Information for Faculty
Thank you for your interest in leading a short-term program abroad. In support of faculty-led study abroad, the Office of International Programs (OIP) can assist faculty leaders with student recruitment, the coordination of the application process, pre-departure orientation sessions, parent inquires and communication with other Rensselaer offices that may be involved in the development of a successful program.
Please take a few moments to review the information below. When you are ready to discuss your program proposal, please complete and submit a Faculty Interest Form (see below). Please note that it typically takes a year from initial planning to program implementation.
Why Lead a Group of Students Abroad?
Faculty-led study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to participate in an overseas experience that is directly linked to their Rensselaer coursework, as well as the security of travelling with someone whom they know and respect. The short duration of these programs provides an opportunity for study abroad to students who may not otherwise be able to fit an international experience into their undergraduate years. Faculty have the opportunity to interact with students in an engaging and meaningful way. Faculty also may have the opportunity to integrate their own international research agenda with the delivery of a course abroad.
Program Structure
Short-term faculty-led study-abroad programs give Rensselaer faculty the opportunity to offer academic instruction or facilitate cultural immersion in an international location. Past programs have ranged in duration from 10 days to 3 weeks. Faculty-led programs are custom-designed to meet the needs of the instructor and the goals of the course, and can include site visits, meetings with local students, volunteer experiences and other forms of academic and cultural immersion.
Depending on the proposed program location and level of faculty familiarity with the host country, in-country arrangements might be made by the faculty member, by a partner institution or by a third party study abroad program provider.
Faculty-led study abroad proposals are reviewed by Institute leadership.
The Office of International Programs does not have a budget to support faculty travel and expenses. Some study abroad program providers cover faculty travel if a minimum number of students participate. Travel and program related expenses may also be covered by a student program fee.
Faculty Responsibilities
In leading a study abroad program, faculty are responsible for managing both the academic and personal welfare of the students who participate in the program. Faculty responsibilities include:
- Planning a comprehensive academic program which enhances the course to which it is connected or a non-credit experience that complements the Rensselaer curriculum
- Identifying program location and working with program provider or in-country contacts to arrange program logistics
- Promoting the program and recruiting students
- Participating in a pre-departure orientation meeting
- Serving as the main point of contact for students while abroad, and providing students with a 24 hour emergency contact number which they may use to reach you
- Communicating with Rensselaer in the event of an emergency and documenting the events
- Travelling with the group from the U.S. to the host destination on a group flight or meeting the group at a designated in-country location
- Remaining with the group and in the host country until the official end date of the program
- Keeping a record of all program-related expenses, as required by department or program provider
- Submitting an expense report as required by department or program provider
- Submitting final course grade for each participant (when international experience is part of a semester course)
Course Registration and Grading
Previous Rensselaer faculty-led study abroad programs have been an optional component of a semester course. Students have had the option to register either for the campus course only OR for the campus course with the study abroad component (SA section).
Faculty Interest Form
Proposals should be initiated at least a year in advance of the anticipated program date. This will give OIP staff sufficient time to assist with the logistics and organization necessary for a successful program.
