Program Overview

(A) Provide a brief rationale for choosing this particular partner institution to expand your college's education abroad portfolio. How will working with this partner institution enhance your college's portfolio and address student needs (academic, financial, professional, etc.)? Will this new program compete with existing education abroad offerings in the MSU portfolio? If yes, how? If no, explain.

(B) Provide a brief description of the partner institution.
i. Name
ii. Location (map)
iii. Demographics
iv. Quality of the institution
v. Host institution admission criteria and process (e.g., host institution required GPA, acceptance process, etc.)
vi. Host institution administrative and academic contacts
vii. Student housing and meals
viii. Availability of daily shopping
ix. Availability of public transportation
x. Student services and facilities (e.g., on-site/arrival orientation; on-site academic and general advising; counseling services; libraries, computer centers, sports/recreational facilities; etc.)

(C) Provide information about:

i. Who will serve as the main college contact for this relationship
ii. Who will serve as faculty of record - academically and administratively
iii. The estimated likely student enrollment on this program
iv. Who will recruit students
v. What efforts will be made to attract a diverse student body
vi. Who will review and approve student applications
vii. What minimum requirements students must in order to be eligible (e.g., class standing, GPA, course pre-requisites, foreign language requirements, etc.)

(D) Describe how students will be prepared/oriented for the program and what, if any, post-program follow-up will be available to them (e.g., program reunion, reflective “unpacking” workshops, etc.)

(E) Briefly describe how the department/college will evaluate this program to determine whether or not to continue with them for the next year. Who will conduct this evaluation for the college (in collaboration with Education Abroad?)

(F) Explain all health, safety, and security precautions (see Health, Safety, and Security tab above)

Health, Safety, and Security

Special Instructions for Addressing Health, Safety, and Security

Risk management is a crucial component in our review of program proposals. The Office of International Health and Safety (OIHS) is happy to assist program directors in developing thorough health, safety, and security program protocols so do not hesitate to reach out to them (oihs(at)msu.edu or 517-884-9419).

Program directors must complete a Critical Incident Management Seminar (formerly called the Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar – or EP&R) before leading a program for the first time and then at least every two years. More information on these seminars and other important tips for program directors may be found on the OIHS website.

1. Safety and Security
Program proposals must demonstrate the director's clear understanding of the risk environment and must detail appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Many risks can be mitigated through thoughtful program design, pre-departure education, and consulting local sources.

For each category below, identify any risks that may impact your program and the strategies your program will undertake to mitigate these risks:

a) Terrorism
b) Civil unrest
c) Crime/criminal activity
d) Natural disasters
e) Other

2. Health
Program leadership must be aware that there may be health issues that arise during the program, and should be prepared to handle student, faculty, or staff health issues.

Identify the risks and mitigation strategies for:

a) Public health risks including but not limited to: water drinkability, food safety, and air pollution
b) Access to medical care (e.g. nearest local health center/hospital with appropriate standard of care -email oihs(at)msu.edu for assistance)

3. Program Activities
It is also important to consider risk as it may relate to the program activities. In this section, please offer the following:

a) A detailed program itinerary that describes the locations and activities the program will undertake. Relevant information includes vendors that will be contracted. We understand that your program itinerary may change but request an overview of what you expect your program will look like.

b) A description of any water safety concerns and mitigation strategies (e.g. swimming, snorkeling, water sports etc.).

c) Maps of program activity locations.

d) Physical requirements for participation in the program. Keep in mind that students with physical disabilities and/or pre-existing physical and mental health conditions may be interested in participating in your program.

• Regular: involves similar activities to those on campus. Moderate level of walking expected. Should not create any unusual physical demands.
• Strenuous: Involves traveling that includes carrying luggage and may include frequent use of public transportation. Includes one or more required physical activities that contribute to the academic goals of the program.
• Very strenuous: Involves regular, constant and demanding physical activity necessary for full participation in the program. Above average physical fitness required.

4. Local Support and Resources
Strong local support can be crucial in ensuring your program is healthy, safe, and well managed. Your program proposal must include:

a) An overview of on-site contacts that your participants and MSU can connect with while your program is running.

b) A description of the types of transportation you will be using throughout your program. This may include modes of public transportation, contracted vendors, etc.

c) Contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in each location your program will be visiting.