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