As part of the continuing effort to advance the University of Memphis’ strategic goal of providing distinctive learning experiences that foster lifelong success, we seek to increase the number of students at the University of Memphis who participate in a study abroad program prior to graduation.  University of Memphis faculty are encouraged to develop short-term study abroad courses.

 

Within higher education, short-term study abroad programs are now considered to be one-week to eight-week programs, usually faculty-directed and sponsored by a home institution. There are multiple models, from a week or two of international travel that is embedded in a regular or semester-length class to a six-week intense summer program. The market for short-term programs has grown dramatically, and recent data show that more than half of all students studying abroad participated in short-term programs (NAFSA 2007). Given that many of our students cannot spend long periods overseas, it is vital to develop and offer quality short-term academic experiences.

Successful short-term study abroad course proposals will reflect an emphasis on best practices in study abroad. Additional consideration will be given to proposals that include: a high-demand course that satisfies general education or major or minor requirements, a commitment to offer the course multiple times, study abroad opportunities in underrepresented departments and majors, and study abroad opportunities to less traveled destinations.        

Work on developing the short-term study abroad course should occur the summer before the program is offered. Faculty will work with the Study Abroad Director in the selection of study sites, logistics, and other instructional policy and design needs. Assessment of study abroad course outcomes is required, and all proposals need to include specific plans to identify course objectives, measure outcomes, and assess the impact on student learning and internationalization.