Faculty learn to build study abroad programs

Ever since Dr. Michael Rifenburg became a college professor, he has wanted to conduct a study abroad.

"I had the chance to study abroad in Russia when I was a student," the associate professor of English at the University of North Georgia (UNG) said. "Now, I want to do a faculty-led program with my students."

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is helping Rifenburg turn his vision into a reality. After attending the inaugural Education Abroad Academy, he will propose a study abroad program to London in summer 2022.

CGE sponsored two separate academies in the spring to help faculty develop and execute education abroad and study away programs. Education abroad allows students to take courses overseas that fit with their degree. Study away programs provide students short-term domestic study options outside of north Georgia to engage in experiential learning, build relationships with faculty, and gain confidence to participate in other high-impact practices.

"The academies give faculty time to think through and develop the learning goals and logistics for their program," Daniela Martinez, associate director of CGE, said.

Each academy walked the participants through the process for designing a successful education abroad or study away program, Martinez said. Sessions focused on program design and implementation, recruitment, budgeting and financial policies, and site visit preparation. Each session featured a UNG faculty or staff member who has conducted an overseas or domestic program.

Rifenburg said the academy taught him about budgeting and planning excursions for an overseas program. Most importantly, it introduced him to a study abroad program at the University of Roehampton London.

"Instead of building a new program with a new country, I can partner with this university as a new facilitator and bring UNG students into an ongoing and successful program," Rifenburg said.

Ana Davis wanted to build a new study abroad program to complement her intermediate German language courses. The lecturer of German in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at UNG said the workshops proved invaluable.

"It was extremely helpful to connect with people who have personal experience," Davis said. "It has created a community that I can connect with if I have questions."

One fellow faculty member even gave her an idea.

"When I heard about an embedded program I thought, 'That's perfect! It's exactly what I want to do,'" Davis said, explaining it would allow students to start the program at UNG and finish in Germany. "It will allow us to reduce the cost and tailor the program to fit our needs."

Martinez pointed out the study away program allows students to remain closer to home while gaining valuable cultural experience.

"The study away program is geared for students who may not be ready to take that jump and get on a plane and go miles away from home," Martinez said. "We hope study away will be the gateway to other experiential learning opportunities for students."

For more information about education abroad and study away programs, visit the CGE webpage.