From a podcast interview with Jon Stauff, a seasoned higher education professional with extensive international education experience and a Ph.D. in modern European history.

“At times, we give faculty and study abroad a bad reputation. We fail to appreciate the gift of time and energy they’re giving us. Without that gift, study abroad or international education offices have little reason to exist. It's the faculty that make things possible.”

Introduction

The pivotal role of faculty in international education is often underestimated but is integral to the success of study abroad programs. Faculty members impart their expertise and assume multiple responsibilities to craft transformative learning experiences for students. Recognizing and supporting these efforts is essential for international education offices.

Jon Stauff, an experienced professional in international education, shares his insights about balancing safety and security measures with enriching educational experiences. This episode delves into the significant contributions of faculty and the importance of institutional support in maximizing the benefits of international education.

Key Takeaways

• Faculty members leading study abroad programs assume multiple roles and responsibilities, including handling conduct issues, student complaints, and emergencies.
• International education offices should appreciate and respect the skills and expertise that faculty members bring to the table.
• Balancing safety and security concerns with the learning experience is crucial in study abroad programs.
• Faculty members are vital in making study abroad experiences possible and should be supported and honored for their contributions.
• The ultimate goal of study abroad programs is to provide students with transformative learning experiences.

The Challenges Faced by Faculty

Faculty members who lead study abroad programs find themselves in a unique position where they have to navigate various responsibilities beyond their academic expertise. Jon Stauff highlights that faculty members become the infirmary, treasurer, and student affairs office abroad. They are the ones who have to handle medical emergencies, financial matters, and student conflicts. This added responsibility can be overwhelming, especially when faculty members are not adequately supported by the international education office.

Jon emphasizes the need for international educators to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by faculty members. While they may not have the same classroom experience, faculty members bring a wealth of practical skills and expertise to the table. Their diverse backgrounds, whether it be a PhD in a specific field or experience as a Peace Corps volunteer, contribute to the overall success of the study abroad program. International education offices must honor and respect the unique contributions that faculty members bring rather than viewing them as challenging or difficult.

Striking the Right Balance

While ensuring the safety and security of students is of utmost importance, it is equally vital to prioritize the learning experience. International education offices often focus on providing standards of good practice and training for immigration counseling, sometimes losing sight of the primary goal: the transformative learning experience for students. Faculty members play a pivotal role in creating this experience, and it is essential to strike the right balance between safety and security measures and the overall learning experience.

Jon acknowledges that there will be tough conversations and difficult moments when trying to find this balance. However, it is crucial to remember that the faculty member’s leadership makes the study abroad program possible. International education offices would not have a reason to exist without their dedication and expertise. Therefore, it is essential to support faculty members in their quest to provide students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience.

The Impact on Student Outcomes

At the heart of international education is the desire to provide students with transformative experiences that broaden their horizons and shape their future. Faculty members play a critical role in making this possible. They are the ones who guide students through unfamiliar environments, challenge their perspectives, and facilitate meaningful interactions with the local culture.

Jon highlights the joy and satisfaction that come from witnessing the impact of faculty-led study abroad programs on students. When students return from their experiences abroad, they are often excited and cannot stop talking about their experiences. This positive outcome is a testament to the faculty members’ leadership and the support provided by the international education office.

Conclusion

The undervalued role of faculty in international education cannot be overstated. Faculty members take on multiple responsibilities and bring their expertise and practical skills to create transformative student learning experiences. International education offices must recognize and support faculty members in their endeavors, balancing safety and security measures and the overall learning experience. By doing so, we can ensure that study abroad programs continue to profoundly impact students' lives and contribute to their personal and academic growth.

To catch the full interview with Jon, CLICK HERE.