Faculty-led
Programs
Overseas Summer Faculty-Led Programs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The University of Alabama strategic plan includes an emphasis on expanding the University’s global and cultural studies. In support of that goal, we are continually seeking faculty involvement in international programs as we strive to make global studies a hallmark of undergraduate education at the Capstone. If you are already planning to lead a program this summer, thank you, we look forward to working with you. If you are considering leading a program in the future, here are some of the more frequently asked questions on the topic.
Please contact us at The Capstone International Center for further information.
1. How early do I need to
begin planning?
Most successful programs require several months to one year of planning.
The goal for a summer program is to have brochures for students ready
the week before Thanksgiving break so preliminary planning should take
place early in the fall semester. This allows students time to ask parents
for financial help, if appropriate, and time for the parents to talk with
the Capstone International Center (CIC) before payment deadlines begin
in February. CIC is available to work with you if these deadlines do not
fit your planning schedule, but these are general dates we recommend.
We are now confirming plans for summer 2007; faculty interested in programs
for summer 2008 will want to begin planning now.
2. Do I get to choose the
country?
Absolutely! But, if you would prefer, we can help with that. For instance,
Italy is very popular now and we have universities that would like for
us to use their classrooms, dining and residential facilities, etc. Call
the CIC to discuss best available options if you have several countries
you would consider.
3. Do I have to direct and
teach?
This is your choice. Some directors only serve as directors while others
may teach a course as well.
4. Whose permission do I
need?
Your department head and dean sign off as well as the associate provost for international education.
5. What about my salary?
Your salary is calculated the same as though you were teaching on-campus.
Serving as a director of a program is a fixed salary.
6. What are my responsibilities
as a director?
a.) To work in cooperation
with the CIC director of overseas study
b.) To plan and budget your program
c.) To meet with other program directors to gain experience in directing
d.) To become familiar with the manual for directing overseas programs
e.) To make your students aware of this opportunity to study overseas
and earn UA credit at the same time
f.) To recruit other professors for your program if you wish to offer
a selection of courses.
7. How many students do I
need to take a program overseas?
You will work with the Director of Overseas programs in the CIC on a budget
form which will help to lay out all expenses involved. The individual
student cost and number of students needed to meet the cost will then
be determined. For example, a typical 5-week program would could cost
X per 10 students and X (a lesser amount) for 15 students (i.e., the more
students, the less the cost to the individual student). Normally, a minimum
of 10 students would be required to meet the budget.
8. What about my flight,
housing, meals and other costs?
Your roundtrip transportation to the airport, flight, all ground transportation
in country, housing, meals (based on an established per diem), train and
bus transportation for all student trips and admissions will be covered.
9. When will I know if my
program “makes”?
CIC has a 3 payment plan for students. The last payment is due on mid
April. If the number of required students is not met, the program is cancelled
and the money refunded. If the number is close, we will work with you
to extend the deadline for a few weeks, but we want the students to have
the opportunity to choose another program if they so desire.
For more information, contact Angela Channell, angel.channell@ua.edu.
of Alabama