If you or your colleagues have an idea for a new study abroad program you would like to be available for UW-Madison students, or see some “gaps” in what we currently offer, please contact Matt Geisler to arrange for a meeting. Our first meeting is an opportunity for you to share with us your idea about a new program and for us to share with you the steps we follow for evaluating new program ideas.
Developing a new study abroad program requires a considerable amount of time. The planning and development stage takes an average 15-18 months.
Consider the following as you think through your new program idea:
- What kind of program are you considering?
- a study abroad program for U.S. students offered by a foreign university or through a study abroad organization?
- an exchange or direct enroll opportunity for UW-Madison students at a foreign university?
- a new UW program, either faculty-led or other UW model types, (we can help explain different program types and which may be suitable for the academic needs you have identified ). If you are thinking of developing your own faculty-led study abroad program, please read this info for a clearer picture of what that entails.
- What are the learning objectives that you hope students would achieve through this study abroad program?
- How would these objectives support, enhance, and complement your department’s academic goals for your students and/or the broader UW-Madison academic mission for students?
- Is there broad support for this study abroad program amongst your department colleagues and department chair?
- For which students (major, student standing, etc.) would this program be available?
- Are there existing IAP study abroad programs that are similar and if so how would this new study abroad program be different?
After our initial meeting we will provide you with the next steps of our evaluation process for new programs.