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Frequently asked questions
about summer study abroad
Program structure
Oversight and staffing
Credit and academic fit
Costs and payment
Application and participation
Safety
Insurance
Communication and telephone info
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
How are summer study abroad programs different from semester study abroad programs?
Summer study abroad programs are taught by Northwestern professors, last approximately four weeks, and are designed specifically for NWC students. By contrast, semester study abroad programs—with the exception of Northwestern's Romania Semester program—are offered through organizations such as the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) or other colleges, are taught by non-Northwestern College faculty, and enroll students from other colleges and universities throughout the United States and/or world.
How long are summer study abroad programs?
Most programs are around four weeks in length. Some are on-site for three weeks but have a three- to six-day pre-trip seminar/orientation on campus prior to departing for the international destination. Other programs meet informally the semester prior to departing and then spend four weeks in-country.
Are these mission programs? Will I be doing missions work?
No. Northwestern College summer study abroad programs are academic, educational, for-credit experiences—not mission projects. Study abroad programs focus on broadening students’ worldview through immersion in and academic exploration of a different culture. Some programs may include service-learning opportunities, but the focus is still that of a guided learning and immersion experience. The summer study abroad office does not sponsor nor coordinate fundraising activities to help participants cover the cost of program fees. Payment of program fees remains the responsibility of the participant. (Students interested in summer mission experiences can apply to participate in NWC’s Summer of Service program through the campus ministry office.)
Are these tourist trips?
No. All programs are put through a rigorous proposal process and must be approved by the college’s Academic Affairs Committee. While students will be traveling to unique and wonderful places, the programs are first and foremost academic programs offered for credit. The classroom may be different—an 18th-century castle, art museum, orphanage or ancient ruins—but the objective is to learn through immersion and reflection. Participants will experience and explore different cultures, both to gain an understanding of the new culture, but also to use this knowledge to reflect on their own culture and, thus, their own identity. Study abroad programs are often considered life-changing experiences that expand one’s understanding of the world and of oneself.
Are these programs offered only in the summer?
Generally, yes. However, there are times when a program cannot be offered during the summer because of weather or climate considerations. The Oman study abroad program is one example of a program that runs during Christmas break because it is too hot during summer to study in Oman.
Exactly when a program is scheduled in the summer depends on the faculty leader and the on-site organization. Some programs leave shortly after finals in May and return in early to mid-June, while others take place in June or July. In most cases, we try to have programs return no later than early August in order to allow students some time to re-adjust and rest prior to beginning the fall semester.
Will I be studying at a school or university in the country I visit?
Generally, no. For the most part, participants in NWC summer study abroad programs will be studying with the group in a more non-traditional way. While there will be some regular class time on-site, we consider the country being visited, families being lived with and program activities all part of the study abroad classroom. For some programs, students will be enrolled at a regular language institute, but this is not the norm. Classroom space may be a meeting room at the housing facility, a classroom in a church, or the living room of the faculty leader. The exact structure will vary for each program.
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OVERSIGHT AND STAFFING
Who leads the programs? Do I have to travel alone?
Northwestern College faculty members lead all programs and are intimately involved with all program details. Generally, program participants will travel as a group to and from the program site with the faculty leaders.
Past and prospective academic departments that have run or plan to create summer study abroad programs include biology, business, computer science, education, English, foreign languages, history, music, psychology, religion, sociology and theatre, as well as the service-learning office.
Who oversees the programs? How is Northwestern College involved?
A variety of Northwestern College offices and personnel are intimately involved with every short-term NWC faculty-led program.
The faculty leader takes the lead on all course and on-site details but works very closely with the Summer Study Abroad Office (SSAO), which oversees the administration of the programs from development through implementation and participants’ return to campus. The SSAO also creates and enforces program policies that consider both Northwestern College requirements and the professional standards of the international education field.
The health and safety of all faculty leaders and program participants are a top priority for NWC. The college has established the Risk Assessment Team (RAT), an active, on-going committee made up of key members of the NWC staff and faculty, which must approve all off-campus program locations. In cases of on-site emergencies or crises, this is the committee that would oversee the situation and determine any necessary steps.
The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) is responsible for ensuring that the courses have academic integrity and meet the requirements for cross-cultural credit. All program courses must be approved by this committee, which is made up of faculty members, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the college registrar and select students.
The Vice President for Financial Affairs (VPFA) approves all program budgets and determines tuition fees. The VPFA approves budgets at three separate stages to ensure that program fees are kept as low as possible. The VPFA ensures that budgets are realistic and reasonable. Final program fees are determined by the faculty leader, the SSAO and the VPFA.
In general, the faculty leader:
- Creates the syllabus and oversees the course details
- Develops and oversees the budget (in conjunction with the SSAO) and on-site expenses and accounting
- Serves as the contact person with all on-site personnel and organizations
- Makes all on-site arrangements (with assistance from SSAO as needed)
- Recruits and advises students
- Teaches the on-site and pre-trip seminar portions of the course
- Evaluates students and submits grades
- Serves as the main contact person for students and staff while on-site
In general, the Summer Study Abroad Office:
- Works closely with each faculty leader in developing enriching, engaging, academic and financially sound study abroad experiences
- Serves as a liaison between the faculty and the college administration, financial aid, Risk Assessment Team, Academic Affairs Committee and business office
- Creates and administrates all of the program application, acceptance and general orientation materials and presentations
- Ensures the programs abide by the college’s travel procedures and policies
- Develops program policies and procedures
- Serves as an on-campus advocate for summer study abroad
- Encourages faculty and students to participate through a variety of promotional and training efforts
- Makes travel arrangements and administrates the international insurance
- Oversees the summer study abroad website and creates promotion materials
- Provides pre-departure and re-entry orientations and training for students
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CREDIT AND ACADEMIC FIT
Will I receive credit?
Yes. All programs are offered for credit. Normally programs will carry four or six credits that will fulfill a student’s general education cross-cultural requirements. Some programs may allow students to apply the credits to major or minor elective requirements. Program credits and grades will be recorded on a student’s NWC transcript. Summer study abroad programs can not be audited.
How do these programs fit into the academic program?
For the most part, all NWC summer study abroad programs will fulfill a student’s general education cross-cultural requirement. For some programs, students may also apply the credits to their major electives.
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COSTS AND PAYMENT
How much will it cost?
Program fees for the programs will vary, depending on location, duration, number of credits and number of students. All program fees are based on tuition (based on the summer school rate at a half-off discount) and direct program costs only. Students may be eligible for additional financial aid (in the form of loans) depending on their individual financial aid packages. Interested students and parents should contact the NWC financial aid office for more information.
What is covered?
For the most part, the program fee will cover all of a student’s main expenses. This usually includes tuition, domestic and international airfare, housing, meals, in-country transportation, visa fees, international insurance, and excursion, museum and other entry fees. Items that aren't generally covered include books, passport and photos, international phone cards or cell phones, housing on-campus during summer (for pre-trip seminar days), and individual spending money. Complete details of what is and isn't covered are included in the program brochures and on the website. Changes will be communicated to students in a timely manner.
Is this a good deal?
Yes! To do the same type of experience on one’s own—three to four weeks in another country with guided excursions, faculty leadership and expertise—will cost you about the same if not more. And you would have to deal with all the arrangements. Factor in that you’re also getting college credit and participating in an amazing learning opportunity, and we think you’ll find these experiences are more than worth the money they cost. In addition, access to low-interest loan money makes the college years an attractive time to study abroad, not to mention the fact that, given the increasing globalization of the world and business, a study abroad experience is a perfect complement to any academic major.
An analysis of what it costs to live on campus while taking four credits shows a study abroad experience is comparable in price.
Will there be fund-raising expectations to help cover the program fees?
No. Northwestern College summer study abroad programs are academic, educational, for-credit experiences, not mission projects. These programs are for-credit opportunities that focus on broadening students’ worldview through immersion in and academic exploration of a different culture. Therefore, the Northwestern College summer study abroad office does not sponsor nor coordinate fundraising activities to help participants cover the cost of program fees. Payment of program fees is the responsibility of the participant.
Does Northwestern’s tuition waiver policy for employees and their dependents apply to summer study abroad courses?
Yes. Eligible employees and their dependents may use the tuition waiver for the tuition amount only of the summer study abroad program fee. (See the staff and faculty handbooks for more information.) Tuition waivers may not be used for the $250 deposit.
Eligible students should see Dr. Doug Carlson, associate dean for off-campus programs, for more details.
Are there any application fees?
No.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes. After applying, accepted students will receive an acceptance packet. In confirming your participation, you will need to sign and return some forms and pay a nonrefundable $250 deposit. The deposit paid will be applied to the final program fee. Tuition waivers may not be used for the $250 deposit.
What is the payment deadline?
For all summer study abroad programs, the payment deadline is May 1 prior to departure. In all cases, program fees must be paid in full by this date, even if the fee is to be covered by a loan. For the study abroad in Oman program, the payment deadline for the program fee is December 1, although the airfare amount will be required during the August prior to departure.
To whom do I write the check?
Checks should be made out to Northwestern College. Please be sure to put the program name and student name in the memo area to ensure the funds are credited properly. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at the NWC business office.
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APPLICATION AND PARTICIPATION
Who should participate?
We think an off-campus experience is something all students should consider during their time at NWC. We also encourage NWC staff and faculty to participate. To date, there have been several staff and faculty who have participated in a number of programs.
What are the requirements for studying abroad? Who can apply?
Generally, NWC students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (or with the consent of the faculty leader) are eligible to apply. Some programs have language requirements as well. Northwestern College summer study abroad programs are also available to non-NWC students on a space-available basis.
Where can I find an application?
Applications and specific program information can be found on-line at www.nwciowa.edu/summerstudyabroad in the specific information about each summer study abroad program. For questions or more information, you are welcome to contact the faculty leader or Dr. Doug Carlson, associate dean for off-campus programs.
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SAFETY
Are the programs safe?
The health and safety of all faculty leaders and program participants are a top priority for NWC. The college has established the Risk Assessment Team, an active, on-going committee made up of key members of NWC’s faculty and staff, which must approve all off-campus program locations. In cases of on-site emergencies or crises, committee members would oversee the situation and determine any necessary steps.
While no one can guarantee anyone’s safety 100 percent, the college, the summer study abroad office and the Risk Assessment Team will do all they can to ensure the safety of the students, faculty leader and others involved. The college subscribes to various safety and security tracking services in monitoring countries of interest. The college gives major consideration to State Department travel warnings and will not allow travel to areas covered by current warnings. The Risk Assessment Team has laid out a series of policies and procedures and requires all summer study abroad programs to have contingency and emergency meeting and evacuation plans.
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INSURANCE
Will I have international insurance coverage?
Participants are required to enroll in an international insurance plan as determined by the SSAO and NWC. Cost of this insurance is included in the program fee. This insurance will cover, but is not limited to, basic health coverage, medical evacuation coverage and repatriation coverage. Generally, travel insurance—or insurance that covers disruption to or cancellation of travel, lost baggage, etc.—is not provided. Participants who desire this type of coverage will need to obtain it on their own.
Do I need to keep my regular insurance?
Yes. Because the type of coverage that is required is specifically designed for international travel and generally does not cover students while they are in the U.S. or pre-existing conditions, participants are required to have and maintain health coverage in the U.S. for the duration of the program until their return to the U.S.
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COMMUNICATION AND TELEPHONE INFO
How can my family contact me on-site? Will I have a phone?
Contact information will vary by program. Generally, students will be able to give their parents and family members a number at which they can be contacted. They will also have access to local, public phones from which they can call home. E-mail is also more readily available, even from remote sites, and you may find that is a great way to stay in contact. Participants will not be provided with international cell phones, although they are welcome to purchase or rent one on their own.
All faculty leaders are provided with international cell phones so that they are reachable in cases of emergency and have a means of communication at all times. These numbers are not to be used for regular communication between parents and students, however. In addition, faculty leaders maintain contact with NWC during the program on a weekly or more frequent basis.
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Do you have questions that were not addressed here? Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Doug Carlson, associate dean for off-campus programs, at 712-707-7055.
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