Developing Education Abroad programs for your students
It is difficult to predict where our graduates will work during their lifetimes, but one thing is certain - political, environmental, social and economic issues have become global concerns. There is a growing need in education, government and industry for individuals with intercultural experience, fluency in a second language, and the skills required to manage change and be open to new approaches.
"Education Abroad" allow students to earn credits towards their program at VIU while they study in a foreign country. VIU supports these programs as a way to enrich a student’s classroom education. How can you, a VIU faculty member, get involved?
- Faculty-led Programs (field schools, field trips, practica)
- Exchange Programs
- How to get started
Faculty-led Programs (field schools, field trips, practica)
Click here - Guide to Developing Short-Term Study Abroad Programs
Field schools - A field school is organized by one or two faculty members for students from their department(s). The overseas portion of this educational program is generally 2 to 5 weeks in length. Field school programs require between 3 and 9 credit hours of study and the academic courses are generally taught by the VIU faculty representative.
Field trips - Field trips are similar to field schools, however they are non-credit programs and the overseas trip is shorter in duration, often between 5 days and 2 weeks.
International practica - Departments may grant permission for individuals in their program to do their practicum placement abroad or a faculty member may organize the overseas placement in a similar format to a field school. Financial assistance may be available: Practicum Support Policy
Exchange Programs
Click here - Guide to Developing an Exchange Program
An exchange program is a formalized agreement between 2 academic insitutions that allows students to register at, and pay tuition to, their home institution while taking academic courses at a partner institution. Partners agree to exchange a limited number of students each year. Exchanges can be for one or two semesters.
How to get started
Contact Audrey Hansen, Education Abroad Manager, for more information on how to establish an overseas program for your students. Email or call local 6312.
Seek the approval from your department, chair and dean. The Approval Form must be signed by the chair and faculty dean.