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Study Abroad/Away Criteria

 To qualify as an Applied Learning Experience in Study Abroad (out of country):

  • The proposed Study Abroad or Study U.S. experience will be of sufficient length (ideally spanning at least three weeks) to meet the REAL and Study Abroad/U.S. student learning outcomes
  • To be eligible for study abroad students must in good standing with the university
  • To be eligible for an International Education Fee Scholarship, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be enrolled full time the semester before they travel
  • For faculty-led program, students must make formal application to participate in study abroad/away programs through the Program Director meeting the April 1 deadline for May and summer term programs and the October 1 deadline for participation in December mini-semester or Spring programs. Faculty will have additional requirements for faculty-led program approval.
  • For independent programs, students must make formal application to participate in study abroad/away programs through the International Programs Office, meeting the April 1 deadline for May and summer term programs and the October 1 deadline for participation in December mini-semester or Spring programs.
  • For participation in credit-bearing transfer study abroad/away programs, students must coordinate the transfer of academic credit through their academic advisor and have the program approved by the Director of International Programs
  • Students should self disclose any medical circumstances to program directors, a process which would help administrators to assist the students appropriately.
  • Students must secure required medical coverage through the International Programs Office.
  • Students must attend a pre-departure safety workshop.
  • Students must complete a program evaluation form upon their return.

To qualify as an Applied Learning Experience in Study U.S. (within the country):

  • Faculty should process their course and program travel plans through their department head, following all procedures set out by the academic department.
  • No later than two weeks before departure, all pre-departure questionnaires should be submitted to the International Programs Office. Contact International Programs regarding password and link information for the online questionnaires.
  • Students must complete a program evaluation form and a post-experience questionnaire upon their return.

Student Learning Outcomes

As a result of participating in a Study Abroad/Study U.S. applied learning experience, students will develop/enhance the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes:

  • Knowledge - The globally competent learner understands the world in a larger context:
    • Demonstrates knowledge of global issues, processes, trends, and systems (i.e., economic and political interdependency among nations; environmental-cultural interaction; global governance bodies)
    • Understands his/her culture in global and comparative context – that is, recognizes that his/her culture is one of many diverse cultures and that alternate perceptions and behaviors may be based in cultural differences
    • Understands how his/her intended field (academic/professional) is viewed and practiced in different cultural contexts
    • Understands intercultural communication concepts
    • Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of a single culture (other than their own)
  • Skills - The globally competent learner makes practical applications:
    • Demonstrates coping and resiliency skills in unfamiliar and challenging situations
    • Interprets issues and situations from more than one cultural perspective
    • Mediates cross-cultural interactions - that is, facilitates intercultural relations for and between others
    • Uses a foreign language to communicate - that is, may be able to perform one or more of the following skills:
      • Speaks, reads, and/or writes in a language other than his/her first language
      • Listens in a language other than his/her first language
  • Attitudes - The globally competent learner evolves in personal development:
    • Appreciates the language, art, religion, philosophy, and material culture of different cultures
    • Demonstrates resistance to cultural stereotyping
    • Demonstrates an ongoing willingness to seek out international or intercultural opportunities
    • Is willing to engage in diverse cultural situations
    • Accepts cultural differences and tolerates cultural ambiguity