. As students become more active on college campuses, especially near the end of academic terms the traditional model of extensive in-person pre-departure orientations have come into direct conflict with student time constraints, as well as staff resources. At the same time, study abroad offices have seen an increase in the amount of information, both cultural and administrative, that needs to be communicated to students. This session will discuss the limitations of traditional pre-departure orientations and explore ways in which institutions can develop and implement online orientations. Finally, this session will outline limitations of online orientation programs and discuss potential solutions.

1. Colin Large| Laura Semenow| The University of Tulsa
Region III Conference 2015 | Norman, Oklahoma
DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE PRE
DEPARTURE ORIENTATIONS IN STUDY
ABROAD

2. What is orientation?
What to include?
What we covered?
How we did it?
What else is there?
Results and Best Practices
Discussion
OUTLINE

3. LAURA SEMENOW
Advising-
Collins College of Business
College of Engineering and
Natural Sciences
Responsibilities-
Data Collection,
Assessment, and
Evaluation
COLIN LARGE
PROFILES
Advising-
Henry Kendall College of
Arts and Sciences
Oxley College of Health
Sciences
Responsibilities-
Exchange Program
Management

4. • Preparation of Students
• Administrative
• Academic
• Culturally
• Personal
• Risk Management
• In-Person
• One-on-One
• In group setting
WHAT IS ORIENTATION

5. • At your table, please discuss for 5 minutes what subjects, topics, or
tidbits you cover, or wish you covered better, in your institution’s
orientation
• Circle which ones could be covered online
• Check-mark which ones should be covered in-person
WHAT TO INCLUDE

6. Online
Orientation
Planning
and
Preparation
Money
Matters
Health and
Safety
Academics
Culture and
Adjustment
Career
Reentry

7. Online
Orientation
Money
Matters
Academics
Abroad
Financial Aid
Health Matters
Safety Abroad
Living
Arrangements
Cultural
Adjustment
Packing Tips
Study Abroad
and Career
Identity
Abroad
Coming Home

9. In-Person
Orientation
Health and
Safety
Finances
AcademicsAdministrative
Cultural

10. HOW WE DID IT- TIMELINE

11. Summer Intern
Storyboards
Scripts
Filming
Editing
Staff- Internal/External
Oversight
Interviews/Videos
Returnees
HOW WE DID IT- HUMAN RESOURCES

12. Summer Intern
Storyboards
Scripts
Filming
Editing
Staff- Internal/External
Planning &
Oversight
Interviews/Videos
Returnees
HOW WE DID IT- HUMAN RESOURCES

13. Summer Intern
Storyboards
Scripts
Filming
Editing
Staff- Internal/External
Interviews/Videos
Returnees
HOW WE DID IT- HUMAN RESOURCES

14. • Use of University Resources
• Instructional Technologist/Faculty Resource
Center
• Video Equipment
• Video Editing Software
• Summer Workers and Peer Advisors
• 380 hours
• 30 Hours/week over Summer
• Final edits in September/October
HOW WE DID IT- FINANCIAL

15. Planning and Story
Boards
HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL

16. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Detailed Scripts

17. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Filming and Editing

18. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Roll Out
Signature
Document:
Pre-Departure
Preparation

19. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Roll Out
Signature
Document: Pre-
Departure
Preparation

20. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Learning
Content

21. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Learning
Content

22. HOW WE DID IT- TECHNICAL
Quiz

23. WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

24. WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

25. • Less Time
• 4 Hours vs 1 Hour
• Flexible Online Curriculum
• More Engagement
• Less Questions, Fewer Issues, Better
Understanding
• Better Accountability
• Must mark they read videos, take
quiz, and attend orientation
RESULTS

26. • Begin Measuring
• Pre/Post Orientation Assessment
• Parental Messaging
• Video Access
• Additional Videos
• Country, Region, Program Specific
• Faculty-led Orientation
• Additional Topics
• Visas
• Special Needs
• Dietary or Health Issues
• Alumni
NEXT PHASE

27. How could your office improve your institutions’ Pre Departure
Orientation?
What resources are available to you and how could you use them?
What limitations do you see for an Online Orientation?
What benefits do you see for an Online Orientation?
What questions do you have for us about how we developed this
Orientation?
DISCUSSION