Developing a Faculty Led Study Abroad Program

In today’s globalized world, there is an ever-increasing interest in international education. At UWM our students mirror this interest, and data shows that as many as 80% of incoming freshman indicate a desire to study abroad. Your willingness to lead a study abroad program enables UWM to offer a broad range of curricular options to students seeking an international experience, and in doing so you are providing them with life-changing experiences.

Students here at UWM travel far and wide in their international studies, and the largest percentage of them do so on faculty-led programs. Generally occurring during the summer term or during UWinteriM, these programs provide an opportunity for students to earn credits toward their degree, and often even toward their major. The additional comfort and confidence that comes from knowing their faculty leader is a strong draw for those who aren’t experienced travelers. Frequently, these programs serve as a launching point for further international activities, as numerous students participate in more than one program.

The UW-System is a proponent of international education and has developed specific guidelines (UW System Administrative Policy 145, UW System Administrative Policy 145A, UW System Administrative Policy 146, UW System Administrative Policy 147, UW System Administrative Policy 148) governing how study abroad programs are to be conducted and budgeted. In line with UW-System guidelines, a faculty-led study abroad program is one that:

• Is taught outside the United States;
• Involves a UWM faculty member (including adjunct) either as an instructor or on-site coordinator;
• Involves a group of students going to the same location for the same time period;
• Allows students to earn UWM credit that is taken for a grade, listed on their transcript, and included in their GPA, similar to on-campus courses;
• Is self-supporting and does not involve regular tuition payments; and
• Is sponsored or supported by CIE.

State and campus guidelines require that for-credit, faculty-led international education programs be administered by CIE.