UDP Development

This page is designed to support UND faculty in creating their own University Directed Programs (UDPs).

For first-time program leaders, we recommend using a template provided by our trusted partners. These templates offer a solid foundation and simplify the planning process. You’ll find more information about UDP Templates below.

For faculty who would prefer to build a program from the ground up, scroll down to the Developing Your Program section.

UPD Templates

A UDP template is a pre-designed study abroad program that can be customized to align with your specific course or academic discipline. These templates are especially helpful for faculty leading a UDP for the first time or considering a program in a location they may not be familiar with.

The itinerary will include travel logistics, excursions, cultural activities, and accommodations. This itinerary is already organized by the program provider. Your role is to teach your UND course within this framework.

If you’d like to make adjustments to the itinerary, the provider is flexible and happy to collaborate with you to tailor the experience to your course goals.

Developing Your Program

As faculty members design their study abroad programs, they must thoughtfully address a range of essential questions and considerations to ensure academic rigor, logistical feasibility, and student engagement. The following factors should be carefully reviewed throughout the program development process.

1. The Course

University Directed Programs are UND courses that incorporate a travel component. When developing a UDP, consider the following:

• Course Selection: Are you adapting an existing UND course to include a travel component or designing a new course to be taught abroad?
• Credit Structure: How many credits will the course carry—1, 2, or 3? Consider the academic workload and travel duration when determining credit hours.
• Student Eligibility: Will the course be open to all students, or will it require prerequisites? Clearly defining eligibility helps ensure appropriate enrollment and marketing.
• Essential Studies: Will the course fulfill any Essential Studies requirements?

2. The Location

Selecting the right location is a key component of a successful UDP. As you plan, consider the following:

• Familiarity and Relevance: What international locations are you or your co-director familiar with? Which destinations align well with your course content and academic goals?
• Student Appeal: What locations would be especially engaging or meaningful for your target student population?
• Accessibility and Cost: How easy and cost-effective is it to travel to your chosen location? For shorter programs (such as Spring Break) selecting destinations with direct flights and travel times under 15 hours is recommended, including layovers.
• Single vs. Multiple Locations: Would your program benefit from staying in one location or traveling between multiple cities or countries? For shorter programs, a single location is often more practical, helping reduce costs and allowing deeper cultural and academic immersion.
• Travel Advisory Requirement: All UDPs must take place in countries or regions with a Level 1 or Level 2 Travel Advisory, as defined by the U.S. Department of State. This ensures the safety and well-being of students and faculty while abroad.

Careful location selection is essential to supporting both the academic objectives and logistical success of your University-Directed Program (UDP). Below are examples of potential program locations, categorized based on key factors to consider during the planning process:

• Convenient Flight Access: Canada, Mexico, London, Iceland, Paris, Belize, Rome, Dublin
• Popular Student Destinations: Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Australia
• Cost-Effective Options: Romania, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Ghana, Portugal, Turkey

These examples are intended to guide your decision-making as you evaluate the best location to meet your program’s goals and student needs.

3. Timing

When planning your UDP, consider whether it will run during Spring Break or in the summer.

• Spring Break: This is often an appealing option for UND students, as tuition can be included with their spring semester credits. However, the short time frame limits the scope of activities and travel.

• Summer: Offers more flexibility in program length and timing, allowing for a broader range of activities. Keep in mind, though, that summer programs typically require students to pay separate tuition, which may create additional cost barriers.

4. Academic Related Activities

UND partners work with providers to bring your proposal to life and can help arrange activities tied to your course content, such as site visits, guest lectures, or collaborations with local universities. The more details you can provide up front, the better they can match arrangements to your goals. Consider whether you’d like to include:

• Visits to specific companies or organizations
• Guest speakers or lecturers
• Tours of local universities or research centers
• Workshops related to the course content

5. Cultural Activities

Cultural experiences help students engage with and better understand the host location. Providers can suggest activities, but early planning will ensure they fit seamlessly into your program. Examples include:

• Guided walking tours of your host city
• Traditional or themed group meals
• Museum or heritage site visits
• Hands-on workshops, such as cooking classes
• Excursions to nearby cities or cultural sites

Thoughtfully combining academic and cultural components will create a balanced program that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences.

6. Mode of Travel

Travel logistics can significantly shape the student experience and the overall program cost. Consider the level of physical activity involved—many destinations require extensive walking. Think about your preferences for transportation:

• Public transportation: Offers an authentic, immersive experience and can be cost-effective.
• Private transportation: Provides convenience and efficiency, but can substantially increase program costs.

Balancing accessibility, budget, and cultural immersion will help determine the right mix for your program.

7. Program Cost

Several factors will influence the overall cost of your program. Location is a major consideration—for example, the cost of living in England will likely make a program there more expensive than one in Vietnam. Program size also matters; the more students who participate, the lower the per-student cost can be.

Housing and transportation choices will also affect the budget:

• Staying in a hostel rather than a hotel can reduce expenses.
• Relying on public transportation, where feasible, can keep costs lower than using private transportation.

Consider whether you have a target per-student budget for providers to use when creating program proposals. This will help them design an experience that meets your goals while staying within financial parameters.

8. Additional Requests

Consider whether there are any special components you’d like providers to arrange beyond academic, cultural, travel, and lodging elements. Examples might include:

• Reserving meeting or classroom spaces
• Providing specialized equipment or materials
• Arranging access to unique venues or facilities

Sharing these needs early in the planning process ensures providers can incorporate them seamlessly into the program design.