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Instructor Permission and Student Eligibility for Enrollment in GEA 2952-Globalization- Study Abroad Experience

Course Description: This course, in collaboration with PBSC Study Abroad programs, provides a robust academic framework for international study. Through pre-departure activities, immersive experiences, and reflective sessions, students will gain essential strategies for intercultural engagement. They will explore how geographical factors influence cultural and environmental interactions, enhancing their adaptability, cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills. Engagement with local communities will refine their analytical and leadership abilities. The course also examines the impact of scientific advancements on global societies and the intersections between geographic and cultural understanding in students’ fields of study. Ultimately, students will develop global leadership skills, preparing them to innovate in diverse, international contexts. 

Total Credit: 1

Repeatable: 3 times

Delivery Method: In person, Online, Hybrid, Live Online

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Geographical Literacy and Impact: Students will develop an understanding of geographical factors and their impact on cultural, economic, and environmental interactions, enhancing their geographical literacy and navigation abilities.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Students will enhance their adaptability and resilience by navigating and overcoming challenges in unfamiliar environments and develop the ability to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives.
  • Cultural Understanding and Interaction: Students will gain a deeper understanding of various cultures and their unique environments, developing confidence in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating meaningful connections with local communities.
  • Analytical and Leadership Skills: Students will refine their analytical and leadership skills through critical thinking and exposure to diverse viewpoints, recognizing the intersections between cultural understanding and their chosen fields of study.
  • Scientific and Technological Impact: Students will explore the impact of scientific advancements on global societies, understanding how innovations in science and technology influence cultural, economic, and/or environmental development.

Purpose: To establish guidelines for student enrollment in the 1-credit GEA 2952: Globalization – Study Abroad Experience course associated with a standard academic course, and to ensure that participating faculty members have a prior relationship with the students they will lead on a study abroad program. Additionally, to define the eligibility criteria for students who wish to participate in a Study Abroad Program, with preference given to those enrolled in associated academic courses.

The Program Director of Education Abroad is responsible for creating the GEA 2952 course in Workday and for assigning the designated Group Lead(s) to manage it. PBSC Online's Instructional Design Team will then copy and populate the certified GEA 2952 course template, which focuses exclusively on study abroad logistical matters. It is the responsibility of the Group Lead(s) to supplement this content with additional materials that align with their academic discipline and enhance the overall study abroad experience.

Please note that GEA 2952 is a 1-credit course, and its content should be carefully crafted and optimized for a 1-2 week experience. Instructors should thoughtfully design assignments, reflections, video posts, and other submissions to ensure they are appropriate for this condensed timeline. While the GEA 2952 course will be provided as a template, instructors are welcome to utilize it as-is or customize it to best meet the needs of their program.

Procedures Guidelines:

Instructor Approval Required:

  • Enrollment in the 1-credit GEA 2952 course requires permission from the instructor of the associated Study Abroad Program course. Instructors have the discretion to approve or deny a student's request to enroll based on their familiarity with the student.

Eligibility for Enrollment:

  1. Instructors may approve students currently enrolled in their associated Study Abroad Program course.
  2. Instructors also have the flexibility to approve students who have previously taken the same course with them within the past 4 semesters. For example, if a student took LIT 1000 with the instructor four semesters ago and wishes to participate in the GEA 2952 course, the instructor may grant permission at their discretion.

 

 

 

Eligibility for Students Not Enrolled in the Corresponding 3-Credit Academic Course:

  • Priority Enrollment:
    Students enrolled in the designated academic course(s) associated with the Study Abroad Program will receive priority for participation.
  • Program Capacity:
    Admission into the program requires “Instructor Approval.” Group Leads are not obligated to admit or approve applicants who are not enrolled in the corresponding academic course(s) associated with the program.

Additional Student Eligibility Provisions

If program capacity allows, Group Leads may extend the opportunity to any current and active PBSC student who meets the following criteria:

  1. References:
    • Students must provide three references:
      • One reference must be from a PBSC professor or staff member.
      • The other two references may be from PBSC faculty/staff, an employer, or a community leader.
  2. Meet & Greet:
    • Students are required to participate in a brief “Meet & Greet” session with at least one Group Lead.
    • Students’ contact information will be shared with a Group Lead, who will reach out to schedule this meeting.
  3. Course Enrollment:
    • Students must enroll in the elective 1-credit Study Abroad Experience course.
    • Enrollment will be facilitated by the Office of International Education.
  4. Academic Performance:
    • Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
    • A copy of the student’s unofficial transcript must be uploaded as part of the application process.

Violation Consequences:
If a Group Lead is found to have breached this procedure by enrolling students in the GEA 2952: Globalization – Study Abroad Experience course without proper approval or by including ineligible students, they will be removed from their Group Lead role for the current trip and will be ineligible to serve as a Group Lead for any Study Abroad programs for the next two academic years.