Faculty-Directed Study Abroad

Faculty-Directed Program Directors serve as the instructor of record for the course. UND faculty with academic expertise in the program's field(s) of study are eligible to serve in this role. 

As part of the proposal process, Directors must receive approval from their Department Chair and College Dean. Be sure to review faculty-directed program policies for information regarding compensation prior to proposing a course for faculty-directed study abroad.

Expectations of Program Directors: 

• Submit program proposal
• Serve as instructor of record for course
• Provide feedback on itinerary and budget
• Advertise and recruit for program
• Lead travel component with on-site coordinator
• Facilitate program pre- and post- assessment

Leader Characteristics

Before proposing a program, prospective leaders are encouraged to reflect on whether they are prepared and committed to lead a program in the coming year. In addition, chairs and deans/designees are encouraged to use the following guidelines and criteria when approving program proposals.

Ideally, a leader:

• Is well-liked and/or well-respected by students. Positive student evaluations for past UND courses and/or study abroad programs can be a helpful indicator. Students will consider traveling to a relatively unknown or challenging location if they think highly of the leader.
• Has spent time in the host location(s). At a minimum, the leader should have done an in-depth site visit, but preferably the leader will have visited the location(s) on multiple occasions or spent time living there.
• Knows the host language (if applicable), as well as the cultural and social norms of the host culture.
• Understands and embraces the “student support” aspects of program leadership: setting clear expectations, promoting positive group dynamics and inclusion, responding to student crises, etc.
• Will be present and available in North Dakota during the student recruitment, preparation, and post-program phases, and be present and available in the host location(s) for the full duration of the program.
• Has a fairly permanent employment status at UND and plans to remain at UND for at least one semester after the conclusion of the program.

The leadership team and the on-site partner(s) should have complementary characteristics and skills. The most effective way to “bridge a gap” associated with local knowledge, host language skills, and student support is to work with a professional travel service provider.

Faculty-Directed Program Co-Directors assist the Program Director. While Co-Directors do not have direct responsibility for the academic component of the course, they are key individuals for on-site coordination and assistance. Major duties can include, but are not limited to, running small group conversations, serving as a guide when breaking into smaller groups for public transportation, and assisting students with questions/concerns while the Director focuses on the academic component of the program. 

UND faculty, advisors (or other staff), or graduate students are eligible to serve in this role. 

As part of the proposal process, Co-Directors must receive approval from their Department Chair and College Dean or supervisor/head of their department. Co-Directors do not receive additional compensation for their role in the program but their program costs are covered by the program budget.

Expectations of Program Co-Directors:

• Assist Program Director with proposal
• Provide feedback on itinerary and budget
• Assist with program marketing and recruitment
• Participate in travel component
  •  Participation in course is encouraged but not required

Leader Characteristics

Before proposing a program, prospective leaders are encouraged to reflect on whether they are prepared and committed to lead a program in the coming year. In addition, chairs and deans/designees are encouraged to use the following guidelines and criteria when approving program proposals.

Ideally, a leader:

• Is well-liked and/or well-respected by students. Positive student evaluations for past UND courses and/or study abroad programs can be a helpful indicator. Students will consider traveling to a relatively unknown or challenging location if they think highly of the leader.
• Has spent time in the host location(s). At a minimum, the leader should have done an in-depth site visit, but preferably the leader will have visited the location(s) on multiple occasions or spent time living there.
• Knows the host language (if applicable), as well as the cultural and social norms of the host culture.
• Understands and embraces the “student support” aspects of program leadership: setting clear expectations, promoting positive group dynamics and inclusion, responding to student crises, etc.
• Will be present and available in North Dakota during the student recruitment, preparation, and post-program phases, and be present and available in the host location(s) for the full duration of the program.
• Has a fairly permanent employment status at UND and plans to remain at UND for at least one semester after the conclusion of the program.

The leadership team and the on-site partner(s) should have complementary characteristics and skills. The most effective way to “bridge a gap” associated with local knowledge, host language skills, and student support is to work with a professional travel service provider.

Travel Service Providers are international education organizations that specialize in academic travel. UND works with a list of approved Travel Service Providers to facilitate faculty-directed programs by assisting with the following tasks:

• Create draft itinerary and budget based off Program Director's outline
• Coordinate on-site reservations and schedule
• Finalize itinerary and budget through final signed contract
• Assist with marketing materials
• Assist with pre-departure information for students and Director(s)
• Provide on-site tour manager, risk management, and bilingual support (when necessary)

UND Study Abroad assists with the following tasks:

• Program development, including proposal questions and review
• Coordination with Travel Service Providers
• Advising on and finalizing program budget
• Advising on recruitment and marketing strategies
• Application portal assistance and application review
• Program Director training
• Pre-departure orientation for students and Director(s)
• Student billing and invoice payments
• Re-entry programming for post-program assessment