More information on Faculty-Led Academic Year and Summer Programs

Over the course of the past decade, there has been tremendous growth in study abroad at Western Washington University.  More recently, the number of faculty-led study programs has grown bringing students, faculty and staff to a range of continents, cultures and host countries, enriching the scope of Western Washington University. 

International Programs & Exchanges (IPE) works with faculty and staff, and study abroad programs in the coordination, development and promotion of a broad array of international study programs to prepare students for global leadership and citizenship. IPE endeavors to facilitate programs and exchanges that are easily accessible to WWU students and that can be readily integrated into their programs of study.  Faculty-led study programs are central to making this effort a success.  They eliminate questions about credit transfer since it is a WWU course offered by a WWU faculty member or team of faculty members. Faculty-led programs are flexible. They can be quarter or semester-long like many traditional study abroad programs, but also can be organized for the summer or for shorter periods during the academic year. These types of programs help internationalize the campus in two ways, enhancing the global competencies of the students who participate, as well as giving faculty members opportunities to expand their international experiences.

Developing a faculty-led study abroad program is both an academic and a business-oriented process.  For example, each faculty member who develops a for-credit WWU study abroad program is acting as an agent of the university and in most cases, a written contract is required.  A written agreement or contract between WWU and each service provider (study abroad company, partner university, tour company, and so on) must be negotiated early in the development phase as this agreement outlines each parties’ responsibilities so that programs can operate smoothly.

The success of a new study abroad program depends on many factors that include:

• Course content that is relevant and interesting to a broad number of students
• Courses that fulfill specific WWU degree requirements, e.g. major or minor requirement
• Situating the course in a location that reinforces the curricular content and makes the site a learning laboratory
• An energetic, motivated faculty director who can successfully promote the program to students.

Because the process of developing a faculty-led program is lengthy, faculty members who want to develop a program should contact Liz Partolan-Fray, Director, International Programs & Exchanges as early as possible in the program development process.

For further information contact:

Liz Partolan-Fray, Director

International Programs & Exchanges

College Hall 104

650-7970

Liz.Partolan-Fray@wwu.edu

 Planning a Faculty-Led Program 

Planning and implementing a faculty-led program abroad is labor intensive which is why it is helpful to know what is expected from all who are involved in planning a program.  As a faculty member leading a study abroad program, you enter into a partnership between International Programs & Exchanges (IPE), Extended Education and Summer Programs (EESP), and also, in many cases, a third party provider who provides on-site logistical support.

All student participants pay a program fee of $200 which subsidizes IPE and EESP’s administrative costs for the program. 

International Programs & Exchanges and Extended Education and Summer Programs will:

• Assist faculty with program development
• Develop a working budget for the program
• Negotiate with third party provider regarding the contract and billing
• Develop promotional materials and assist with marketing the program
• Promote program during “Western Abroad” sessions, classroom visits and International Opportunities Fair
• Develop, distribute and process student applications
• Handle monetary transactions including collection of program fees, disbursement of funds and faculty director reimbursements
• Create financial structure to collect and disburse funds
• Monitor budget in cooperation with faculty director
• Prepare and approve financial aid budget for students as needed
• Assist with conduct and health screening
• Assist with pre-departure orientation as needed
• Manage crisis/emergency response
• Register program participants with the American Embassy
• Conduct program evaluation with faculty and students

 

Faculty leading a program will:

• Prepare a program proposal
• Design the academic aspects of the program, including academic, professional and/or cultural site tours, lectures or service learning
• Actively participate in the recruitment of students
• Serve as director on academic and student life matter while abroad
• Take appropriate action if students violate the code of conduct
• Assign and post academic grades
• Submit all financial documents to EESP for reimbursement (as appropriate)
• Submit faculty evaluation of program to IPE

 

Organizer’s Timeline and Checklist

Approval and Development Process: 12–16 months in advance of program departure

• Faculty Director (FD) determines the scope of the study abroad program and the potential for sufficient enrollments.  FD may speak with/gain approval from departmental chair, survey students, departmental advisors and gauge student interest.
• The Faculty Director (FD) meets with the Director, International Programs & Exchanges (IPE) and Director, Marketing and Summer Programs, Extended Education and Summer Programs (EESP)  to discuss interest in leading a study abroad program and determine the level of administrative and financial support that exists. 
• FD completes Faculty-Led Program Application.  A proposed program budget is developed and approved by IPE, EESP and FD.  The budget is attached to the application and submitted to IPE for
• IPE and FD meet with Risk Manager to review risk management and legal responsibilities and requirements if necessary.
• IPE and FD determine if Third Party Provider will provide the logistical and in-country program support.  If so, IPE facilitates agreement/contract with Third Party Provider and Contract Administration.  The contract is approved through the contract review process.
• FD meets with Director, Marketing and Summer Programs (EESP) to discuss marketing, registration and financial processes.
• If applicable, IPE, FD and Third Party Provider make arrangements within host country for:
• On site assistance
• Student and faculty housing
• Classroom space
• Community engagement opportunities
• Excursions and site visits

Recruitment and Promotion: 6–12 months in advance of program departure

• EESP prepares program flyer and website in consultation with FD and IPE.
• EESP assists FD with program promotion through class visits and information sessions, flyers and posters, department notices and Web site.  FD participates in the International Opportunities Fair in January
• IPE prepares student application.  Students submit applications to IPE.  Summer program application is applicable for summer programs.
• All students obtain passports and necessary visas.

Program Logistics: 3–6 months in advance of program departure

• Applications close; IPE, EESP and FD finalize program cost based on participant numbers and determine if there is sufficient enrollment to run the program.   If needed, the budget is revised and the final program budget is confirmed with EESP and approved by IPE. 
• FD selects students and informs students of acceptance status.  Optional:  IPE can assist with selection.  
• Once selected:
• IPE informs students (accepted or not accepted) in writing;
• FD keeps a waiting list of at least five students in the event of student withdrawals;
• EESP sends accepted students the program payment information;
• FD informs students of any upcoming program meetings.
• EESP collects and monitors student payments.
• If applicable, Third Party Provider invoices EESP for program costs.
• IPE & FD instruct students to make travel arrangements independently or, if group travel is arranged, IPE arranges to purchase group airline tickets with university-approved travel agency.
• WWU Student Health Center Travel Clinic advises students on health concerns and immunizations.
• FD and IPE hold program pre-departure orientation(s) for students unless a pre-departure orientation course is part of the program:
• Distribute a syllabus/itinerary and answer questions;
• Provide students with detailed information regarding arrival on-site;
• Discuss visas, safety, health, travel, and other logistics.
• FD meets with IPE to discuss emergency preparedness, health and safety.
• EESP completes Travel Authorization (TA) so that FD can obtain travel advance and facilitates faculty and/or group airfare purchase with travel agency.

Final Preparations: 1 week in advance of program departure

• FD obtains travel advance from Cashier’s office if applicable.
• IPE registers all programs participants with the American Embassy
• FD provides copy of finalized program itinerary and emergency contact information to IPE, EESP and their department.

Program Concludes: 7–14 days after conclusion of program

• Faculty Director(s) submits receipts and Travel Expense Voucher to EESP.

Program Evaluation Process:  1–3 months after conclusion of program

• FD submits Faculty Evaluation to IPE
• Students complete program evaluation provided by IPE
• IPE, EESP and FD meet to evaluate program design, implementation, costs, and prepare written recommendations for future programs.
• Future promotional photos are sent to EESP.

Consortia Programs

• Northwest Council on Study Abroad (NCSA)
  NCSA offers teaching positions abroad for one term. Teaching positions are available in Argentina, Austria, England, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Applicants propose courses in their academic fields and the course may be modeled closely on one of the courses normally taught on campus, as long as the course has a regional, national or comparative focus appropriate to the teaching site. NCSA faculty remain on WWU payroll with sabbatical, fringe and retirement benefits.
• Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
  CIEE International Faculty Development Seminars are intensive educational experiences designed to explore interests, challenge preconceptions, and open eyes to global issues shaping the world today. Each program features lectures, site visits, and discussions with overseas academics and colleagues. Participants return to campus ready to incorporate an international dimension into administration, course design, research, and teaching. Website: http://www.ciee.org/IFDS.aspx

For further information on exchanges or teaching abroad opportunities, please contact Liz Partolan-Fray, Director, International Programs & Exchanges, 360-650-7970, Liz.Partolan-Fray@wwu.edu. For Fulbright Scholar Program information, please contact Dr. Christine L. Compston, 360-650-4241, Christine.Compston@wwu.edu

NCSA Faculty Positions Abroad 2010-11

Faculty interested in teaching for a term in Europe or Latin America in 2010-11 are invited to apply through International Programs & Exchanges and Northwest Council on Study Abroad (NCSA). NCSA teaching positions are available in Argentina, Austria, England, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico and Spain. Applicants propose courses in their academic fields and the course may be modeled closely on one of the courses normally taught on campus, as long as the course has a regional, national or comparative focus appropriate to the teaching site. If selected, NCSA visiting faculty remain on WWU payroll with sabbatical, fringe and retirement benefits. Program and site-specific information is available at AhaStudyAbroad.org. For further information, contact Liz Partolan-Fray, or 650-7970. The deadline for application is Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

• NCSA Application Packet (doc)

The Northwest Consortium for Study Abroad (NCSA) is extending the deadline to apply to teach in Morelia, Mexico; Rosario, Argentina or Vienna, Austria during the 2010-2011 academic year. This includes the summer 2011 educators program in Morelia. (Please see below)

Above is a copy of the NCSA Faculty Application. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1. (Please note for time management purposes that a memo from your Chair and signature from your Dean are required.) Also, please note that applicants must be available for an interview 4/29, 4/30 or 5/1 should they be selected as finalists.

Please submit applications to Liz Partolan-Fray, Director, International Programs & Exchanges, Miller Hall 266.

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Morelia, Mexico

Offered in cooperation with the Universidad Latina de America (UNLA), this program, focused on Latin American Studies, is located in the beautiful central highlands of Mexico encourages exploration of the social and economic challenges associated with population movement between Mexico and the US. Designed primarily for students training for careers in social services and related fields, the program combines classroom learning and field experience working with Spanish-speaking populations in Mexico and in the US. The program is offered in cooperation with the Midwest Consortium on Study Abroad (MCSA).

Fall term 2010 (13 weeks), winter term 2011 (10 weeks), spring term 2011 (10 weeks) Seeking one faculty member fall, winter, and spring terms from departments with academic interests in North-South relations, U.S.-Mexican relations including "the social, environmental, ecological, cultural, political and economic impacts associated with Migration" (including but not limited to anthropology, sociology, criminal justice, social sciences, history, psychology, social work, geography, Latin American studies, public health, political science, and environmental science) to teach two 4-quarter credit courses (40 contact hours in class), in English, at the upper-division level. Spanish is not required, but can help faculty in their adaptation to Morelia and relationships with colleagues at UNLA and Morelia. UNLA students often enroll in the visiting faculty courses as well, providing for a diverse classroom environment.

Summer term 2010 and Summer term 2011 (3-4 weeks, typically the last three weeks in July) Seeking one faculty member summer term in Education to teach one 4-quarter credit course (30 contact hours in class, 10 hours of supervised fieldwork), in English, at the 400/graduate level. Spanish is not required, but can help faculty in their adaptation to Morelia and relationships with colleagues at UNLA and Morelia.

Rosario, Argentina

With 1.2 million inhabitants, Rosario has an alluring cosmopolitan feel, supporting theaters, art museums, historical mansions, national monuments, and two professional soccer teams. Located 200 miles upriver from Buenos Aires on the Paraná River, the city has a rich history influenced by European ancestry in a uniquely South American way, giving the busy city center a flavorful charm evident in its language, style, and cuisine. Located at the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, the program offers Spanish language instruction from beginning to advanced levels, with business courses conducted in English and humanities courses conducted in Spanish, as well as a class, Contemporary Issues in Human Rights: Argentina and Latin America, taught in English.

Fall 2010 and spring 2011 terms (13 weeks) Seeking one faculty member each term to teach two 5-credit courses, in English or Spanish, at the upper division level. Although fluency in Spanish is not required, applicants should have sufficient proficiency to function independently in Argentina.

Vienna, Austria

Located in the center of Europe, Vienna has always been a melting pot for different nationalities. This influx of people and culture has created a uniquely fertile atmosphere in which arts and thoughts have developed and grown. With the recent changes in Europe, Vienna's location also makes it the ideal site from which to observe history in the making. NCSA offers the Vienna program in cooperation with the Midwest Consortium for Study Abroad (MCSA). The program includes German language study at multiple levels, a selection of courses taught in English by European faculty, and one course each term taught on a yearly rotating basis by faculty from NCSA and MCSA. Faculty from NCSA institutions will teach in Vienna in 2010-11.

Spring semester 2011 (12 weeks) Seeking one faculty member to teach one 5-quarter credit course at the upper division level. NOTE: The spring program integrates courses on Music and Psychology.

AHA International is an intercultural, educational organization based in Portland, Oregon. AHA specializes in supporting university consortia to promote intercultural and experiential education. Visiting faculty members are employed through their own university, and they work closely with AHA staff members in the U.S. and abroad to prepare for their program.

AHA provides:

• Partnership and networking opportunities in the U.S. and abroad
• Site directors at each location
• Promotional materials
• On-site orientations
• Application materials and support
• Visa information and official visa letters
• Faculty member handbook
• Faculty Housing
• Faculty Airfare
• Faculty Excursions
• Faculty Medical insurance
• Faculty International Teacher Identification Card