Tips and Best Practices for Developing your Faculty-led Program

Faculty-led programs offer students unique opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. At EDU Africa, we understand the importance of the pre-planning process in ensuring the successfulness of the programs. Whether you’re a seasoned study abroad leader or in the process of organizing your first program, these tips and best practices will help you create a transformative learning journey for your students.

1. Define Your Learning Objectives

Start by outlining the educational goals and learning outcomes you wish to achieve. Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that let you know when you have reached your goals. They describe specific changes in your knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors you expect to occur as a result of your actions. 

Whether it’s cultural engagement, research opportunities, or service learning, having clear learning objectives in mind will guide your pre-planning process and provide a foundation for evaluating the program’s success. EDU Africa’s dedicated programming team can assist you in developing specific learning outcomes and activities for your program. 

2. Collaborate with Local Organizations and Partners

Collaborating with local organizations and partners can enhance the depth and authenticity of your program. These experts can provide valuable insights, facilitate conversations, and ensure that your activities are both culturally relevant and respectful. As an organization based in Africa, we are fortunate to have numerous partners on the ground across 16 regions.

One of the key aspects of our Transformative Learning Journeys is our Ethical Service Learning placements. At its core, Service Learning is an opportunity for students to take their learning outside of the classroom and apply it in real-life cross-cultural environments. It is based on the understanding that community partners hold historical, cultural, academic, and practical experience, making them experts in the field and a vital source of knowledge within the Service Learning context.  

3. Make Health and Safety a Priority

With our hands-on approach and many years of experience, we are proud to say we have a credible record of no serious incidents on our programs. We have a sound safety and security framework in place to protect our valued participants. At EDU Africa, our concern for the Health and Safety of the participants begins before we come into contact with them and continues after their program with us has ended. Here are five ways we ensure the health and safety of our participants:

1. We thought out how to look after our participants through our Policies and Procedures
2. Student needs are considered during Program Design 
3. Pre-program support is integral to our workflow
4. Health and Safety Support on the Program
5. Post-program Reentry Support

All of these steps will be discussed during the designing of your program.

4. Prepare Students for Cultural Differences

Pre-departure orientation sessions are crucial for preparing students for the cultural, social, and environmental differences they will encounter during their time abroad. This is the best time to emphasize open-mindedness and respect for local customs and traditions. Providing resources and reading materials can also help students gain a deeper understanding of the country they will be visiting.

During the Pre-Program check in, that will take place three months before your program, your dedicated Program Designer will arrange a call to talk through:

• Your program itinerary to clarify details, expectations and answer any questions
• Health and Safety policies and procedures
• Program resources, including orientation details, reflections practices, student questionnaires, and reintegration support

5. Ensure Reflection and Engagement Sessions

Integrating opportunities for reflection throughout the program is essential for maximizing the educational impact. At EDU Africa, we provide all participants with Transformative Learning Journals that are designed to help students capture their thoughts, experiences, and insights in a more structured manner.

We also strongly encourage group discussions and presentations, facilitated by the Program Facilitator. These interactive sessions allow students to process their experiences collectively, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to their academic studies and personal growth. 

6. Remain Flexible and Adaptable

Regardless of how much planning you do, unexpected challenges will always come up. Maintaining a flexible and adaptable approach will help you navigate unforeseen circumstances and ensure a positive experience for all participants.

Planning a faculty-led program is a rewarding endeavor that requires careful consideration and dedication. By following these tips and best practices, you can create a meaningful and impactful learning journey that enriches the lives of your students and fosters intercultural competence.

For more information and support in planning your faculty-led program, contact us at info@edu-africa.com