedictine, and utilize financial aid awards.
To earn Benedictine credit, study abroad courses must meet the
following criteria:
1.Contact hours must reach requirements specified under ACADEMIC
ISSUES.
2.Benedictine University faculty or a Partnership Exchange Program's
faculty member must be the primary instructor.
3.Benedictine faculty must provide at least one-third of the course
instruction; the balance may be supplemented by host country guest
presenters, field trips and excursions that must be documented.
Adherence to all guidelines outlined under ACADEMIC
ISSUES is expected.
Faculty
Responsiblities
Faculty and staff leading study abroad programs are responsible
for abiding by and enforcing all appropriated Benedictine University
policies. Study abroad demands considerable time and effort beyond
curricular responsibilities: Faculty must be prepared to structure
a suitable proposal and budget, to assist in recruiting participants,
to maintain accurate accounts, to formulate necessary travel and
host country arrangements, and to manage emergencies and crises
while abroad. The quality of faculty leadership exhibited is critical
to the program's success; faculty is literally "on call"
for the entire duration of the study abroad trip. Following are
some of the most important faculty responsibilities:
1.Submit a course description and program itinerary six to eight
months prior to the departure date if it is a new proposal; two
months prior to departure if it is a repeat tour.
2.Prepare a realistic budget that accounts for unanticipated trip
expenses.
3.Be familiar with Benedictine University accounting procedures
to be utilized for the trip.
4.In writing, provide study abroad participants the requirements,
expectations, and other information related to the specific course.
5.Require that participants read and ensure that all handouts
provided to students are understood.
6.Be knowledgeable regarding the availability of emergency medical
services in the host country.
7.Assist with the pre-departure orientation.
8.While abroad, maintain telephone numbers of the participants'
emergency contacts (family members and insurance agents) and copies
of the main page of participants' passports and insurance verification
sheets.
9.Submit the required study abroad program report within 30 days
of the course's completion.
Last updated May 01, 2008
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