Site Visit Questionnaire - International Programs



Site Visit Questionnaire

Location

▪ Describe the host city (e.g., population, geography, primary industries/businesses, cultural resources):

Program Site

▪ Where is the program based? (e.g., local university, language institute, free-standing study abroad program)

▪ Describe the institution and its facilities (public/private, old/new, location within city):

▪ Who are the other students – host country nationals, other foreigners, other Americans?

▪ How does this institution fit into the system of higher education in the host country?

▪ How does this institution compare with other similar institutions (e.g., educational level and reputation of faculty, facilities, scope of courses taught)?

Administrative Oversight

▪ Are staff available to assist with program administration? If so, please describe the positions, including responsibilities, hours available weekly and other non-program-related assignments.

▪ Is there a program office?

▪ What equipment and services are available to our program? Please provide as detailed information as possible.

▪ Telephone

▪ Computers

▪ Internet and E-mail access

▪ Fax machine

▪ Photocopy machine

▪ Library

▪ Meeting room

▪ Lounge

▪ Instructional equipment: VCR, overhead projector

▪ Is there an International Student Office at the host institution? If so, what services can it provide for our students?

Academic Information

▪ In what language(s) are courses taught?

▪ Are students integrated in the regular degree courses of the host institution or in special classes organized for foreigners or study abroad program participants?

▪ What subjects and/or disciplines are available to our students?

▪ Who teaches the courses? What are their credentials?

▪ What fields of study are most highly recommended for our students?

▪ Does the institution have a web page with on-line course descriptions?

▪ How are courses structured (e.g., lectures, seminars, studios,)?

▪ How many contact hours does a typical course have? How are units of credit assigned to courses (e.g., based upon contact hours, weighted by importance to degree program)?

▪ What is an average full-time course load?

▪ Are library resources adequate for the purposes of our program?

▪ Does the class experience make effective use of the location?

▪ Is the academic program designed to enhance students’ understanding of and engagement in the social, political and cultural life of the host country?

▪ Are internships available?

Grading System

▪ What grading scale is used?

▪ What is the percentage breakdown for grades awarded (percentage receiving “A” or equivalent, “B” or equivalent, etc.)?

▪ Which methods are used to assess student performance: homework, group project, final paper, final exam, oral presentation, etc.? How frequently is students’ work assessed?

Program Calendar

▪ What are the approximate dates of the program?

▪ Are there any significant holidays or vacation periods while the program is in session?

▪ Do students have to vacate their lodgings during breaks?

▪ What withdrawal policies are enforced by the host institution?

Housing and Meals

▪ What housing options are available, e.g., residence halls or dorms; apartments; boarder in a private home; family homestay?

▪ What are the costs of housing?

▪ How/to whom are housing payments made?

▪ How far is housing from classes?

▪ Do students have single or shared bedrooms?

▪ Are utilities included in the cost, or an added expense? If added, what are typical monthly utility rates?

▪ What access to a telephone is available through the living arrangements?

▪ How are meals provided?

▪ Do students have access to cooking facilities where they can prepare their own meals?

▪ Are there student cafeterias or other low-cost restaurants nearby?

▪ Are there grocery stores nearby?

▪ If not included in the housing cost, how much will meals cost? (Please provide specific information, e.g., the cost of a meal in the student cafeteria, the estimated cost of groceries etc.)

On-site Orientation

▪ Who arranges and conducts on-site orientation?

▪ How long is it?

▪ What topics are covered in orientation sessions?

▪ Is an intensive language course offered as part of the orientation? If so, how many hours per day for how many days/weeks?

▪ Are there excursions or cultural activities included in the orientation program?

Communications

▪ Do student have e-mail access?

▪ Do students have access to computers and printers?

▪ Do students need computers to produce written work or are handwritten papers acceptable?

▪ How should students anticipate having phone access (e.g., cell phone rental, public phones using telephone cards)?

▪ What are the potential challenges of phoning home from the program site or vice-versa?

▪ How reliable is the host country mail system? How long (on average) does it take a letter mailed from the U.S. to arrive? How long does a letter mailed to the U.S. take to arrive? Is it advisable to send packages (in either direction)?

Transportation

▪ How should students travel to the program site?

▪ Is someone available to meet students upon arrival? If so, under what circumstances?

▪ What local public transportation is available? What does it cost? How accessible is it?

▪ Are student discounts available?

▪ Is it advisable for students to ride bicycles? If so, should they bring a bike or plan to rent or purchase one once abroad?

Financial Considerations

▪ What local costs (tuition, housing, administrative) can we expect to be charged?

▪ How does the cost of living compare to Iowa City?

▪ What items or services seem to be more expensive in the host country? What seem to be less expensive?

▪ What forms of payment are commonly used for routine purchases: cash, credit card, debit card, personal checks?

▪ How should our students plan to take funds abroad? How can they obtain funds while abroad?

▪ Is opening a local bank account recommended?

▪ Is there a travel agency with financial services (e.g., American Express, Thomas Cook) in the host city?

Social Integration

▪ What are the best ways to meet local students?

▪ Are there student clubs or activities in which our students can participate?

▪ What athletic facilities and organizations are available to our students?

▪ Would our students have volunteer or service-learning opportunities?

▪ How can our students expect to be received by locals?

▪ What additional challenges might be faced by students who are

racial or ethnic minorities?

Female?

GLBT?

religiously devout?

non-traditional/older students?

vegetarian/vegan?

Other?

Health Care

▪ What type of health care system does the host country have? Is health care easily accessible? How do costs compare with those in the U.S.

▪ What specific health issues should students going to this country be aware of?

▪ What health care facilities are available to our students?

▪ What mental health/counseling services are available to our students?

▪ Is it possible to obtain a list of English-speaking doctors, dentists and mental health professionals?

▪ What access do our students have to common over-the-country and prescription drugs and to contraception devices?

Access for Students with Disabilities

▪ What is the general cultural response to persons with disabilities?

▪ Can a student who uses a wheelchair expect to get around reasonably well?

▪ Are sign language interpreters available for students who are hearing-impaired?

▪ Is assistance available for students who are visually or physically impaired?

▪ Does the host institution recognize learning disabilities? Can accommodations be provided for students with diagnosed learning disabilities?

▪ Is there a disability services office or coordinator at the host institution? If not, what local resources for persons with disabilities would be available?

Personal Safety

▪ What safety issues do students need to be aware of in the host country?

▪ Are there special concerns for women?

▪ What are the customs and laws governing use of alcohol and recreational drugs?

Immigration Information

▪ What type of visa is required? How is it obtained?

▪ How difficult is it to extend or change visa type?

▪ Are students required to leave the country immediately after their programs ends?

▪ Are U.S. students allowed to work?

Recommended Reading List

▪ What books or articles should be on a list of essential reading for a student going to the host country?

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