Developing Successful International Faculty Led Program.

Abstract

Faculty Led Programs are study abroad experiences led by university professors. Faculty Led Programs are considered as an opportunity for college students, especially in the United States to attend a short-term international experience (Mills, 2010). Faculty Led Program is an international experience which is different from the traditional exchange or study abroad. The basic difference is that in the traditional exchange programs, the students travel alone and the experience is for at least one semester (Sachau, Brasher, & Fee, 2010). One of the most important advantages of the Faculty Led experiences is that students have the opportunity to travel internationally for a short period of time, experience cultural differences and in some cases, practice foreign languages. Mexican universities as many universities around the world are making efforts to internationalize their campuses. They understand that globalization requires trained professionals and are aware of the importance of international relations (Bhawuk & Brislin, 1992). To respond to this need, UPAEP (Universidad Popular Autonoma del Estado de Puebla), through the Vice-Rector Campus Puebla, has decided to implement an aggressive campaign to support the institutional goal of achieving 70% of its students attending international experiences by 2015 (UPAEP Development Corporate Plan, 2011). Forty-three students and four teachers traveled to Oklahoma State for a Faculty Led Experience during the summer of 2011. The students have attended programs in robotics, communication sciences, industrial engineering and biotechnology. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of organizing and conducting UPAEP Faculty Led Programs at OSU (Oklahoma State University) during the summer of 2011. The UPAEP Faculty Led Programs could contribute to the development of the internationalization of higher education institutions in Mexico and the rest of world. The UPAEP Faculty Led Programs at OSU were a success. The success depended on the detailed planning and the proper selection of the professors involved in the process, as well as the solid relationship between OSU and UPAEP. The students’ evaluations were very positive, especially regarding the quality of the organization of programs, the staff, accommodation, logistics, academic and cultural activities, level of content and most importantly, multicultural experience. Additionally, the students mentioned that the UPAEP Summer Faculty Led Programs encouraged them to explore new international experiences, learn a new language and develop their personal intercultural competences.

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