Building Study Abroad Programs for US Higher Education

Expanding global learning opportunities is essential for modern higher education, yet developing these initiatives requires navigating complex administrative, financial, and safety landscapes. This course provides a clear, step-by-step framework to establish and scale study abroad programs that align with your institution's strategic goals. You will transition from understanding basic international education concepts to confidently managing program logistics, student safety, and institutional partnerships. Through written explanations and practical scenarios, you will gain the knowledge needed to build sustainable global pathways for your campus. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the core administrative models and funding structures for study abroad programs. 2. Design inclusive study abroad experiences that attract diverse student populations. 3. Apply modern risk management and health-and-safety protocols to protect traveling students. 4. Establish strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with international host institutions. 5. Integrate virtual exchange and hybrid global learning models to increase program accessibility. 6. Evaluate program outcomes to demonstrate institutional value and secure ongoing support. This text-only course begins with fundamental terminology and administrative models before walking you through program design, risk mitigation, and partnership development. It is designed for higher education administrators, faculty leaders, and international office staff who are new to program development and have no prior experience. Start reading today to transform your institution's global engagement strategy and open new doors for your students.