Developing a Program

Getting started: What's Involved?

Faculty-led programs are a long-standing tradition at CWU and one that Study Abroad & Exchange Programs (SAEP) enthusiastically supports. Over time, over 1/3 of the academic departments on campus have offered faculty-led programs, and in a given year, as many as 1/4 of all study abroad participants are enrolled in faculty-led programs. These programs provide a variety of benefits for students: an overseas program directly linked to their coursework at CWU, the security of traveling with someone who they know and respect, opportunities for field experience (for field school programs), and a shorter program that opens up this opportunity to many students who otherwise would not go abroad.

Many students who participate in faculty-led programs have never left the U.S. and probably wouldn't during their time at CWU if not for these programs. We often find that students who first experience international travel with a CWU faculty member return to our office to pursue other opportunities.

Faculty-led programs are as rewarding as they are involved. The Faculty Coordinator is instructor, logistical coordinator, and at times, counselor (both academic and personal). Before going further, you should consider the following:

Is the position of Faculty Coordinator one you will be comfortable filling?

Faculty Coordinators need:

• First-hand, specifically relevant experience in the country/ies involved OR plan to work with a customized program provider and have appropriate knowledge of the country/ies involved to achieve the goals of the program and ensure the health and safety of participants.
• Academic expertise in the content areas covered by courses for which credit will be awarded.
• Organizing and planning skills, and the ability to keep track of a number of details simultaneously.
• Recruitment techniques and enthusiasm - you must be willing to spend time speaking with students to promote the program.
• Good health, to handle the physical and emotional demands of the program overseas. While some program sites overseas present no more challenge than living in Washington, some locations and multi-site programs may be much more rigorous.
• Leadership qualities and willingness to take charge in any situation where students need to be directed, rather than consulted.
• Appreciation for the increased contact with students that is inevitable in an overseas setting.

Running a faculty-led program is a full-time commitment for the duration of the program. It is very different from, and much more demanding than, teaching on campus. Faculty Coordinators are relatively isolated from CWU and often without many permanent facilities on-site. Consequently, in selecting faculty, we look for applicants with the variety of talents and skills necessary to cope with the diverse responsibilities the program demands. Faculty Coordinators are also expected to set a good example for participants and are required to follow the policies, procedures and code of conduct of Central Washington University, host institution policy, U.S. law and host country law.

The first step toward coordinating a program is to familiarize yourself with the information provided in this website and make an appointment to meet with the Director of SAEP to discuss the proposed program. When this is done early, it allows SAEP staff to provide valuable feedback in the planning stages. Keep in mind that proposals should be submitted a minimum of twelve to fifteen months prior to the departure date in order to successfully plan the program and recruit the required 10 student minimum.

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