Program Leader Handbook - International Education and ...

Appalachian Overseas Education Programs Program Leader Handbook
8. Student Group Building
Short-term programs abroad are intense experiences that require group cohesion and cooperation. During orientation, discuss
issues around “group travel” and the attendant stress this may put on students and their intergroup relationships. Make sure
students understand that there are times when the wishes of the individual must be sacrificed for the good of the group.
In pre-departure discussions about the academic/theoretical aspects of the program, get group members to talk openly about
their personal reactions, ideas, and ideologies, and discuss differences of opinion among group members fairly and openly.
This not only builds trust among students, but also provides for great discussions about relative perspectives and respect for
different opinions.
Build learning communities. Each person in the group should be familiar with the academic and personal goals of other members,
and the program leader should foster an environment of trust and mutual support.
G. PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK LIST FOR THE PROGRAM LEADER:
Please make sure that, in addition to your class specific materials, you have completed and are ready to pack the following
items before your program’s departure:
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Transportation arrangements from the local airport to the program site (if applicable)
Airline and train tickets for all participants
Registration of the group with closest local embassy through STEP (see U.S. Department of State website)
List of local doctors and hospitals (consult the HTH insurance website to access English-speaking medical providers)
AOEP Program Leader Handbook
OIED emergency contact sheet
Crisis Management Protocols (Appalachian-ICMP)
Copies of all participants’:
- passports
- visas (if applicable)
- immunizations records (if applicable)
- emergency U.S. contact information
- HTH insurance cards
- consent for release of physical & mental health information and health disclosure form
Wallet-size emergency cards to distribute to all participants upon arrival on site
Calendar of program academic and cultural activities
First Aid kit
Your bank’s phone number (in case of issues with accessing your program funds from overseas)
Copies of both Assumption of Risk Indemnification Agreements forms: the Extended Stay and Independent Travel and
and Activities forms (Appendices K and L) for students to fill out, sign and return to you if they decide (with your permission)
to travel on their own once on site.
All information you will need to share with the students during the on-site orientation(s) and copies of the “Welcome Letter”
and the orientation packets to be distributed.
Revision Date 5/8/13
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