Guidelines and support
Faculty-Led Program guidelines
- Programs should maintain an academic focus and collaborate with USAC for support in co-curricular activities, cultural activities, and logistics.
- USAC is unable to provide support for individual services only (e.g., housing arrangements or travel logistics).
- Programs may build upon existing academic disciplines represented at a USAC site.
- Proposals outside of existing academic disciplines and with meaningful connection to the location are welcome.
- Programs must take place where USAC has existing local support networks.
- Programs ideally run between one to three weeks to facilitate cultural immersion and may be offered year-round, subject to site availability.
- Programs must enroll at least 10 students. Maximum enrollment may vary by location based on program logistics and availability of services.
- Programs are geared toward a degree-seeking undergraduate student population.
USAC logistics coordination and support
On-site staff program support
- Each USAC program site is staffed with a Resident Director and Coordinator who will provide an on-site orientation which covers an overview of the location, health and safety, day-to-day living, cultural considerations, and site materials.
- A USAC staff member, professor, or local guide will accompany the group on most activities unless otherwise specified in the proposal.
- USAC staff have personal time during nights, weekends, and holidays unless they are leading the group in an activity.
Central Office program support
- U.S.-based staff support Program Leader(s) and institutions in planning and preparing for the program, including centralized billing to the institution.
- USAC also prepares customized digital materials, such as a pre-departure site guide and a health and safety guide. USAC also offers a health and safety webinar, specific to the program's location.
- USAC can assist with digital materials for marketing and outreach, if needed.
Health and safety
- USAC has developed safety and security procedures with on-site staff for handling circumstances that adversely impact the well-being of participants at our sites.
- On-site staff are familiar with local resources including doctors, pharmacies, counselors, private clinics, and hospitals, and have 24/7 access to the USAC U.S.-based Health and Safety Team.
CISI insurance
- USAC automatically enrolls students and Program Leaders in CISI insurance for the duration of the program.
- The CISI plan provides coverage for sickness and accidents, as well as medical and security evacuations should they be necessary.
Program Leader expectations
The Program Leader(s) are responsible for academic leadership, student supervision, and emergency response, while also closely collaborating with USAC staff onsite for successful program execution. Program Leader(s) are the primary point of contact for their group, offering both academic support and personal guidance, as well as overseeing the day-to-day management of their group. Ideally, Program Leader(s) should have international experience and willingness to collaborate in program design. Additionally, Program Leaders are responsible for course design and delivery, and should be prepared to recruit to build their program.