OPENING MORE DOORS
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Southern Utah University

Introductions
2
Ms. Karen Peterson, MPA
Education Policy Specialist, Office of the Governor of Utah
Dr. Pat Keehley
Professor Emerita and Former Director of the MPA Program
Dr. Patrick Clarke
Professor and Dean of the School of Integrative & Engaged Learning
Dr. Kurt Harris
Professor and Director of Learning Abroad

Session Goals
3
Workshop participants will
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components needed
for a successful study abroad program offering graduate
course credit;
2. Review and apply best practices to increase recruitment,
ensure academic rigor, and sustain initiatives in study abroad
programs throughout successive years;
3. Draft plans for the development of a new graduate-level
study abroad program at their institution.

Session Agenda
4
1. Instructions – 5 minutes
2. Table group discussions – 15 minutes
3. Administration discussion – 10 minutes
4. International Office discussion – 10 minutes
5. Faculty discussion – 10 minutes
6. Student discussion – 10 minutes
7. Q&A and Next Steps – remaining time

Discussion Points
5
Challenges: What obstacles must administrators, international
office staff, faculty, and students overcome to create effective study
abroad programs specifically for graduate students?
Best Practices: What processes or activities have been proven over
time to be successful?

Instructions (please don’t eat the candy yet!)
6
In the next 15 minutes, your group must
1. Introduce yourselves to each other
2. Each person take a piece of candy
3. Choose a group spokesperson
4. Discuss what makes a graduate-level study abroad program
successful from each of the four perspectives
5. Record 2-4 challenges each group faces related to study
abroad for graduate students
6. Record 2-4 grad student study abroad best practices from
each group’s perspective

ADMINISTRATION
PATRICK CLARKE

8
ADMINISTRATION
Other components

Administration Challenges and Best Practices
9
Challenges:
Allowing faculty time to build and run study abroad programs,
and rewarding them for it
Financial considerations – loss of tuition revenue
Sustainability of programs after faculty turnover
Best Practices:
Trust faculty and International Abroad Office to coordinate
programs (don’t micro-manage)
Offer support and guidance when needed
Represent university interests

INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
KURT HARRIS

International Office Challenges and Best Practices
11
Challenges:
Inadequate resources – support for undergrad programs only?
Recruitment of students into study abroad programs
Training faculty to be travel guides
Best Practices:
Leave academic aspects to faculty directors and department
heads
Provide general pre-departure orientation sessions for students
Assess programs

FACULTY
PAT KEEHLEY

13
COURSE
CREDIT
ACTIVITIES
TRAVEL
LOGISTICS
SAFETY
FINANCES
Travel
Companion
COMMON COMPONENTS
Student
Age
Instructor
Compensation
Course
Delivery
GRADUATE
INFLUENCES
GRADUATE
INFLUENCES

Faculty Challenges and Best Practices
14
Challenges:
Students’ ages – different travel expectations
Course delivery
Financial compensation
Liability for student safety
Best Practices:
Base study abroad courses on existing courses
Offer experiences abroad that enhance course learning
Allow for student (and faculty) free time abroad

STUDENT
KAREN PETERSON

Student Challenges and Best Practices
16
Challenges:
Time off (other employment)
Arrangements for family and kids
Online students may not know other participants
Little in common among students due to diverse ages and life experiences
Cost - there are limited scholarships and grants for graduate students
Best Practices:
Opportunities need to be shorter durations
Be cognizant of school schedules for K12 systems in your area
Make it worthwhile for credit accumulation (not just electives)
Provide opportunities for students to meet beforehand
Allow students to create unique projects based on interests and expertise

How do we
address our
challenges?
Where do
we go from
here?

Brainstorm Together
18
 What did you learn today about graduate-level study abroad
programs?
 How will you take what you learned in today’s session and
apply it at your university?

QUESTIONS?

Keep the discussion going
20
Website dedicated to the development of successful study
abroad programs for graduate students:
http://graduateprogramsabroad.weebly.com/

THANK
YOU