Assistance with Program Design and Development

• ISA works with each U.S. institution to customize a program best suited to the institution's academic, linguistic and cultural objectives. With established programs at various locations throughout the globe, ISA has the necessary infrastructure in place to coordinate these specialized programs.

Management of Student Files

• ISA works with each U.S. institution to manage student paperwork according to the institution's standard procedures. ISA Customized Program Admission Coordinator may handle all documentation directly with the students or work through the Study Abroad office as determined by the U.S. institution.

Student Advising

• To the extent preferred by the home institution, ISA provides phone and email advising to students regarding cultural and logistical aspects of the program.

Pre-departure Orientation Materials

• ISA provides an orientation handbook to students and faculty prior to departure to prepare them for living in their host country. The handbook covers such topics as cultural adjustment, packing tips, health and safety guidelines, money, housing, transportation, climate, and post-program reentry.

Furnishing Visa Information when Applicable

• ISA provides students with information regarding student visa requirements as well as consulate contact information. ISA is also available to assist students with questions as they undergo the visa process. Visas are normally not required for programs less than 90 days.

Promotional Flyer

• ISA designs a simple, one-page, color flyer for the home institution to use in promoting the program through bulletin boards and distribution on campus. It is the responsibility of the home institution to print and distribute the flyers.

ISA Resident Directors

• ISA has resident directors at all Customized Program sites (average student: director ratio of 15:1) to accompany the group during in-country program travel. The RD assigned to the specific Customized Program will provide cultural, academic, and personal support as well as coordinate all detailed program logistics. The directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency situations.

Assistance in Communicating with Home Institution

• While the home institution's faculty members abroad serve as the primary liaisons between ISA and their institution, the on-site ISA staff and ISA U.S. headquarters facilitate communication in the event of an emergency. U.S. institutions may rest assured that there are on-site local staff to liaison and handle any situation that arises.

Support for Health and Safety of Participants

• Upon the group's arrival, ISA on-site Resident Directors provide student and faculty participants with an emergency card containing contact information for ISA staff, local police/hospital facilities, and the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Accompanying the group throughout the program, the Resident Directors play the lead role in providing advance information, guidance and advice during the program, and immediate response and support during any form of emergency situation.

On-site Orientation Programming

• On-site Resident Directors conduct orientation meeting(s) after arrival to address such issues as cultural adjustment, safety, "dos" and "don'ts" of the host culture, housing, academics, local transportation, and cultural activities.

Credits

• Credits may be issued by the home institution, the ISA host university, or a combination. For example, Professor Smith will be teaching International Marketing in English to her students while the local university is teaching an Intermediate Spanish course. Three credits are awarded by the home university as resident Marketing credit and three credits are awarded as transfer credit.

Courses Offered through ISA

• If the Customized Program timing corresponds to a regular ISA catalogue offering, the students would be able to integrate into existing course offerings. Typically this would be advantageous during the summer months. This leads to more course options to choose from without the necessity (and expense) of contracting for each course. Students on the Customized Programs would then choose to take one or two courses from the regular offerings along with the course(s) provided by the home U.S. university professor. For a complete listing or regular catalogue dates and offerings please see www.studiesabroad.com.

Faculty

• Courses may be taught by faculty from the U.S. institution or by approved adjunct faculty from the host university arranged through ISA. The U.S. university may require that a course be customized based on their syllabus with contracted professor credentials reviewed in advance. Single topic local guest lectures may also be identified by ISA based on the curricular needs of the U.S. professor. For example, a comparative course on English and U.S. Political Systems benefited from English lectures from political party members, municipal and state government officials and local judicial representatives.

Tutorials and Student Language Exchanges

• ISA provides regular tutorial assistance to students engaged in foreign language study. Tutorials are offered regularly at our sites in Spanish, French or Italian speaking countries. ISA may provide language exchanges with local students (in a classroom setting or in a more social environment) to facilitate the meeting of local students and to help U.S. students further their conversational language skills.

Student and Faculty Housing

• The home institution selects the housing option best suited for its students in terms of comfort level, linguistic objectives, price range and travel requirements. At most program sites, homestays are the typical student housing arrangement, although other accommodations (hotels, youth hostels, residence halls, apartments) can be arranged. Faculty housing options include homestays, hostels, residence halls, and apartments. The home institution may also opt for a housing stipend for faculty rather than ISA-arranged accommodations.

ISA Academic Facilities

• Most of ISA's international office facilities have classrooms available for the visiting faculty courses. For larger courses, space may be reserved at a local university or other nearby facility. Audio visual equipment is available upon request.

Administrative Facilities for Professors

• Most Customized Program locations have office space and computer and Internet access available at the ISA office and/or the host university for the visiting professor. While the ISA computer labs at each office are available to all visiting students and professors, high demand can limit access at peak times. However, there are many fast and affordable internet cafes available at all sites.

Airport Transfers

• Whether program participants travel as a group or individually, ISA provides airport greeting and pick-up on the program arrival date, facilitating the arrival process for students. Return transportation is also provided to the airport on the designated program end date.

Cultural and Academic Excursions

• In addition to the regular ISA excursions (descriptions available on the ISA website on each program city page), ISA also arranges special excursions specific to the home institution's cultural and academic objectives. This can include visits to local businesses, political and judicial institutions, specialized museums, etc.

Program Assessment and Evaluation

• At the conclusion of each program, ISA administers written evaluations to student and faculty participants for quality assurance of programs.

On-site ISA Offices

• At most program sites, ISA has local offices where students and visiting faculty can go to check email, attend tutoring and group meetings, or simply chat with ISA staff members. Offices are typically equipped with classroom facilities/meeting rooms, computer/Internet access, student lounges/study rooms, shared faculty office space, television and DVD/VCR, and resources for academics, community events, and travel. Click here for additional information and photos of the ISA offices abroad.

Customized Payment Procedures

• Payment may be submitted to ISA by the students or by the home institution. Payment schedules are customized according to the home institution's billing and payment procedures.

Institutional Financial Aid

• ISA accepts institutional/federal financial aid and works with students on flexible payment plans according to their institution's financial aid disbursement dates.

Faculty Expenses

• Faculty support options are customized according to the home institution's needs and can be covered by the home institution or factored into the program fees.

Responds to your Institution's Needs

• ISA's customized programs are fully designed to accommodate your institution's needs and priorities in terms of academic, linguistic and cultural goals. With US-based staff in liaison with on-site staff abroad, ISA is able to efficiently coordinate all aspects of the program in partnership with the home institution.

Fewer Administrative Duties

• With a proven history and knowledge of the program sites, ISA takes care of program administration and logistics, allowing the home institution to focus on academics, pre-departure preparation of students, and any other priorities of the home institution. Logistical and administrative details coordinated by ISA include but are not limited to: itinerary planning, student paperwork, classroom facilities, on-site transportation, excursions, lodging and meals, and cultural orientation.

Flexible Dates and Duration

• Programs may be short in duration (2-3 weeks) or follow a more traditional summer, quarter, or semester model. Programs may be arranged for any time of year, allowing the home institution to offer a program that best coordinates with their own academic calendar. January term, Spring Break or summer options are typically in greatest demand.

On-site Health and Safety Support

• ISA's role doesn't end with the planning of the program. The home institution will benefit from ISA's strong on-site infrastructure throughout the duration of the program. With on-site offices for faculty and student resources and resident staff for student services, cultural acclimation and emergency situations, ISA ensures that your faculty and students are taken care of 24/7 throughout every step of the program.

Medical Insurance

• All student and faculty participants are provided with international medical insurance for the duration of the program to include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. For an additional cost, program participants may purchase medical insurance for independent travels before or after the program.

A sampling of course topics shows the truly diverse and customized nature of these programs. In addition to language and culture courses, some examples of previous course topics include:

• Architectural Studies in Spain
• D-Day, Normandy and Military History of France
• Environmental Biology in Costa Rica
• Latin American Politics
• Spanish Language and Economics
• Marketing and Advertising in the Spanish-Speaking World
• Modern Latin American History
• Art and Design of Paris
• International Marketing in Costa Rica

ISA has collaborated with a variety of institutions to develop customized programs. Some of these institutions include:

• Agnes Scott College
• Austin College
• California Polytechnic State University
• Chatham College
• Cleveland State University
• Colorado State University
• Jacksonville University
• Kansas State University
• Louisiana State University
• Luther College
• Lynchburg College
• Metropolitan Community College of Omaha
• San Diego City College
• Scottsdale Community College
• SDICCA Grossmont College
• Southwestern University
• St.Edward 's University
• Texas A&M International University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• Towson University
• University of Colorado, Boulder
• University of Colorado, Denver
• University of Denver
• University of Florida
• University of North Carolina, Charlotte
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• University of Wisconsin, Osh-Kosh
• Western Illinois University
• Western State College
• Whittier College

"[The on-site directors were] not only well-informed, competent, professional, trustworthy, and friendly, but also very efficient, personal, dedicated, pleasant and with great senses of humor."

- Dr. Jose Luis Suarez-Garcia, Colorado State University

"A very professionally run program with very nice people"

- Dr. David Pharies, University of Florida

"Every communication has been cooperative, friendly and informative."

- Dr. Douglas Hazzard, Jacksonville University

"The ISA staff has been so friendly and open...and also strongly encouraging use of the [Spanish] language."

- Emily Stulce, GTA Spanish Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

"I have already recommended ISA to several colleagues due to the excellent experience that I had."

- Dr. Robert Clark, Kansas State University

Click on a link below to view photos from Customized Programs in one of the following countries:

• Argentina
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• France
• Mexico
• Spain

How much lead time is required to plan a customized program?

• Ideally, initial planning should begin approximately 11-12 months prior to commencement of the program. The preferred time frame for finalizing details is 9-10 months prior to commencement. Student recruitment for the program should begin as soon as possible.

What is the average cost of a customized program?

• Price estimates can be provided once ISA has received an outline of the proposed program and a list of services requested. There is no "average cost", nor are general price estimates available without this information due to the highly customized nature of the programs.

Can programs be arranged in cities where ISA does not have an existing program?

• In general, ISA can arrange customized programs only in cities/countries where ISA already has existing infrastructure. On occasion, however, ISA may be able to support a program using infrastructure from one of its near-by established program sites. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a minimum number of students required in order to run a customized program?

• The minimum number of students varies based on the nature of the program; however, the minimum number is typically 12-15 students.

What options exist for meals?

• Meal options are always customized based on the nature of the program and the home institution's needs. Host families provide 2-3 meals a day, 7 days a week, except during excursions. When other housing options are utilized, meals can be arranged at the hotel/hostel/residence hall when available or at nearby restaurants. The home institution can also opt to not include meals with the program and allow students the flexibility to take meals at local restaurants of their choosing.

Can ISA provide group airfare as part of the program?

• ISA is able to provide group airfare arrangements; however, it is not recommended for most programs. Group flights require a minimum number of passengers in order to qualify for the group rate and tend to offer little flexibility for students who want to remain abroad for personal travel after the program.

Can a faculty member's family accompany the program?

• Professors who wish for their family members to join the group for any part of the program must first verify the policies of their sponsoring U.S. institution. If permitted by the home institution, family members may join the group provided that release paperwork and extra payment for their participation are submitted to ISA. It should also always be considered whether family members accompanying the activities/excursions will hinder the group's objectives. An extra administrative charge may be required to be paid directly by the faculty member so that any costs associated with supporting family members (reservations, financial transactions, group travel) are not included in the student program fee.

Can the home institution request specific hotels or other accommodations?

• Certainly! ISA will provide recommendations for accommodations that we work with on a regular basis, but the home institution is welcome to make specific requests.

To begin the process of designing your ideal program, please contact

Lauren Alexander
Director of Customized Programs
1640 B East 2nd St, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78702
800-580-8826(office)
512-480-8522 (Office)
512-480-8866(fax)
lalexander@studiesabroad.com

The planning process usually starts with the lead professor, the department or the Study Abroad office articulating the program parameters. The Cusomized Program questionnaire is often utilized to begin to define the needs (length, location, academic focus, types of accommodations, classroom/contact hour needs, academic and cultural excursions, number of participants, etc.). To download a pdf copy of the ISA Customized Program Questionnaire, click here. The questionnaire would then be sent to the Director of Customized Programs for follow-up via email or telephone conversation. Our support services are truly customized, so this questionnaire is not a limiting factor, just a guide to the opening discussion.

A program proposal will then be developed for your review to include the program budget. Once the proposal and fee structure are accepted, the application and recruitment begins on your home campus. Application and payment deadlines, contractual terms, and other program procedures are further detailed through subsequent discussions. Deadlines are usually a minimum of 3 months prior to the program start date but can be advanced further with financial constraints (group airfare, high season accommodations, etc.). Your institution is not usually financially committed until after the "go, no-go date" when it is determined if minimum program numbers have been reached.

ISA works closely with the Study Abroad office on the administrative procedures, student paperwork, orientation, financial transactions and health and safety support. ISA assumes this administrative work freeing up faculty to concentrate on academic offerings. As the ISA U.S. and international offices handle all of the financial transactions, this relieves the lead faculty from being responsible for those details. With full time overseas staff at all program locations we also guarantee 24/7 support to handle any medical or other unforeseen emergencies.