Approved: December 5, 2007
Nomenclature changes: June 5, 2013
Monitor: Vice President for Academic Affairs
Eastern Illinois University recognizes international education as a fundamental component of excellence in higher education and encourages all students to take advantage of the fine opportunities available. It is the desire of the University to move international education from the exception to the norm and to emerge as a leader within Illinois, the nation, and the world. Studying abroad, or completing internships, practica, field experiences, special excursions, or research in an international setting, confers on our students cross-cultural communication skills and breadth of perspective that is critical in keeping graduates in the mainstream of an increasingly global employment market.
The Office of Study Abroad is responsible for overseeing and managing all educational activities and programs that occur outside of the United States and that operate under the auspices of the University. The Office of Study Abroad also ensures compliance with University policies and procedures. Because of the strategic goals established for study abroad, as well as potential and procedural issues of risk, liability, financial aid, and academic credit, all activities involving students and other non-employees conducted outside of the United States and under the auspices of the University, for credit and not for credit, must be run through the Office of Study Abroad.
The Office of Study Abroad designs, develops, and manages a variety of study abroad programs for the University. Options include, but are not limited to, exchange, one-way, consortia, and third-party provider programs. These programs all have unique admission requirements and selection processes. They may also carry unique refund policies.
Short-term, faculty-led programs that depend on tuition recovery are selected by the International Education Council (IEC) according to published evaluation criteria and are co-managed between the Office of Study Abroad and the School of Continuing Education. EIU faculty may submit a program proposal to IEC by the appropriate deadline for a given term.
Policies and procedures that govern study abroad operations, programs, and activities can be found on the website of the Office of Study Abroad.