Program Development

Our Philosophy

As part of our pledge to 100% Engagement and IIE Generation Study Abroad, every UA student will have the opportunity to participate in an experiential learning program through Study Abroad. Global and Intercultural Comprehension will be at the heart of the curriculum and assignments in the class.  Students will develop an understanding of global issues and worldwide impact of individual and systemic actions while respecting diverse viewpoints – vital for their future careers.  Students will be able to reflect on their own and other cultural biases and think critically about the world through interaction and collaboration with cultures and societies that are different than their own.

Developing a program involves coordinating many moving pieces including curriculum, logistics, contracts, finances, recruitment and application. The time needed to put a new program in place will vary based on its complexity.

Program Offerings

Service Learning Programs: Students can gain hands on learning experiences in contributing to community programs in various fields, while working closely with local community partners and experts.  Whenever possible, UA students participate in co-convened learning environments with local students in order to enhance peer-to-peer academic and cultural exchanges.  We are committed to partnering with local community organizations and trusted partners on ethical and sustainable projects, as well as to the challenge of continually assessing and monitoring our impact both on campus and abroad.

Clinical Shadowing: Students have the opportunity to shadow doctors and observe clinical practices and patient interactions in a global clinical environment. These programs help students intending to pursue careers in health professions to gain valuable experience to build resumes or graduate school applications.

Internship Programs: Internship programs offer students the opportunity to gain professional experience during their time abroad.  This allows students to gain highly-valuable global experience that is vital in today’s global workplace. Internships are offered in business, health, STEM fields and others.

Field Work Programs: Field Schools provide a chance for students to conduct hands-on field work.  The primary objective of field schools is to provide students with opportunities to apply their classroom learning in a field-based setting, particularly in the areas of archeology or environmental and cultural resource management.

Research Programs: Research opportunities allow UA students to take their lab-based research methods and experience and apply them in a global context.  This allows students to understand the cultural, societal and historical differences of a particular region.  The UA currently has 12 research programs in fields from Computer Science to Environmental Studies.

Faculty-Led Programs: In partnership with Study Abroad, UA faculty work to further internationalize their campus by developing and teaching a program abroad.  These programs offer an academic framework complementary to the host country location.

Exchange Programs: We partner with universities all over the world to both send and receive students.  Click here to learn more about this model and to see how you can get involved.

Other Models: If your idea doesn't fit with the models listed above, please let us know, and we can help you develop a new model or see if there is an existing model within UA Study Abroad.

Steps to Creating a Program

Step 1: Meet with the UA Study Abroad team. To set up a meeting, please contact Harmony DeFazio.  During the meeting, we will discuss important considerations to craft a meaningful experience abroad.  Bring your department head to the first meeting with Study Abroad. We can come to you!

Step 2: Review materials on this webpage.  The resources listed here will help you to understand our procedures and policies, as well as our general philosophy for developing successful programming.

Step 3: UA Study Abroad will send a “Program Approval” and “Risk Assessment” form for your proposed program to be electronically routed and signed.  Both documents will be reviewed for approval and signed by your home departments/deans and the UA Study Abroad office.

• Study Abroad Compensation Policies

• Study Abroad Fees, Budgets and Agreements

• Program Cancellation Policy

• Student GPA Program Policy 

• Emergency Information
• International Incident Report
• Student Insurance Information
• Staff and Faculty Insurance Information
• US State Department Smart Traveler STEP Program
• UA Code of Conduct

Fall 2018 Workshops

Thursday, December 6th : - Health &Safety Session-Traveling with Students
Time and Location TBA

More Health &Safety Session-Traveling with Students to be offered in Spring 2019, please check back here for a schedule after December 1st.

Who Should Attend:  All UA faculty and staff traveling abroad with students

Please come share your experiences and expertise with other faculty.  Jill Calderón, Assistant Directory, Student Health & Safety will also help you identify how to mitigate risks and develop your emergency response plan.
All UA faculty and staff traveling with students are expected to annually attend at least one Health & Safety Session.

We look forward to seeing you soon!