Running a Successful Program Abroad

Presented by Robert Dowden�Director of International Programs��The Office of Global Strategies - CUAbroad

The Catholic University of America

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Responsibilities Prior to Departure

1. Market and Recruit for the Program
2. Attend the Overseas Program Leader Training + Review Resources
3. Conduct a Pre-Departure Orientation for Students
4. Finalize Contract + Plan for Payments and Reimbursements

Pre-Departure Orientation: Topics to Address

• Program Expectations
• Itinerary, Daily Schedule, and Travel Arrangements
• Academic Expectations
• Behavior and Attendance
• Culture and Cultural Norms for Host Location�
• Health & Safety
• Insurance
• Immunizations, Medications
• Emergency Protocol, Important Contact Information
• General Safety Advice (Alcohol, Pickpocketing, etc.)

Pre-Departure Orientation: Topics to Address (cont’d)

• Accommodations
• Location
• Amenities (Laundry, Linens, Meal Planning)

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• Cell Phones & International SIM cards
• Packing
• Money Matters
• Exchange Rates
• Expected On-Site Costs
• Credit & Debit Cards, Local Currency

Documents to Bring

• Folder or binder with:
• Envelope for Receipts
• Itinerary
• Important Contacts
• Insurance Cards and Information
• Student Medical Information
• Student Phone Numbers

Accessing Student Information Online

1. Request Administrative Access in Cardinal GoAbroad.
2. Go to Cardinal GoAbroad
3. Sign in with CatholicU Network ID and Password
4. Click ‘Applicants,’ then ‘Search.’ (Black Bar at the Top)
5. Select Application.
6. Click on ‘Questionnaires’ and ‘Profile’ Tab to View Student Information:
• Passport
• Flight Itinerary
• Health Form
• Emergency Contact

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Responsibilities While Abroad

1. Teach, Lead, or Direct Program Activities!
2. Resolve and Document any Incidents or Emergencies
3. Maintain Financial Records

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Crisis Management Protocol

1. Remove Participants from Danger�
2. Contact Responsible Authorities to Address the Situation
• Call police, medical personnel, US Embassy, as appropriate�
3. Call Public Safety at 001-202-319-5111 with a Request to Notify OGS

Monitoring Student Wellness

Signs and Symptoms of Distress

• Appearance
• Changes in hygiene, clothing, weight, swollen eyes �
• Behavioral Markers
• Tardy, Tired, Apathetic, Stressed, Withdrawn, Anxious/Moody, Self-Destructive�
• Interpersonal Markers
• Overly-Dependent, Poor Boundaries, Complaints from Peers, Disruptive

What Not To Do

• Ignore the Issue or Behavior

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• Promise Privacy

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• Assume the Student is Aware of Your Concerns

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• Offer More Help than You are Willing or Qualified to Provide

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• Avoid Support and Consultation with Peers, Other Leaders, or Staff

Responsibilities Upon Return

• Submit Grades
• File Expense Report within 10 Days
• Review Program Evaluations
• Submit a Program Report
• Start Planning for Next Year!

CUAbroad Contact Information

• Webpages:

CUAbroad Home Page

CUAbroad Program Director Page

• Email:

CUAbroad: global-strategies@cua.edu

Robert Dowden: dowden@cua.edu

Duilia Demello: demello@cua.edu

• Phone:

CUAbroad: (202) 319-6010

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