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

  • Friday, September 26th, 2025 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM
    UH 2701 or Zoom
    RSVP to Kyle Rausch – kcrausch@uic.edu

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 6th, 2026 – 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 20th, 2026 – 1:00 to 2:30 PM
    Study Abroad Office and Zoom
    RSVP Here

Optional Workshops

  • Tips for Marketing and Recruiting for Faculty-Directed Programs
    Friday, October 23rd, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 PM
    Study Abroad Office and Zoom
    View a Recording Here
  • Tips for Marketing and Recruiting for Faculty-Directed Programs
    Friday, February 27th, 2026 – 1:00 to 2:30 PM
    Zoom Only
    RSVP Here

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 Forum on Education Abroad – Global Learning Launchpad (GLL): A learning community for short-term faculty-led program directors

The Global Learning Launchpad (GLL) is a signature program offered by The Forum on Education Abroad, of which UIC is a member. The Forum is the standards-setting body for the field of education abroad as set by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. GLL is devoted to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in faculty-directed study abroad programs, to aid faculty in community-building across institutional settings and support their growth as educators, professionals and scholarly practitioners.
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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.

Learn More!