Faculty-Led Programs

Prepare

Current and former program directors have shared that the experience directing a faculty-led program is incredibly fulfilling and many continue to direct programs year after year. Coordinating a program is also a great deal of work and a significant amount of responsibilty. The OIE is here to support you in this endeavor and provide guidance for your preparation and implementation of a successful program.

Role and Responsibilities of the Program Director

A minimum of two faculty or staff members will be required for all faculty-led programs. For programs with one director, a program assistant will be required to serve as a second person off-site that will assist with emergencies and logistics. The program director leads the academic aspects of the program, coordinates on-site program logistics, and provides student support throughout the program. In addition to the standard duties of teaching a course at URI, the responsibilities of the program director include:

    • Submitting a Faculty-Led Program proposal which includes in-depth program details, budget, emergency information and approval from the academic dean and department chair.
    • Actively participating in program promotion and recruitment.
    • Reviewing applications and selecting participants.
    • Attending mandatory new director orientation and other required training by the Office of International Education.
    • Leading a mandatory pre-departure orientation meeting and in-class meetings prior to departure, if necessary.
    • While abroad, serving as the primary point of contact for students in need of academic, cultural, and/or personal guidance, both on a scheduled and emergency basis.
    • Meeting with the Office of International Education upon completion of your program to reconcile finances.

Workshops and Resources

Throughout your tenure as a faculty-led program director, there will be required and optional workshops for you to attend to ensure you are fully prepared and up-to-date on changes to URI and U.S. policies and procedures. If you are unavailable to attend a required workshop at a time listed below, please email Kelly Watts, kwatts@uri.edu. 

New Director Orientation (required for New directors prior to submitting a proposal)

Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar for New Program Directors

Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar for Returning Program Directors

Literature on Faculty-Led Programs

As faculty-led programs continue to grow, so does its presence in the literature of education abroad. Below are articles that may provide insight or inspiration as you design your program : 

Contact Information

Office of International Education and National Student Exchange
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm EST
37 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI, 02881
Email: oie@uri.edu

Advising Appointments
To schedule an appointment, log into Starfish, search for International Education and National Student Exchange and select the advisor based on your college.