Program Leader Professional Development
Program Leader Professional Development
Program leaders of study abroad programs have many responsibilities that go beyond the traditional scope of an instructor in a classroom. The UIC Study Abroad Office is committed to helping prepare program leaders to be successful in their roles. Throughout the academic year, we will host professional development workshops covering a wide range of topics related to effective study abroad program oversight. We hope to see you at a future event!
Required Program Leader Workshops
All program leaders are required to attend an orientation and an emergency preparedness and response seminar. The Program Leader Orientation will provide an overview of the program planning timeline, key policies and procedures, some health & safety information, and tips for recruitment.
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar will help program leaders understand what to do in the event of an emergency on a study abroad program, cover recommendations for incident-specific responses, provide tips for limiting liability, and highlight other risk management considerations.
Program Leader Orientation
We are hosting the orientation on two different dates. Both sessions will be offered in-person (conditions permitting) and via zoom. Please choose the session that best works with your schedule.
- Friday, September 13th, 2024 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM
UH 2701 and Zoom
RSVP Here
Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar
We are hosting two sessions of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar; one in advance of spring break programs and another in advance of summer programs.
- Friday, March 7th, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 PM (program leaders of spring break programs should attend this session)
Study Abroad Office and Zoom
RSVP here - Friday, April 18th, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Study Abroad Office and Zoom
RSVP Here
Optional Workshops
- Tips for Marketing and Recruiting for Faculty-Directed Programs
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Study Abroad Office and Zoom
RSVP Here - Study Abroad & Mental Health
TBD – Early Spring 2025
Additional Professional Development Opportunities
We’re excited to share two professional development opportunities being launched by the Forum on Education Abroad for faculty members who lead study abroad programs! The Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, membership association recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the field of education abroad. UIC is a member institution.
The GLL is a community of practice where participants inquire into their instructional practices in a collaborative setting. Through community meetings as well as self-directed work between meetings, community members engage with the Standards of Good Practice, as well as evidence-based frameworks and tools on effective teaching and learning in education abroad. Participants have opportunities to apply insights gained to make tangible changes to their own programs and courses as well as benefit from formative feedback and encouragement from the community.