Forming Partnerships

5 Steps to Study Abroad Partnership

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) is proactively working with academic departments and programs to develop suitable partnerships around the world. If you are interested in partnering with another institution to provide Exchange or One-Way study abroad programming to our students, then please follow the steps below. If you are interested in working with another institution to provide Faculty-led programming (whereby Eastern Illinois University faculty teach courses abroad), then click here.

1. Survey (optional). Before recommending a partner or study abroad program, it is always a good idea to work with your Department Chair and survey your students about their interests and needs. If study abroad seems appealing to them, ask where they'd be interested in going, what they'd be willing to spend, how long they would want to or be willing to live abroad, what obstacles would prohibit them from going, among other things. Click here for a sample survey.

2. Potential Partners. Now that you have the results of your survey, identify potential partners for your department or academic program. Check them against the Guidelines for Partnership, which are listed to the right. Weed out anything that doesn't fit into these feasibility guidelines, and narrow down your list to one or more programs that seem to best fit your department/student needs. If you haven't already done so, speak with your Department Chair about it.

3. Course Substitutions. After you've identified one or more programs that seem to best fit your department/students, then articulate the courses. Ask your Department Chair/Program Coordinator to complete the Study Abroad Course Articulation Form and submit it to Wendy Williamson, Director of Study Abroad. An EIU Partner must have at least 5-10 courses that substitute for EIU major, minor, or general education.

4. Gather Information. In addition to the Study Abroad Course Articulation Form, gather the following information (if you have any of it) and send it in an email message to Wendy Williamson, Director of Study Abroad.

  • Name and location of the institution with whom you'd like to partner
  • Website of the institution's international relations/programs office
  • Your contact person's name, title, and email
  • Type of relationship you are interested in cultivating (exchange or one-way)

If this program is approved by the Office of Study Abroad, then the University will pursue an agreement and the program will be added to your department's Study Abroad Advising Sheet.

Your department will be expected to develop a marketing and recruiting plan for the program.

5. Site Visit (Optional). Site visits are not absolutely essential, but they do help you learn about the institution and solidify a strong working relationship which can lead to faculty exchanges and other international opportunities. If you are planning to visit a potential or existing partner, then check out our Program Evaluation Guide for Site Visits. Note, there is some new funding available for faculty and staff to do this.

Partnership Guidelines

  • Academic Quality - A viable degree-granting institution that is recognized by the Ministry of Education in its country, with quality instruction and services for students.

    International Student Support - Support from an international programs office at the host.

    Safety Standards - No travel warning issued by the Dept. of State. Health/safety services and assistance, as well as emergency protocols and procedures.

    Course Options - Courses that your students can substitute for their major, minor, or general education requirements at EIU.

    Courses that are taught in a language in which EIU students have the opportunity to learn and acquire proficiency.

    Cost - Tuition and fees are comparable to or less than the cost of tuition and fees at EIU (if not pursuing an exchange agreement).

    Housing - Acceptable housing placement, options, and availability for students.

    Expressed Interest - A location where your students have expressed interest in studying abroad.

    International Reputation - Institutional experience with international linkages, and a solid reputation among its partners.
  • Student Visa - Manageable student visa processes.