Faculty Resources
The following resources are designed to support faculty throughout the process of developing and leading a study abroad program. These materials provide guidance on program planning, student recruitment, health and safety considerations, and administrative requirements. Faculty leaders are encouraged to review these resources as they prepare for their program and to use them as reference tools before, during, and after their time abroad with students.
Faculty Program Director Handbook
The Faculty Program Director Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for faculty leading study abroad programs. It outlines the responsibilities of faculty directors throughout the entire program cycle, including program development, student recruitment, pre-departure preparation, on-site program management, and post-program wrap-up. Faculty leaders are encouraged to review the handbook carefully, as it contains important information and best practices to help ensure a successful, safe, and academically enriching experience for both students and faculty.
Find the Handbook here.
International Health Insurance
The Study Abroad Office enrolls all faculty and students in a comprehensive international health insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This is a requirement and currently costs $250 per semester (less for short-term programs). Although some students may be doubly-covered by insurance in countries that require students to enroll in country-wide insurance (such as France, Germany, Japan, Australia, etc.), please note that this health insurance requirement cannot be waived.
Prior to the official program start date, students can access their insurance card, insurance policy, confirmation of coverage, claim forms, and other resources at the CISI site. Students should be able to access the insurance card and information about how to make a claim and use the insurance through the CISI website. To begin, create an account from the home page (top right - “Login to myCISI") to access the policy, card, and forms.
If faculty or students find themselves in an emergency situation overseas, they follow the emergency instructions on their insurance card (call 1-312-935-1703 collect from outside the US or email medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us). All faculty and students have the same emergency phone number to call.
In addition, myCISI apps are available for both iPhone and Android.
Health
Faculty and students are responsible for consulting a physician regarding health concerns and preventative medicines for their country of study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer Traveler's Health Resources for all countries. Visit the CDC website here.
The University of Mississippi Student Health Center also offers the services of a travel pharmacist. Please visit the UM Student Health Center website for more information.
Security
Travelers should be knowledgeable of the politics, government, safety, geography, and culture of their country of study. Not only is this background useful in being a savvy and respectful traveler, it will also provide guidance for following cultural norms, staying safe, and assimilating into the host culture. The U.S. Department of State provides country specific information on their website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
The Study Abroad Office also HIGHLY recommends that all travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the US State Department:
https://step.state.gov/step/
This program alerts the embassies and consulates in the host countries (both the chosen country of study and any other travel) of US citizens' presence in the case of a security emergency or evacuation. Faculty who are citizens of countries other than the U.S. should consult their home country's embassy services.
The Study Abroad Office requires a pre-departure orientation discussing health and safety issues. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive the above resources in hard-copy form.
Upon arrival in the host country, faculty should give in-country instructions to student travelers. It is of utmost importance that students follow on-site instructions.
The Study Abroad Office staff closely monitors world events and potential security risks. We will take action in conjunction with CISI to make sure all students are safe should a security risk arise. If any student feels insecure, students should contact the Study Abroad Office and discuss the concerns. We will proceed with a security assessment and continue to monitor the region and program.
The Forum on Education Abroad Standards of Good Practice
The Forum on Education Abroad is the only organization whose exclusive purpose is to service the field of education abroad. The Forum provides a framework in the form of the Standards of Good Practice, which are recognized as the definitive means by which the quality of education abroad programs may be judged. The University of Mississippi Study Abroad Office asks that you review and integrate these standards as you develop a program.
These standards not only assist the Study Abroad Office in identifying high quality education abroad programs but also provide faculty with guidance in developing faculty-directed programs.