7 Common Myths About Planning a Faculty-Led Program

Many reasons prevent faculty from organizing a study abroad program for their students. 

Time, budget, planning and the headache of logistics are common complaints. Other professors worry the trip might not enhance or indeed supplement their curriculum.

In reality, a properly-run educational trip abroad can serve as the most memorable moment in a students’ learning. It can offer invaluable global experiences, enhance learning outcomes, and develop key skills within students that are highly desired by future employers. 

So why the hesitancy? In this blog, we confront and debunk 7 common misconceptions that deter faculty from running an education abroad program.

1. It’s impossible to find the perfect destination

You might be looking at a map, scratching your head, thinking: “Where on earth do I start?” 

You may be pondering the best place for an educational that is both enjoyable and memorable for the students. You need it to be safe, unique, include cultural relevance and, well, be fun. 

There are a few ways you can overcome the daunting task of deciding where to travel.

Firstly, check in with your study abroad office to see which destinations they’ve run in the past, especially relating to your subject. 

The office can also direct you to affiliated third-party providers who should offer a consultancy call to assess your needs and suggest a perfect destination. Quick internet searches also help. Check out insightful blogs on GoOverseas and GoAbroad.

2. It’s a headache to organize

You might think you have to arrange transportation, accommodation, meals, and other necessary logistics for the trip. That’s not to mention the activities, workshops, lectures, project or business visits, university visits etc. 

Well, in a word, yes; you will have to organize this if you run the trip yourself. 

However, a good third-party travel operator will organize everything for you. They’ll take care of all the logistics, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the adventure.

3. I’ll have to promote (a lot!) to generate student interest

One of the biggest concerns faculty mention is that they won’t meet the minimum number of students required and the trip will be canceled. All that work for nothing. 

While there is a risk with this for any trip, working with the study abroad office should ease this process. The study abroad office will be able to help promote on the university’s or college’s social media channels as well as on campus. 

Another good way to generate interest is to get students who have traveled before to present their experience to your class. 

You can also empower your students to promote. Get them to make presentations, post on social media, and create posters. You might be surprised at how much peer-to-peer promotion works!

4. It’s too expensive

The cost of the trip is a common complaint among both faculty members and students. Many faculty have to deal with limited budgets and students simply might not be able to afford it. 

We are continually astonished at the grants available in colleges and universities that faculty are simply unaware of. Again, contact the study abroad office to learn more or check out this page detailing grants for students in the US.

If you are thinking of using a third-party provider you might also be thinking: well, this is going to cost even more! In reality, experienced travel operators should have deals with local providers, cutting the price of accommodation, transport, food, etc, and saving you money. Couple this with the time saved on planning and it’s a no brainer.  

5. It’ll just be a vacation, not educational

Faculty should be concerned about running a study trip and it not bringing academic value. 

You may believe the only way to ensure your students enhance their studies is to organize and run everything yourself. A travel agency would only decrease this by offering touristy experiences, right? Maybe you are visualizing open-top tour buses, guides with big red umbrellas or long museum lines??

Well, a travel operator worth its salt (like Kagumu Adventures) should tailor an itinerary to your learning outcomes. They should ensure your students enjoy unique local activities, visit grassroots projects, take part in university workshops, meet industry experts and enjoy genuinely life-changing and unique experiences.

Choose the right operator and they should also ensure tour leaders are experts in their fields – biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, business leaders etc. This ensures total immersion with inspirational locals offering real-life perspectives on specific subjects and industries. 

6. It’s too dangerous; I am screwed if something goes wrong

Often this tops the list of concerns for many faculty. Taking care of a group of students outside of the classroom can seem like a daunting task. Faculty may be worried about dangerous new places, political unrest, insecure neighborhoods et al.

The truth is, the misconceptions about the safety of a new country are wildly overdone due to outdated reputations, overcautious travel advisories, and bad (often biased, xenophobic) media coverage. 

We believe this is one of the beauties of travel. 

It breaks down dangerous stereotypes. Travel helps students gain a better understanding of the world, other communities, cultures, ways of life.

Yes, no trip is without risk. Sure. But, there is a risk walking down the street in major US cities. A risk in driving to campus in the morning. 

Our advice is to read about a destination beforehand. Read blogs, speak with other faculty from that particular country and you’ll realize that concerns are often unfounded. 

If you choose a third-party provider (notice a pattern?) you will be able to reduce any risk of an accident as they should know the destination inside out. They will also be able to offer you thorough risk assessments, CRISIS management protocols, health insurance and liability coverage. Check out our blog detailing the best travel insurance here.

7. I won’t be able to navigate the new culture

Many faculty members believe they’ll struggle to navigate cultural differences when traveling to a foreign country. From communication barriers to differences in etiquette; faculty members are apprehensive about planning a trip to an unfamiliar country. 

But, this is the fun part, no? 

We understand this could be a challenge for faculty, especially the language barrier. 

However, the study abroad office is once again there to help and the truth is; you’ll be able to navigate cultural barriers and new languages with the local providers you choose.

If you collaborate with a local university they will have English-speaking staff, the same goes for local providers and local tour groups. 

Without a doubt the thought of planning a program for your students can feel daunting. But many of the concerns can be easily overcome and exceptional local operators and helpful study abroad offices.

Want to start planning a program for your students, contact one of Kagumu’s expert team today.