In 2014, ISA’s Custom Programs division celebrated its 15th year in service to U.S. universities for their faculty-led and partnerships study abroad programming. Join us for this series of 15 things as you imagine, develop, and implement your own custom programs abroad.
1. Post ISA’s program flyers in pre-approved designated locations on your campus and utilize ISA Graphics to design images for digital screens in student unions and other gathering places.
2. Set up a time to talk briefly with classes that deal with subjects related to your program themes — Custom Programs cover a whole host of topics and are not just for language students! Don’t forget to talk to your colleagues and ask to present in their classes, too.
3. Organize a themed event on campus; for instance, if you’re taking a group to Spain, show the movie Volver and offer tapas or paella.
4. And make sure to involve student organizations! Have campus clubs host you, or invite them to co-host your event.
5. In fact, also ask to announce at weekly meetings for student organizations and Greek life.
6. Host a Q&A panel of past study abroad participants and international students from the host country if possible.
7. Write a short article about the program, highlighting all the important information (location, dates, price, academics and activities), and post it in as many places as possible. Try:
- Student and local newspapers
- Faculty newsletters
- Websites (school and/or department)
- School-affiliated Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or other social-networking accounts
- University email lists
8. Set up an informational table next to the cafeteria during lunch hours (make sure to check with your school about rules regarding this).
9. Get an interview on campus radio.
10. Chalk sidewalks – or offer extra credit for students to do it for you!
11. Write on classroom whiteboards – in the corners where other faculty won’t be bothered by the announcement.
12. Make table tents for campus dining halls.
13. Put a screensaver into rotation at the campus computer labs.
14.Work with your on-campus bookstore to create a display to promote guidebooks to the country or region where your program is located [and put up a poster!].
15. Liaise with your ISA Rep and your campus ISA Global Ambassadors to help with any or all of the initiatives above!
Learn more about ISA Custom Programs.
To get started planning your own custom program, contact us at CP@studiesabroad.com
