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International Programs Office: Study Abroad
STUDY
ABROAD DESTINATIONS
Several factors need to be considered when selecting a destination
and site for a study abroad course:
1.relationship of the site to the mission, goals, and objectives
of the academic department;
2.faculty member's academic expertise in relationship to the proposed
site and courses;
3.faculty member's experience and familiarity with the proposed
destination;
4.cost effectiveness and affordability of a course to the selected
destination;
5.special appeal and attractiveness of the proposed site;
6.political climate and social stability in the destination country;
and
7.availability of appropriate cultural activities to occupy students'
unstructured time.
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.
Last updated May 01, 2008 |
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