Leading a Study Abroad Program
Office for Global Education staff are eager and available to support faculty interested in developing new study abroad programs to help ensure a safe and successful program for all participants.
The value of short-term study abroad
Our faculty-led study abroad programs vary in length from 3-5 weeks, offering between 3 and 8 credits, and occur during the summer or winter terms. These programs offer students, many of whom who have little or no experience overseas, a supported introduction to comprehending and navigating a new cultural environment. It is our hope that short-term, small group, Purchase faculty-led programs will allow for a larger variety of students to take part in a global education experience that will advance their intercultural competencies and technical skills.
Please contact Dr. Anne M. Kern, Dean for Global Strategy and International Programs, with any questions about creating a faculty-led program or initiating a partnership with a foreign institution.
Program Development
Typical program development relies on a faculty members’ past experiences abroad and site location knowledge. These are the basic steps to getting a program started:
- Submit an preliminary form for an Office for Global Education feasibility review.
- If approved, work closely with Office for Global Education staff throughout the design, budgeting, recruitment, and implementation processes.*
Principal Responsibilities
In addition to designing the academic component, faculty are specifically charged with:
- Developing program logistics and budget
- Recruiting students, including leading 3-4 information session presentations
- Participating in the evaluation of student applications
- Developing detailed material for a pre-departure information session for accepted students
- Going beyond the role of a typical classroom manager on the Purchase campus, to one of overseas site faculty leader, including dealing with broader student health and safety concerns
* Program Development Grants may be available from SUNY System Administration’s Office of Global Affairs, but are highly competitive.