Faculty and Staff Resources

Thank you for your encouragement and support for your students to incorporate international experience into their education. Here are some resources to help you navigate those conversation with students or help you plan your next global studies.

Advising:

Students may ask you for advice regarding their study abroad plans. Refer them to the International Program Center (IPC) for logistic and program selection questions. Students can make book an appointment to discuss study abroad online. If you have experience traveling and/or going abroad, do share your interest with them and encourage them in their plans. It is strongly advisable that they start planning early – a year in advance of being away.

An important step for students while they are selecting a program is course selection. All college courses taken abroad transfer back to BSU according to the pre-approved transfer arrangement. Some students take courses that apply toward the major; some take courses that apply toward core curriculum. Approval of courses for the major is done by the student’s faculty advisor and department chair. Students will work with the IPC to provide course descriptions to their faculty advisor and or Core Curriculum Director to help in this determination. A Study Away Agreement form is completed and signed before the student departs so that they know which, if any, classes will count toward their major requirements.

Best semester to go abroad?
Varies by individual preference and major requirements and course availability.

Where?
Global options.

Cost?   
Varies depending on program, must visit with financial aid for individualized aid consultation.

Type of study?
language acquisition
major-related coursework
internship/senior project

Definition
‘Study Abroad’ refers to a student going abroad for a semester, school year, or summer. ‘Short-term faculty-led course’ refers to a course abroad for a short amount of time.

Leading a Short-Term Study-Abroad program

Leading a program abroad is both a challenging and rewarding experience! Successful faculty-led study-abroad programs result from a collaborative effort between the program leader, International Program Center (IPC), collegiate units, and departments. We find that students choose faculty-led programs as a way to incorporate study abroad without altering academic, professional, and personal responsibilities during their college careers.

Our staff will support you in planning a faculty-led program abroad:

  • Program development support
  • Selecting a provider/partner for on-site services
  • Budgeting & setting the program fee
  • Marketing (web, digital, & print)
  • Student application process
  • Student orientation topics, resources, & support
  • Course set-up and student registration

Get Started:

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Proposal due dates:

  • Fall programs: October 15
  • Spring & summer session programs: March 7

We look forward to reviewing proposals each year. IPC and the Study Abroad Advisory Council review proposals.

Program Providers & Partners

Faculty-led programs must work with a program provider or partner. These providers/partners provide on-site services, expertise, logistical arrangements, and on-site risk management support. Providers/partners can also serve as a second program leader, which adheres to the Minnesota State Education Abroad Policy.

BSU has existing affiliate study abroad program providers. Explore their custom programming options:

Provider Criteria

Providers should be chosen based on the following criteria:

  • Knowledge of and experience in the location(s) to be visited
  • Ability to provide expertise, suggestions, and/or guest lecturer(s) for the academic area of your course and on-site activities
  • The reputation of services as evidenced by recommendations from other educational institutions
  • Understanding of U.S. safety protocols and the ability to provide safety and security guidance to participants
  • Transparency in financial arrangements
  • Disclosure of relationships with campus staff to avoid conflicts and ethics violations
  • Cost—recognizing that factors such as experience, expertise, and the provision of appropriate lodging, meals, safe transportation, etc., are often more important than lower cost