Program Development Resources | Learning Abroad Center

Best Practices

Leading Short-Term Education Abroad Programs: Know the Standards (2017) is a valuable resource developed by The Forum on Education Abroad. These standards are widely recognized and agreed upon in international education.
The Guide to Successful Short-Term Programs Abroad: Developed by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
The Forum on Education Abroad Curriculum Toolkit.
Instructor-Led Credit Best Practices: Developed by the Learning Abroad Center.
UofM Course policies: Developed by Office of Undergraduate Education

Funding

Instructors interested in leading a program abroad may be eligible to apply for an International Travel Grant through Global Programs and Strategy Alliance.

Center for Teaching and Learning

Center for Teaching and Learning provides workshops and individual consultation for instructors teaching both on-campus and abroad.

Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus

Learn more about ways to Internationalize the Curriculum and Campus.

Working with On-Site Partners

List of On-Site Partners: Compiled by the Learning Abroad Center. On-site partners provide assistance with program design, administration and in-country logistics (accommodation, local transportation, excursions, etc).

Articles

Advice for Program Leaders

Faculty Abroad: What Do These Innocents Need to Know?
International Educator
Hulstrand, Janet May/Jun 2008:76

These six tips will help first-time and experienced leaders to organize a meaningful and safe experience that they will enjoy as much as their students.

Dr. Jim’s Tips for Directors of U.S. Students Abroad
International Educator
Citron, James May/Jun 2005:64

Creative tips to help focus and engage students in the host culture(s) by developing a set of goals as a group that are used to shape the learning abroad program before, during, and after the experience.

The Faculty Role in Study Abroad
Inside Higher Ed
Redden, Elizabeth/June 3, 2010

Faculty Program Leaders play more than the role of professor; it is important to recognize the increased level of responsibility as well as the heightened benefits that come with leading a learning abroad program.

Ghana Fiasco Shows Risks of Faculty-Led Study Trips
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Fischer, Karin/November 23, 2007

Learn how to organize a successful learning abroad program, as well as recognize the signs when a program is not going as planned, from this case study about a faculty-led program in Ghana.

Reasons to Lead a Program Abroad

Attracting Faculty to Education Abroad
International Educator
Hulstrand, Janet Sep/Oct 2009:48

There are a variety of ways in which faculty can both create and support new international opportunities that can in-turn can lead to amazing experiences for students, their department, and themselves.

Study abroad may lead to better GPA, graduation rates
Inside Higher Ed
Redden, Elizabeth/July 14, 2010

The effort that faculty and administrators put into sending students abroad is soon transformed into multiple benefits for the university in terms of academic performance and commitment when the students return.

Trends in Learning Abroad Programs

Study-Abroad Numbers Continue to Climb, Trips Are Shorter, Report Says
The Chronicle of Higher Education
McMurtrie, Beth/ November 16, 2007

Short-term learning abroad programs fulfill an important niche for students in terms of cost, length, and academic focus. Faculty-led programs are especially attractive to a wider range of students due to their connection to the home university in terms of providing guidance by trusted faculty members and course credit that directly transfer credits towards students’ degree programs.

Study Abroad Changed My Life and Other Problems
Inside Higher Ed
Redden, Elizabeth/February 20, 2009

Learning abroad programs are inherently transformative experiences in students’ lives. Should program design do more to encourage the development of specific skills and outcomes?