A faculty-led study abroad program involves a professor or group of professors leading a group of Rowan University students to another country for academic purposes. These programs can vary in length from a few days to a few weeks and often involve a combination of coursework, cultural immersion, and experiential learning activities.

Here's an overview of the typical structure and benefits of faculty-led study abroad programs:

1. Academic Focus: Faculty-led programs are designed to integrate academic coursework with real-world experiences in a foreign setting. Students often earn academic credits that count towards their degree while studying abroad.
2. Guided Learning: Unlike some other forms of study abroad where students may have more independence, faculty-led programs provide structured guidance from professors who lead the group and/or tour directors. This can be especially beneficial for students who are new to international travel or are looking for a more supported experience.
3. Cultural Immersion: These programs should include cultural activities, and interactions with local communities. Students get the chance to immerse themselves in the culture of the host country, gaining a deeper understanding of its customs, traditions, and way of life.
4. Personal Growth: Traveling to a foreign country can be a transformative experience for students. It challenges them to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to new environments, and develop valuable skills such as intercultural communication, problem-solving, and independence.
5. Networking and Professional Development: Faculty-led programs often include visits to local organizations, businesses, or institutions relevant to the coursework. This provides networking opportunities and exposure to international perspectives that can be valuable for future academic or career pursuits.
6. Enhanced Learning Environment: Being in a different country offers a unique learning environment that can enhance students' understanding of course material. Whether it's studying art history in a museum in Paris or marine biology on a coral reef in Australia, the hands-on experiences can deepen students' comprehension and appreciation of the subject matter.
7. Group Dynamics and Community Building: Traveling and studying together in a foreign country can foster strong bonds among students and between students and faculty. The shared experiences, challenges, and discoveries create a sense of camaraderie and community that can last long after the program ends.

Overall, leading a group of students abroad can be incredibly rewarding for faculty members. Not only can they share their expertise and passion for their field of study in a new context, but they also play a crucial role in facilitating transformative experiences for their students.

I'M INTERESTED! HOW DO I BEGIN?

We're so glad you asked! We urge you to review our FACULTY LED PROGRAM GUIDE. This will explain in detail how to move through the proposal process all the way to the program itself.  

Below you'll find a general overview of getting started, but we highly encourage you to refer to the Faculty-led Program Guide for detailed information as you make your way through this process of leading a program abroad. 

We understand that there is a lot involved so we encourage you to reach out the the Study Abroad Advisor (studyabroad@rowan.edu) to ask any questions you may have along the way!

Step 1: Start Thinking.

Start thinking about the course you want to teach abroad. We suggest choosing a course that is already "on the books" and doesn't need to be approved by Senate. We also suggest that the course be broad so that students can take the course as a major component, free elective, or Rowan core etc.

You can find the proposal packet here, but you need to create a proposal application through our online application portal. Along with the proposal packet there are other items you'll need to read and submit before your proposal will be reviewed.

We've created a step by step guide to help you create a proposal. There are instructions for both first time faculty leaders and faculty who have lead programs in the past. Instructions to create a proposal application

 If you have any questions creating your account please reach out to studyabroad@rowan.edu 

POLICIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The International Center's Study Abroad Office policies were established to provide structure, clarity, and consistency for our staff, faculty and the students we serve. They act as guiding principles that outline expectations, procedures, and standards of behavior, helping to ensure smooth operations and a safe environment for all stakeholders involved.

At Rowan University, policies are carefully crafted with the collective well-being and success of our student body in mind. They are designed to address various aspects such as safety, ethics, academic integrity, and administrative procedures. By adhering to these policies, individuals contribute to the overall health and functionality of our academic and social environment.

Your cooperation demonstrates respect for our office, the students and other faculty who play a crucial role in fostering a culture of mutual trust, respect, and accountability. Together, by upholding these standards, we can create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

POLICIES FOR FACULTY:

i. Only full-time faculty can lead programs abroad. ¾ time or adjuncts are not permitted to lead the programs abroad but can be a chaperone if approved by the academic department and IC: Study Abroad Office.

ii. Children of faculty (non-Rowan University students) or spouses are not permitted to participate or travel with the program. This ensures that faculty can remain focused on the students and the academic focus of the program. (If a faculty member’s child is a matriculated Rowan student enrolled in the course, they are permitted to participate.)

iii. Faculty are permitted another chaperone per every 10-12 students. The chaperone should not be included in the student fees.

iv. Faculty may not promote the program in any capacity until the proposal is approved by the Study Abroad Committee.

v. Student eligibility is up to the discretion of the faculty member. Faculty can determine if a student can still participate on the program even if the basic eligibility requirements are not met. Furthermore, a faculty member has the discretion to determine if a student is not qualified to participate based on academic and disciplinary history.

vi. Only credit-bearing programs will go through Study Abroad Committee review and approval. Non-credit bearing programs will go through the accounts payable travel request process.

vii. Faculty may only run programs that have a direct affiliation to a course within their academic department, research, or teaching interests. Faculty are not permitted to run a credit-bearing program that is outside of their academic department.

viii. If faculty request reimbursement for uncovered program costs (per diem, travel to/from airport, etc.) this must be discussed with the academic department prior to the submission of the proposal. The extent to which out-of-pocket costs will be covered is subject to the academic department's discretion, and they may choose to cover all, some, or none of these expenses. The IC: Study Abroad Office will not reimburse faculty for expenses such as baggage, per diem, airport transfer.

• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Be in good judicial standing at the time of the program and for it’s duration. If a student’s academic/judicial probation overlaps with the program dates, they are not permitted to participate.

Faculty-Led Program Guide - This guide was created to help direct you through the entire process of leading a faculty-led program. Please review this document carefully and let us know if you have any questions along the way.

Faculty-Led Policies & Responsibilities - This page will inform you of policies and responsibilities expected of both the faculty-member and the International Center's Study Abroad Office.

Faculty-Led Proposal Packet- This packet is what you will submit through the online proposal application. This document, along with a program contract from your provider, is due by February 4th of the year that preceeds your program.