UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 8, Page 6
October 24, 1991
Wanted: Faculty members with global perspectives

     International Programs and Special Sessions is looking for
enthusiastic, flexible, adventurous, full-time faculty members who
wish to be directors of University of Delaware study-abroad
programs.
     As these comments show, past participants in overseas programs
are dedicated boosters of international study. Proof of their
commitment is that many directors of the programs have returned to
serve more than once.
     This year's roster is filled, according to William McNabb,
acting director of overseas studies, but now is the time to start
planning for the future, he said.
     Having studied abroad as a high school student and later as a
University of Delaware student in Germany and having twice served
as director of the University program in Vienna, McNabb has
experienced both roles and strongly supports international programs
for faculty and students.
     "As the world shrinks, University programs overseas are
expanding," McNabb said. "For example, this spring we are offering
the Scottish Semester in Edinburgh. Winter Session programs in St.
Petersburg in the USSR and in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, are also
new. The programs and courses offered vary in their focus.
     "Our office is organized to support participating faculty. We
publicize programs with ads, brochures, videotapes and radio spots.
We make travel arrangements, organize student interviews and
orientation programs.
     "We have facilitators in locations overseas, such as Vienna or
London, who help make arrangements for such things as housing, and
we also have short-term contracts with faculty from local
universities when appropriate.
     "Faculty continue to receive their salaries, plus an overseas
living supplement to help defray extra expenses and higher costs of
living. Families can accompany faculty members during the fall and
spring semester programs," McNabb said.
     Although directors do not act in locus parentis, they do act
as "mini-deans" of students, McNabb said. The reasonable standards
of behavior expected on the Newark campus are expected from
students overseas.
     Directors interview students before they are accepted into
overseas programs, so that those who are not serious about the
academic program are mostly winnowed out. In the event of any
problems, the office is there to give advice and support.
     Faculty who are interested in directing an overseas program
write a memorandum and expression of interest, including background
and expertise that explains any special qualifications for the
program. Frequently, faculty members have lived or carried out
research abroad and are familiar with the country in which they
wish to direct programs.
     Knowledge of the language where a program is held is helpful,
but fluency is not required, McNabb said. Some faculty refresh
foreign language skills by participating in a language course.
     Approval from department chairpersons is required since
faculty classes may have to be covered.
     "The overseas program has become more streamlined and
efficient as University study-abroad programs develop. Both faculty
and students alike return full of enthusiasm and, in general, feel
that the experience has been invaluable," McNabb said.
     Interested faculty should call McNabb at 451-2818.
                                        - Sue Swyers Moncure