Study Abroad Providers

LEARNING CONTENT

Faculty-led study abroad programs are required to ccollaborate with an approved and vetted study abroad program provider. These service providers assist both the study abroad staff and faculty in logistics, academics, student services, and crisis management.   

Proposal and Planning process:  

• Partner with faculty on curricular support and program design 
• Offer access to academic support and local experts in various fields  
• Provide on-the-ground expertise and access to a variety of learning experiences and locations;  
• Are staffed by in-country staff with full-time health, safety, and security personnel.  
• Provide guidance about on the ground logistics, timing, distances and pace  
• Have been approved and vetted by the University of Portland.  

During the Program  

• Provide logistical, cross-cultural, and academic support for the program  
• Deliver on-site orientation covering relevant cultural information, health and safety guidance, and program logistics with the faculty leader  
• provide 24/7 emergency and crisis management support in the case of health or safety issues arising for faculty or students  
• Work collaboratively with Study Abroad staff and faculty program leader to resolve student conduct issues and program logistical issues that may arise  
• Provides student support services  

Post-Program  

• Provide final program report and budgetary reconciliation to UP Administration  

What if there is no Provider in my location?  

While most program destinations are serviced by existing Study Abroad Providers, there may be unique circumstances where an existing provider is not currently working.  In those instances, there may be other NGOs who can serve the role of securing reservations, providing support or making arrangements onsite.  In those cases where a study abroad provider cannot support a UP program, it is especially important that there be multiple leaders who can support the program, including faculty leaders who have prior experience in the location (including language fluency) with pre-existing personal networks on the ground; and who are fully prepared to manage the health and crisis management for the program and to be on-call 24-7.  

How do I identify a provider in my location?  

If you do not already know of specific partners, the Study Abroad office is happy to reach out to our existing partners, or identify new partners, to obtain competitive proposals (RFPs) for your program.  This may take some additional time, so please reach out to the Study Abroad office as soon as possible!