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Institutional Audit: Study Abroad Policies, Procedures and Services

(C) 2007, Dr. Sandi M. Smith, Director of Institutional Relations, Global Learning Semesters

In this decade, internationalization is the hype and dogma of many U.S. colleges and universities. This generation of "millennial" students has challenged U.S. higher education to make globalization more relevant and meaningful in the curriculum and learning experiences. However, so many institutions do not really know where to start and what direction to take.

Before any college or university can proceed with an institutional strategy to develop study abroad opportunities, it is essential that the institution conduct an internal audit to better understand the institutional strengths and obstacles relevant to study abroad. Since the administration of study abroad programs is actually a microcosm of an entire university, it is very relevant to understand the parallel policies, procedures and services that will serve as the foundation of the institutional framework for administering study abroad programs and services.

The following institutional audit process was designed by Dr. Sandi M. Smith for the administrative professional development workshop for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) entitled "Developing an Institutional Framework for Maximizing Study Abroad".

Use the questions below as a checklist to keep track of the audit items you have completed. Collect as much information related to the particular questions as possible. Take notes in the column as needed, and keep a file of all the material, documents, examples, and contact information you collect during this process.

1) Does your school have a Dean or VP responsible for internationalization and/or international education?

2) Does your school have a faculty committee charged with internationalization and/or international issues?

3) Does your school have at least one person who is designated director, coordinator or advisor for study abroad in his/her job description?

4) Does your school already have an established study abroad office?

5) Does your school have written policies and procedures for study abroad?

6) Does anyone at your institution collect data on your students who study abroad each year?

7) Does anyone at your institution submit the IIE Open Doors Data Collection Survey?

Does your institutional mission statement mention study abroad, internationalization, preparing citizens for a global society, etc.?

9) What committee is responsible for reviewing and approving academic policies and procedures?

10) Who does this committee report to?

11) Who is currently chair of this committee?

12) Does anyone at your institution have membership in NAFSA, AIEA, The Forum on Education Abroad, IIE, or other international-related professional organizations?

13) Are there any faculty at your institution who take students outside the U.S. for academic trips (study abroad, field research, internships, etc.)?

14) Who/what office is responsible for signing international agreements, exchange agreements?

15) Does your school currently have any exchange agreements and/or international agreements?

16) Does your school have any affiliations or partnerships with study abroad consortia or program providers?

17) Are there any faculty involved in international research projects and/or cooperation agreements with any foreign institutions?

18) Who/what office has authority to approve transfer of credit?

19) What are the criteria and standards for approving transfer credit?

20) Who/what office processes transfer of credit?

21) Who/what office handles admissions of international students?

22) Is there anyone in your financial aid office who is familiar with / experienced processing financial aid for study abroad?

23) Who/what office is responsible for maintaining records of student academic status?

24) Who/what office is responsible for maintaining records of student disciplinary status?

25) Who/what office is responsible for determining and enforcing student conduct polices?

26) What is the contact information for the Registrar’s Office?

27) Who/what office is responsible for risk management and/or legal decisions for your institution?

28) Does your school have a student counseling center and access to personal counseling services (not academic advising)?

29) Do you have any counselors experienced with cross-cultural counseling?

30) What type of major medical and/or health insurance do students at your institution carry?

31) Does your school have 24/7 campus police/security?

32) Does your school have residential facilities and services?

33) Who/what office is responsible for adding to and maintaining websites on your institutional homepage?

34) Who/what office is responsible for developing and maintaining institutional budgets?

35) Does your school have a foreign language requirement?

36) What foreign languages are taught at your school?

37) Are your foreign language classes under-enrolled or wait-listed?

38) Are there any departments that currently require study abroad or internship as a graduation requirement?

39) List any complaints, concerns, questions you have heard from students, administrators, and/or faculty about promoting study abroad to your students.

Each of these questions explores crucial information related to administering study abroad. After collecting this data, a SWOT analysis is recommended to determine how the institution will start, change direction, or enhance study abroad.

About the Author

With a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, from Florida State University, Dr. Smith specializes in the internationalization of higher education and provides consultation services to colleges and universities exploring potential and strategies for international education and education abroad. Sandi@GlobalSemesters.com

Offices Abroad

What policies are favoured by businesses to repatriate employees the've sent to work abroad when they return?

For instance lets say I work for company X in London. Company X sends me to work at their Istanbul offices for 6 months. After a while I am accustomed to the Cultures (both Business and otherwise) in the Istanbul community. Its now time for me to go back to the London offices and I must now get used to the way things work back there again. Do companies have policies/ procedures that deal with such situations? If so please provide details as to how this is done. If not, how do you think this impacts on an employeees performance and what do you think should be done? Thank you for taking your time to help me out. Phuti

Phuti, this is really interesting question.
I work in technology area. In my company, there is no
such policy to help or adapt such employee in question.

From my personal observation, such policies are not present
in many companies or employees are not aware about it.

Anyways, this doesnt answer you but I shared my few thoughts.
Thanks for bearing.