International CBL: Short-term Faculty-led Programs

What is it?

Short-term education abroad programs usually range from 2-5 weeks in length, and offer students academic credit and personal development in a foreign setting.  The short duration and community-based nature of these programs requires that each course provides students with a structured experience that directly engages with the local peoples; this opportunity allows students to apply classroom knowledge and prompts them to delve deeper into their own identities.  Guided in this reflection and in these daily experiences by the faculty member, students are challenged to critically examine the needs and culture of their host community, and how these factors compare with the accepted norms back home.   

Who to Contact:

PSU faculty who wish to create short-term education abroad programs should seek the approval of their respective department chair.  Proposals must be submitted by the faculty leader at least one year prior to the start date, and will also be reviewed by the PSU Internationalization Action Council, which will make the final decision on program offerings.  The PSU Education Abroad Office will assist with administrated tasks, application materials, and any questions regarding the process.

Course Examples:

Each year, multiple Senior Capstones are offered abroad.  Examples include Women and Development in Chiapas, Mexico; Sustainable Rural Development in NW Argentina; and the African Context of the Heritage of Ghana.  A recent example of graduate level offerings is the course Service Learning in India: Engagement and Cultural Understanding, in Madurai, India.

Literature on Effectiveness:

International Service Learning implements aspects of community-based learning and study abroad, essentially requiring faculty leads to immerse themselves in both fields.  As a result, pre- and post-departure reflection, modeled learning, and discussions on culture shock or cultural identities, all serve as common teaching strategies that assist students in overcoming the initial shock of their environment and gain from their brief, but full immersion.  For additional resources on these strategies and program effectiveness research, please click on the previous link.    

Faculty Handbook- Created in 2005, the Developing Short-term, Faculty-led Study Abroad Courses handbook assists faculty in planning and implementing compact, international programs that are accessible to the traditional and non-traditional study abroad students.  It details the unique responsibilities associated with these trips' faculty leaders, and offers tips for diplomacy, course logistics, and group dynamics.