Beyond the classroom: The benefits and drawbacks of implementing a faculty-led, study abroad program in Chennai, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v2iForumEATLT2.1144Keywords:
Cross-cultural competencies, faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs (FLSTSA), graduate students, IndiaAbstract
Due to graduate students’ growing interests to engage with global issues, more graduate programs are interested in implementing study abroad programs into their curriculum. This article focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of implementing a faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs (FLSTSA) in India. First, this manuscript describes how a U.S.-based university and an India-based college developed a connection that led to faculty and student exchanges across both institutions. Second, this paper shares best practices for implementing this experiential course, such as developing strong local partnerships with consistent check-ins, creating supportive networks among faculty, staff, and students to manage program logistics, and establishing clear expectations for all participants and institutional partners. Third, this paper addresses potential challenges and considerations, including pre-departure logistics, such as visa procurement, travel costs, institutional financial policies, and in-country obstacles related to environmental conditions and local travel logistics. Concluding, we recommend developing transformative FLSTSA programs that enhance graduate students’ intercultural competencies.
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