Planning a faculty-led program? As you build out your program itinerary, it's important to ensure that each component not only fits within your budget but also aligns with your course’s learning objectives. See the list below of practical questions and considerations for building an effective itinerary. From the order of excursions to the need for classroom space, these insights can help you create a well-rounded, educational experience for your students!
1. Does the order of excursions matter?
With the course curriculum in mind, determine if the order of activities and excursions aligns with the course plan so the itinerary can be re-ordered as needed.
2. How much time should be scheduled for debrief/reflection after activities?
Consider what discussions you’d like to facilitate following each excursion in relation to the course. What space is needed for these conversations? Depending on the available space at each activity, this may require the group to gather somewhere else nearby.
3. Will you require reserved space for classroom hours/lectures?
Booking on-site classroom space can be exceptionally costly, which can significantly impact the budget. To manage expenses, consider the following:
Class Schedule Adjustments: Encourage faculty to schedule classroom contact hours before or after travel to reduce the need for formal classroom space.
Evaluate Necessity: Challenge faculty to assess the necessity and added value of booking formal classroom space abroad. Could learning, discussion, and reflection be achieved more effectively through alternative, culturally immersive experiences?
Dedicated classroom space: By re-evaluating the need for dedicated classroom space, programs can often find more cost-effective and enriching ways to facilitate learning.
4. What assignments will your students be completing on-site?
Consider what tasks students will be working on in between scheduled activities and excursions, and how much time they will need for these. What supportive resources will they need on-site to complete these?
