WELCOME! Lamar University Global Studies and Study Abroad University-Sponsored Study Abroad Program Proposals

1. WELCOME!Lamar UniversityGlobal Studies and Study AbroadUniversity-Sponsored Study Abroad Program Proposals Dr. Joe Nordgren, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Director of Global Studies and Study Abroad Norma Zarzosa, Instructor of Spanish Department of English & Modern Languages Coordinator of Global Studies and Study Abroad I

2. Table of Contents Hyperlinks to content and internet sites To Faculty Study Abroad Information Student Eligibility Benefits of Study Abroad Proposal Requirements Developing a University-Sponsored Study Abroad Program Points to Consider Developing a Budget Orientation Sessions Group or Individual Travel Summary Contact Information II

3. To Faculty Table of Contents • Any university faculty member is welcome to submit a study abroad program proposal. Study abroad possibilities may be as diverse as either lecturing on literature in front of Notre Dame Cathedral or discussing business law in Shanghai, the commercial center of China. • Developing a university-sponsored or faculty-led study abroad program requires more planning and responsibility than does an on-campus course, a responsibility that in most instances begins months before the group departs for its academic venture. • In addition to faculty-led Lamar University study abroad programs, a faculty member may choose to join another university’s study abroad program. • Whether you choose to develop your own program or to join a program offered through another university, you will be serving as a professor, mentor, and guide for your students. • As a faculty member in charge, you are required to develop a budget, ensure that the student learning outcomes are met, provide assistance when necessary and appropriate, discipline students, make on the spot decisions, and be available throughout the duration of your trip abroad.

4. Study Abroad Information Table of Contents Study abroad programs align directly with the university’s stated mission of “preparing students for leadership and lifelong learning in a multicultural world.” Definition of Study Abroad: • For the purpose of this mission, study abroad will include any academic work completed outside of the United States of America, which, in terms of quality and subject matter, satisfies both the course and degree requirements expected by Lamar University. International Education Fee Grant (IEFG): • IEFG grant awards will be governed by the Director and the Advisory Committee for Global Studies and Study Abroad . a) As required by the Texas Coordinating Board for Higher Education, Lamar students who enroll in study abroad university-level credit earning courses must know that more than 50% of the actual course contact hours will be met outside of the United States . b) Also, Lamar students who enroll in study abroad programs organized by other institutions must be certain that the credit hours earned at foreign institutions of higher learning are fully transferable to Lamar for academic credit.

5. Student Eligibility Table of Contents a. Enrolled in good standing and participating in a designated degree-granting program. b. Minimum 2.0 grade point average if an undergraduate student or minimum 3.0 grade point average if a graduate student. c. Enrolled as an active full-time student at Lamar University at the time of the application. d. International students, like all other Lamar students, are eligible to apply for a Lamar-approved study abroad program; however, no money will be awarded to international students for study at Lamar University or for study in their home country. e. Students on academic/disciplinary probation or who have delinquent financial obligations to Lamar are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) compliant. Applicants must pursue international study that results in academic credit either through Lamar or through an institution whereby college credit hours are transferable to Lamar. h. Applicants must complete an application form, sign an acceptance agreement, and provide the relevant Transfer Certification Form as approved by the appropriate department chair and college dean, verifying the course will transfer to Lamar and will count toward the student’s approved degree plan.

6. Benefits of Study Abroad Table of Contents Studying in a foreign country provides students multiple opportunities for: • Promoting personal growth; • Increasing self-confidence and the willingness to take risks; • Increasing personal and intellectual maturity; • Developing a personally informed view of the world; • Developing intercultural competencies; • Learning new traditions and social and academic customs; • Better understanding of one’s own cultural values; • Increasing awareness of diversity; • Interacting with students from around the world; • Stimulating one’s academic interest; • Influencing future educational decisions; • Improving communication and language skills; • Adapting to new environments; • Developing problem-solving skills; • Experiencing diverse business practices; • Exploring global issues facing the world; • Shaping future career development; • Increasing prospective job opportunities.

7. Proposal Information Table of Contents Information for faculty members who are interested in teaching study abroad courses for academic credit during 2009 (mini-sessions, spring, summer or fall). Submit a brief  proposal of 2-3 pages and attach a budget page Required Information: Course number and course title; Course syllabus or syllabi; Approval of Department Chair; Minimum and maximum enrollment numbers (minimum enrollment numbers must conform to the same standards applicable to on-campus courses); Course prerequisites; Country of destination; 2009 mini-session, summer term, or long semester in which the course will be offered; Estimated program cost for students (based on minimum enrollment number); Brief rationale for teaching the course in a foreign country; Mandatory and optional field trips (tentatively) to be embedded with the course; Your anticipated compensation by the way of salary and/or expenses. Deadline: December 1, 2009Send proposals electronically to: Joe.Nordgren@lamar.edu or Dr. Joe Nordgren, Parker 203, P.O. Box 10058

8. Developing a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Course Table of Contents Points to Consider How the course, in terms of quality and subject matter, satisfies either the undergraduate or graduate degree requirements in your department’s program of study. Extent to which the course will add academic value for your majors or extent to which the course will fit a needed academic niche. Extent to which the selected foreign location will directly relate to and complement the course content. Certainty that the course being proposed will fulfill the same requirements for number of contact hours as on a campus course. Certainty that the course adheres to the same academic standards and expectations as those courses within your discipline that are taught on campus; a course syllabus will have to be developed and up-loaded to the SACS website. Verification that the class attendance policy from the host institution is consistent with the attendance policy of Lamar University. Process and guidelines for selecting and accepting students into the course. If necessary, the relevant cultural site visits, tours, and lectures that will enhance student learning outcomes. Academic or professional projects that will help students to mature and be more competitive in a global market. Collaboration with department chairperson about the appropriateness of the course. Funds collected from the International Education Fee may be used only to assist students in international programs. No funds are to be used for faculty salaries or for administering the program.

9. Relevant Questions Table of Contents Is the foreign destination safe for American students? Refer to the State Department website www.travel.state.gov for the most current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. What are the projected enrollment numbers? As a In general guideline, the student to faculty ratio should be approximately to 15 to 1. Do the course dates fall within the Lamar academic calendar? Is this program affordable to students? Are mandatory orientation sessions being developed for pre-departure? Are mandatory orientation sessions being developed for the point of arrival, and will guidance be provided during the duration of the visit at the study abroad site? Are there colleagues within your department who can assist you in providing valuable information about what students might encounter in terms of general information, laws, and customs when traveling to a specific foreign locale? In case of an unexpected emergency, do you know of another faculty member within your department who can assume the responsibilities of the study abroad venture in the event that you are unable to go? Ideally, this person is someone who will be familiar with study abroad initiatives and the course being proposed and someone who has attended your pre-departure orientation sessions.

10. Developing a Budget Table of Contents Sample Important: Consider possible currency fluctuations of the US dollar against the local currency of your destination. Provide the estimated budget in US dollars. Recommended currency converter at: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic This proposed budget is based on the enrollment of    ___   students and the exchange rate of      ______ per US dollar. Airfare $ Ground Transportation $ Required Excursions $ Lodging $ Meals $ LU Tuition $ Host Institution Tuition $ Other Fees $   _____________________  NOTE: Cost estimates prepared for this proposed budget reflect an estimated per student cost. Health Insurance (required) is the responsibility of all students and at their own expense unless it is provided by the host institution within the program. Repatriation Insurance (required) is the responsibility of all students and at their own expense.

11. Orientation Sessions Table of Contents Any faculty member who will be the instructor of record for a university-sponsored study abroad course(s) must provide at least one mandatory orientation session prior to departure and at least one mandatory orientation session upon arrival at the study abroad site. During the orientations: Document attendance (distribute a sign up sheet), summarize the session’s’ content, and keep records. Topics to address during orientation: • Program and/or course description; a) Academic expectations , attendance policy, testing expectations, and grading system; b) Behavioral issues – review the “Student Code of Conduct and Responsibilities” and the “drug & alcohol policy”; • Application process ; • Housing; • Transportation (air and ground); • Currency ; • Cultural issues and cultural shock (adapting to new food and a new environment); • Passport and visa information at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html; • U.S. Department of State webpage at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html for a list of companies that provide international health and repatriation insurance; • “Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts” and the country specific information provided by the U. S. Department of State (“DoS”) webpage at http://travel.state.gov/index.html; • Require students to become familiar with the “STUDENTS ABROAD” travel information at http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ ; • Explain to students how to register their trips with a U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/; • Require students to be up-to-date on all routine and travel-related vaccines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov ; • Encourage students to obtain the International Student Exchange ID - ISE Card, a discount card available to students of any age, at http://www.internationalstudentid.com/card.html; • Invite former student participants to the orientation to talk about their experiences abroad; • Provide contact information and explain how you can be reached to discuss concerns.

12. Group or Individual Travel Table of Contents Is group travel recommended? This choice is up to the faculty member. University-sponsored study abroad programs do not require group travel. If a faculty member opts for independent travel As a courtesy, you can provide information about your travel arrangements for those students who want to make identical/similar travel plans. Request a copy of each student’s travel itinerary before the trip. Provide the following information to students: • How to get to the study abroad location; • The host university’s contact person, address, and a phone number/e-mail; • Emergency contact information and phone numbers; • Meeting date, time and location; • Country airport ; • Contact person and phone number; • Emergency contact information and phone numbers.

13. Summary Table of Contents The Global Studies and Study Abroad Website provides information to faculty and students about the following: • International Education Grant • International Education Fee Grant Guidelines • Lamar Grant Application Information • Application Procedures – Forms • Grant Acceptance Agreement • Resources for Studying Abroad • Financial Assistance • Student Code of Conduct • Health and Safety • Travel Information • International Health Insurance • International Teacher/Student Identity Card • FAQ • Links

14. Contact Information Table of Contents Submit all proposals and necessary forms to: Dr. Joe Nordgren Joe.Nordgren@lamar.edu Director of Global Studies and Study Abroad c/o Norma Zarzosa, Coordinator nlzarzosa@my.lamar.edu P.O. Box 10058 Or mail to:     Dr. Joe Nordgren Director of Global Studies and Study Abroad Lamar University c/o Norma Zarzosa, Coordinator P.O. Box 10058 Beaumont, TX  77710 For more information contact: Norma Zarzosa, Coordinator of Global Studies and Study Abroad Instructor of Spanish Department of English & Modern Languages MAES Office 35 P.O. Box 10023 Phone:(409)-880-8593 Fax:(409)-880-8591 nlzarzosa@my.lamar.edu