Program Directors

Where to begin?

All international study, work, and travel arranged by North Georgia faculty or staff that involves students must receive approval from the Center for Global Engagement. Such activities can range from a traditional study abroad program involving a group of North Georgia students going abroad with a professor, to independent research or internships conducted abroad by one or more undergraduate or graduate students arranged by a North Georgia professor. Please meet with Dr. John Wilson to discuss your ideas and get started! 

Developing a Study Abroad Program

When thinking about developing a study abroad program, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are your goals for developing a study abroad program?
• How relevant is the location you are considering to your academic goals?
• Check the US Department of State Travel Alerts and Warnings prior to choosing your location. If your location is currently listed under a Travel Warning, you will have to ask for an exemption from the CGE Director.
• Would this location and/or program might be valuable to other departments or colleges?
• Who is your target market? Which majors, minors, etc.
• Would you have enough student interest in the location and academic content for your program?
• Are there any similar North Georgia programs that can compete with yours? If yes, what makes your program different?
• Do you have any contacts in the location? If so, can they help you?

Steps to Develop a Study Abroad Program

1. Think about your academic knowledge and interests and pick a location that can help you achieve your academic goals.
2. Discuss your ideas with your Department Head.
3. Discuss your ideas with the Director of the Center for Global Engagement.
4. Do research on such location and apply for a site visit grant.
5. Conduct a site visit. Meet with the CGE Director in preparation for your visit and review the site visit guidelines.
6.  After completing the site visit, submit a completed report to the CGE.
7. Submit a study abroad program proposal, along with a budget, to the CGE according to the posted deadlines. See http://www.northgeorgia.edu/Global/StudyAbroad/ProgramDirectorResources/ for more information and to download any pertinent documents.
8. Attend program director orientation.
9. Work with CGE Staff to market and recruit for your program.

How can we help?

Study Abroad, as a part of the Center for Global Engagement, is here to assist program directors through:

• Logistical support for faculty leading Study Abroad programs
• Recruitment support for faculty teaching in a Study Abroad program
• Guide faculty through financial and risk management of their Study Abroad programs
• Processing student applications for Study Abroad programs
• Advise students one-on-one

Program Proposal Deadlines

All North Georgia study abroad programs must submit an updated program budget for approval by the CGE. For all new study abroad programs, a proposal and a budget, must be submitted. Please refer to the deadlines:

Maymester and Summer Programs - October 30th

Fall Semester Programs - February 28th

Spring Semester Programs - June 30th (of the previous calendar year)

Program Director Orientation

Being a Program Director is certainly a very rewarding yet challenging job. Because of this we require all Program Directors to go through mandatory training sessions. The information is broken down into two sessions within the orientation.

Session I – Housekeeping – logistics, finances, risk management, and  general information

•Program proposal and approval process

• CGE’s role and services prior, during, and after the program

• Financial matters

• Risk Management

Dates offered:

 • Tuesday, August 28th 12:30-1:45. Location: Day Conference Room

 •  Thursday, August 30th 12:30pm-1:45pm. Location: Day Conference Room

Session II – Studio Abroad (On-line application system)

• Overview of student application system

• Overview of program director view/access

• Program brochures-information update

 Dates offered:

  • Tuesday, September 4th 12:30pm-1:45pm. Location: Day Conference Room

  • Thursday, September 6th 12:30pm-1:45pm. Location: Hansford Hall Conference Room (Third Floor)