Travel Abroad for Free, Really?!?

1. Travel Abroad for Free, Really?!? Melisa Williams Director of Student Involvement and Multicultural Education & Diversity Medaille College Buffalo, NY

2. Presentation Goals: • An basic understanding of the short-term study abroad concept • Tips and tools on how to facilitate short-term study abroad programs • What would you like to get from this presentation?

3. Globalization? Is it just a catch phrase? • Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world. • http://www.globalization101.org/ • Globalization is the acceleration and intensification of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations. - http://www.globaled.org/issues/176.pdf

4. Who is going on Short Term Study Abroad trips?

5. How short is short? • Short –term Study Abroad can be defined as a program lasted less then 8 weeks • Usually during breaks I.e. January Term, Spring Break, Summer Session • No single model , varied by institution/situation

7. As Student Affairs professionals – what can we “Study” abroad?

8. Where to begin? • Do your homework • The Guide to Successful Short-Term Programs Abroad by NAFSA • Build your program • Course design, evaluation, financial, legal waivers, etc. • Advertise, Advertise, Advertise! • Prepping for Departure • Re-entry

9. Center for Multicultural Education & Diversity Short Term Study Abroad Option • January • Use of a travel company • Payment plan • Chaperone travel • Travel Logistics • Independent study option • Travel Companies: • EF College Study • Academic Programs International (API) • Academic Studies Abroad (ASA) • Athena Study Abroad • CEA Global Education • CEPA Europe • CET Academic Programs • Council on International Education and Exchange • Global Links Learning Abroad • Go Overseas Organization • interstudy • International Studies Abroad

10. 5 Best practices for Short-Term Study Abroad Programs • Start with strong, clear academic content. • Make certain faculty are comfortable and competent with experiential teaching. • Ensure integration with the local community. • Bring in lecturers from the host country. • Require ongoing reflection for both individual students and the group as a whole. • Sources: Sarah Spencer, director of short-term programs, University of St. Thomas, and coeditor, The Guide to Successful Short-Term Programs Abroad (2002); and Lisa Chieffo, associate director, Center for International Studies, University of Delaware

11. Question and Answers?