PanSIG 2025

Creating a New Study Abroad Program: Challenges, Pitfalls, and Advice

18 May 2025, 12:30

25m

BLDG 8/1F-113 (Kanda University of International Studies (神田外語大学))

Practice-oriented Oral Face-to-face presentation Study Abroad B8-113 SAT: Task-Based Learning, GILE & PIE; SUN: Study Abroad, Vocabulary

Speaker

Thomas Legge (Momoyama Gakuin University)

KEYWORDS

study abroad
university
program

ABSTRACT

Designing a new study abroad program is an exciting and creative pursuit, but comes with a whole host of challenges and potential pitfalls. Over the last five years, the presenter has visited over 20 schools in four different countries in order to set up new university study abroad programs. In this presentation, they draw upon this experience to highlight the essential steps in creating a successful program, from prospecting and visiting schools to selecting the destination and establishing partnerships. They will discuss how to manage logistics, cultural considerations, student engagement, and internal and external stakeholders. Finally, they will talk about how to advertise your program and recruit students (especially in a time of relative financial uncertainty in Japan), and how to learn from the experiences of staff and students to make modifications and improvements for the future. This presentation is relevant to anyone with an interest in study abroad.