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Abroad Home : Faculty: Faculty-Led Programs Abroad
Frequetly Asked Questions
How long does it take to plan a program?
The planning stages vary depending on your contacts abroad. I have seen some programs take as little as a month and others over 3 months. Most of the problem is doing business on international time; it is much slower than U.S. time.
How many departments on campus will I be dealing with?
SJSU is a large public entity hence many departments are involved. On average, faculty will deal with their department chair, college dean, IPS, IES and to a lesser degree Procurement Services.
How hard is it to get students?
Acquiring students can be very difficult or very easy. Currently, half our programs have waiting lists and half have low enrollments. Required courses, courses open to many majors or students, popular courses
What is a manageable number of students?
Between 15-20 seems to be the most manageable number, we want the faculty have fun and enjoy themselves!
Can I bring my family?
Unfortunately, family members cannot participate in university-sponsored programs. We recommend that your family meet up with you prior to or after the completion of the program.
Who deals with the plane tickets?
The faculty determines if airfare will be included in the program cost. Airfare is the most variable item next to enrollment in the budget. If you choose to include airfare, it would be your responsibility to secure tickets for all your students.
What is a “good price” for students?
We have found that around $3200-$3400 for 3 units is the most attractive to students.
Can we get students from other schools?
We prefer the majority of students to come from SJSU but our programs are open to other schools. Learning with students from other institutions is similar to learning from students from other countries.
Can people go who are not enrolled in at a college or university?
Unfortunately, community members or students who graduated more than the previous semester are not permitted to attend the program. Our programs are credit bearing and are intended as academic programs not travel trips.
Can international students attend?
International students can attend; they need to find out what special visa arrangements are necessary for the host country. IPS does not advise on non-US immigration policy. Also, international students pay the same program fees as domestic students.
Do I need to live close or next to the students?
Faculty do not live in the same building as students however they need to live within a mile radius. Best example, if students are living in residence halls on campus, faculty are permitted to stay in a hotel or apartment close to campus.
Do I need receipts for everything?
Possibly, the most important question, the university is extremely strict on what they will reimburse. Training is provided prior to departure on the policies and procedures of Procurement Services. We want you to receive all your reimbursable money but the university requires it a certain way. Also, IES and IPS are not responsible for any budget shortfalls.
How long can I go for and can I teach some of it here on campus?
Programs are a minimum of 3 weeks and up to six weeks. Financially, 3-4 weeks have been the most cost-effective. Faculty are able to teach part of the course locally and teach part abroad. This option
How much will I get paid?
Besides your expenses paid through student fees, you will receive a salary based on the Special Progams CSU Salary Schedule and your faculty rank. The amounts are based on number of students and are per unit.
How do I market or recruit for my program?
One of the most complex questions out there, it depends on the course offered, how many students are available to take the course, program location and how much time you want to put into it. Classroom presentations are by far the strongest and most successful way to market and recruit, not just in your department but also across disciplines.
What is the role of the Faculty-Led Program Advisor?
The role varies for each faculty and their need. One of the strongest roles is assisting in the development of your program especially regarding locations, viability, finance, and marketability. After the development, the Advisor works closely to finalize the budget with the faculty. The Advisor also serves to advise on university policy and minimize university liability. The Advisor facilitates the complex administrative process of producing a program at the university. Most important, the Advisor serves to insure success of faculty-led programs.
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