Importance of Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Facilitating an international academic experience could be one of the most rewarding activities you engage with during your tenure as a professor. Although it is a substantial amount of work, your ability to turn theory into practice, concepts into realities and readings into experiences is truly transformative for a student.

Criteria

1. Only full-time faculty are eligible to propose or lead study abroad programs.
2. It is required that programs are championed and proposals are prepared by a minimum of two faculty to assure greater sustainability of the program, lead the program on a rotating basis, and support each other throughout the program cycle.
3. Study Abroad programs fall under the same requirements as other academic programs regarding review and approval processes.
4. All programs will be required to have a program assistant, unless the program hires a local partner who provides an assistant as part of the partnership package. A program assistant serves in a supportive role to the faculty and students (see job descriptions for Program Directors and Program Assistants below)

Compensation

1. Negotiated salary for teaching the course off-campus
2. Administrative stipend determined by the level of logistical responsibility associated with the program at a range of $150 - $500/week in the field
3. Per diem expenses at the current, negotiated rate of 50% U.S. State Department rate for the location(s) of the program, plus all other reasonable and receipted, associated expenses

Academic
A program must carry a minimum of 4 credits with no more than one credit awarded per week of instruction, to assure compliance with state guidelines. This could be a combination of on-campus and in the field instruction, if necessary.

Expectations of Faculty

You can see full descriptions here: http://www.ramapo.edu/international/itzn/facstaff/?

What Support is Available

• comprehensive training
• handbook
• on-ground resources

Overview of Process

1. Discuss program ideas with the Director of International Education
2. Develop proposal in consultation with the Study Abroad Office
3. Discuss with convening group and receive their approval & signature of Convener
4. Discuss with Dean and receive his/her approval & signature
5. Submit signed proposal to the Study Abroad Committee
6. Make any revisions suggested by the Committee & re-submit, if necessary
7. Submit signed, approved proposal along with your ARC proposal presentation. The ARC proposal guidelines can be found at: http://ww2.ramapo.edu/facultystaff/fa/arc/manuals.aspx.
8. Meet with the Director of International Education and create a plan for implementation

What happens next? 

Your proposal will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee. Once approved, it will move forward to the Academic Review Committee. Finally, you will work with the Director of the Roukema Center for International Education on the development of your program.