Custom Programs

No matter what your academic focus, CIEE has the resources and global infrastructure to help you develop an outstanding custom program that brings your curriculum to life. We offer the ability to design and deliver faculty-led programs, custom semester and quarter programs, and custom internship programs in locations globally.

Tips for Leading a Study Abroad Program

Leading a study abroad course or program is a rewarding but complex responsibility, involving logistical, educational, and interpersonal challenges. We recommend reviewing the Forum on Education Abroad Standards of Good Practice and NAFSA Ethical Principles for industry standards on quality education abroad programming. In addition to these resources, here are some tips to help you lead a successful study abroad program:

• Consult the Experts: CIEE can help you achieve your vision for your study abroad program based on your goals – academic or otherwise. With our 75 years of experience and global reach, we bring our network, expertise, and support!  
• Role as Program Leader: Consider the role of the program leader and engagement with students outside of the classroom. Program leader responsibilities extend beyond the classroom to ensuring the day-to-day well-being of students and spending an extended and/or condensed period of time together with students abroad.  
• Program Planning & Pre-departure Preparation: We recommend starting 12-18 months prior to the program start date, depending on whether you have run this program before and your institutional procedures for approving study abroad programs. This gives time for your program to undergo any approvals processes on campus, for recruitment and marketing, and for pre-departure preparations involving program planning and with students to set expectations around important deadlines such as applications and cultural expectations in pre-departure orientations, emails, and other methods.
• Location: Consider visiting the program location in advance of your program dates to get ideas for your program, meet your on-site partners, and learn more about the city layout and culture. CIEE can help facilitate a visit to our program locations.
• Academic Rigor and Relevance: Ensure that the program’s academic content aligns with the students’ home institution requirements and enhances their overall educational goals. Design your program around general education requirements, other major/minor requirements on your campus, difficult to get into courses, or globally-focused courses in your department. CIEE can help you to incorporate local resources, experts, and excursions that enhance the academic material and provide unique, contextual learning opportunities, as well as help students navigate academic challenges by offering tutoring, study groups, or consultations.
• Recruitment and Marketing: Be sure to market your program to students in different settings and make use of connections on campus for promotion, e.g. on virtual billboards on campus, holding info sessions, flyers, class visits. CIEE can provide photos and other marketing resources to assist.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Encourage open-mindedness by preparing students to embrace differences and approach the host culture with respect and curiosity, and by encouraging this same approach with each other as well. Discuss cultural norms and potential culture shock. Lead by example and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Showing respect for local customs and practices encourages students to follow suit and can help to establish a community of respect within your group as well.  

• Communication: CIEE encourages regular communication to discuss progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback. Be approachable and available for students needing assistance or advice, and lean on CIEE on-site staff when needed. Effective communication helps in managing any issues that arise and supports students’ well-being.  

  
• Health and Safety: Ensure you and students know how to access healthcare services, understand the insurance coverage, and are aware of any necessary health precautions specific to the region. CIEE works together with program leaders to provide regular updates on safety protocols and any local security issues, and enforces a code of conduct that prioritizes student safety. Recognize that each student may experience homesickness or cultural adjustment challenges differently.  
• Cultural Integration and Engagement: Make use of the CIEE network to promote interactions with local students and community groups by building them into your program itinerary. CIEE can provide recommendations on local events and activities to deepen cultural understanding, including volunteering and service learning, survival language classes, and language partners.
• Continuous Improvement: Collect feedback from students and your partners during and after the program to identify areas for improvement. Use this information to make necessary adjustments for future iterations. Regularly reflect on your own experiences and adapt your leadership style to better meet the needs of the program and participants.
• Professionalism and Ethical Conduct: Set and maintain professional boundaries with students. Be a role model in behavior and ethics. Work respectfully and collaboratively with local institutions and communities.
• Document and Share Experiences: Encourage students to keep journals or blogs that reflect their learning and experiences. Document successful aspects of the program to promote it and share key learnings with stakeholders.

CIEE is here to support you as you navigate the important role of program leader – as a first time or an experienced leader. Together, we can foster an environment of learning, respect, and open communication to help you lead a program that is both impactful and memorable for all participants. Get started with us today!