Site Visit Guide
The points listed below are here to provide you with an initial guide to the questions you should be asking during your site visit. Please keep accurate notes of your visit and provide a brief written report to the CGE Director upon your return. This report will serve as the basis for the discussion to determine the best possible site for your program. The report should outline responses to the questions listed below. We encourage you to take photographs of student housing and any other facilities you will be utilizing.
A. Review of the Academic Program
- Is the location pertinent to your academic program?
- Does the location provide enough sites for you to do excursions that will enhance the classroom learning?
- What is the format of the course/s you will be teaching?
- Does the site provide the opportunity to bring outside speakers?
- What are the opportunities for meeting students and others native to the country?
B. Facilities
- What resources are there for computer access?
- Do most students take laptop computers with them?
- Is there internet access in the housing units?
- Are there adequate computer labs either on campus or in the housing units for students who do not bring their own? (Hours of access, etc.)
- Does the library have materials in English that would support our students’ needs?
- What recreation facilities does the campus have?
- Are our students eligible to use them?
- What extra charges are involved?
- Are the facilities handicap accessible?
C. Housing
- Are ingress and egress controlled in the housing unit?
- Is housing for our students guaranteed in university-approved units in safe locations?
- Are there curfews established by the housing facility?
- How do you handle the assignment of housing?
- Where is the housing located relative to the campus?
- What is the frequency of public transportation to campus and to city center?
- What are the laundry facilities?
- Is there any climate control in the units?
- Do students have access to hot water?
- How are bathrooms designed? Western standards?
- Will our students live with other Americans? Other internationals? Students native to the country?
- Where would the program director be housed?
- To whom does a student go if there is a problem with housing?
- Are they private or shared bedrooms?
- Can housing assignments be changed?
- How are meals handled? Food plan? Buy and prepare their own food?
- Are they able to accommodate any special dietary restrictions?
- Are homestays available and arranged for international students?
- How are the families selected?
- What happens when there is a problem of any sort between a student and the homestay family?
D. Logistics
- What types of visas are required to enter the country? What is the cost?
- Would the program director handle the visa process? Or is each participant responsible?
- How would you arrange for group transportation? Buses? Taxis? Public transportation?
- Can you purchase tickets for field trips ahead of time?
- Would you work with a local travel agent? Or would the partner institution help you with the arrangements?
- Are there any physical/mental health facilities close by? What is the level of care? Clinic or Hospital?
- How would you get access to funds? Are there any ATMs, banks, or exchange facilities close by?
- Are there any facilities for students to communicate with the U.S.? Internet cafes, phone booths, etc.
E. Risks
- Is the school in a safe area?
- Would you stay with the students? If not, how do you plan to be accessible?
- Is there security/public safety personnel on campus?
- Does the campus have a curfew?
- Do you have a way to contact with UNG while on campus? While on a field trip?
F. On-Site Support
- Are there any staff members at the partner institution that will be able to help you?
- Would you need any additional staffing to run the program?
- Is there someone in-country available 24 hours a day by phone for emergency contact?
- What programming, if any, is provided for international students?
- Are students met at the airport on arrival and transported to their housing?
- Is there an orientation for incoming international students? If so, what is covered? How long is it? Is attendance mandatory?
- Are cultural or social events planned? (Trips, holiday events, parties, etc.) Are there additional costs for these events?