XXII. GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

AND TRAVEL ABROAD

 

Recognizing that the successful student of today must possess a global awareness, Virginia Western Community College is dedicated to providing international experiences for its student body. These experiences may be in the form of tours, field trips, exchange programs for students and/or faculty, classes taught abroad, or providing international education through its faculty. For all courses, the faculty member must insure that the trip serves an educational purpose. The President of the college must approve all foreign travel of any nature that is associated with Virginia Western Community College.

 

When involved in college-funded or college-sponsored international travel, faculty members and students should at all times remember that they represent Virginia Western Community College, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States. Appropriate dress and behavior are expected at all times for the entire group.  Regardless of the age of the students traveling, the faculty sponsor is responsible for the safety and welfare of each of the members, and should know the status and whereabouts of each member at all times.

  

Guidelines for Faculty Traveling Abroad Without Students

 

1.                  Faculty must meet with the Coordinator of International Education prior to submitting their international travel proposal to the President to ensure that all paperwork is in order.

 

2.                  The dates for VWCC travel abroad should not conflict with regularly scheduled classes or faculty workdays. Faculty are responsible for fulfilling their teaching or administrative duties to the college. A Professional Leave Form signed by the appropriate supervisors must be submitted before the trip.

 

3.                  Faculty should discuss financial arrangements with the Vice-President of Financial and Administrative Services before making final arrangements. This discussion should include the source of funds (grant, state funds, local funds, foundation, other, etc.).

 

4.                  Prior to leaving the college, faculty must submit the following to the Coordinator of International Education:

 

a.      An itinerary, which includes the names and telephone numbers of all hotels or other locations where the faculty/sponsor can be contacted. A copy must also be submitted to the division Dean.

b.      Form IT-1 International Travel Faculty/Staff Release Form signed by the faculty member releasing personal information and releasing the college from liability.


 

Guidelines for Faculty Traveling Abroad with Groups

 

1.    Faculty planning to escort students and others under the sponsorship of VWCC outside the United States must submit their proposal to the Coordinator of International Education.  A preliminary travel proposal must be submitted at least six months prior to the date of departure. 

 

2.        Form IT-5 International Group Travel Proposal must be completed and submitted to the Coordinator of International Education at least six months prior to the date of departure.  The Coordinator, with the assistance of the International Education Committee, will evaluate the IT–5 Travel Proposal.

 

3.        If the IT-5 Travel Proposal is recommended for approval, it will be submitted to the Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs and to the President for review and approval.     

 

4.        The college will not be responsible for reimbursing any expenses or expenditures incurred by the faculty director.

 

5.        All monies collected must be deposited with the VWCC Business Office and the same office will pay all expenditures from these monies.

 

6.        An Application Form for participants in the International Group Travel should be developed by the faculty director and must be completed by all travelers.

 

7.        The faculty director must submit a Professional Leave Form approved by the appropriate supervisors before departing on the trip.

 

8.        The following information and materials must be collected and forwarded to the

       Coordinator of International Education:

 

a.    An itinerary, which includes the names and telephone numbers of all hotels where the group can be reached.

b.    A complete list of travelers with social security numbers, home addresses, and telephone numbers.

c.          A Form IT-1 (Faculty and Staff) and IT-2 (Student/Participant) International Travel Release Form signed by each travel participant releasing the college from liability and permission to release personal information.

d.        Proof that each traveler has purchased an insurance plan that will provide a minimum of $5,000 medical expense coverage.

e.    A photocopy of the passport (and visa if necessary) for each traveler.

f.     A completed Application Form for each traveler, providing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three family members or friends who can be contacted in case of emergency.

g.    Trip budget per traveler and for the total project.


 

Guidelines for Teaching Courses Abroad

 

1.        Faculty planning to teach a course outside the United States must coordinate their proposal with their division Dean and with the Coordinator of International Education.  A preliminary course proposal must be submitted at least six months prior to the date of departure.

 

2.        Form IT-3 International Education Course Proposal must be completed and submitted to the Coordinator of International Education at least six months prior to the date of departure.  The Coordinator, with the assistance of the International Education Committee, will evaluate the IT-3 Course Proposal.

 

3.        If the IT-3 Course Proposal is recommended for approval, the proposal will be submitted for review and approval by the Division Dean, Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs, and the President.

 

4.        If the proposal is not approved at any step of this process, either the problems must be remedied or the course will not be taught and the travel cancelled. 

 

5.        Official approval must be granted in writing before any formal agreements or public notices can be initiated.

 

6.    These additional factors will be taken into account in the approval process:

 

       a.         The composition of the course should enhance the learning process.  The professor involved should encourage students to apply who will benefit from the experience. 

       b.         The dates for VWCC courses taught abroad should not conflict with regularly scheduled classes or faculty workdays.

       c.              The Division Dean will determine the number of students required for the course to be taught.  The ordinary guidelines for course enrollment may be modified given the nature of the course and the associated international education experience being made available to the students.  

       d.         The expenses incurred by the instructor will not be reimbursed by the college.  Faculty will be given appropriate workload credit consistent with academic policy.  The expenses of the instructor can be a part of the cost of the course for the student; this is within the discretion of the instructor.

       e.         All monies collected must be deposited with the VWCC Business Office and the same office will pay all expenditures from these monies.

 

7.    The following information, must be submitted to the Coordinator of International Education before the faculty and students depart:

 

a.                  The faculty member will have submitted IT-3 (Course Proposal).

b.                  All students must complete and sign a Form IT-4 Application To Take An International Travel Course. The minimum age of students should be 18.

c.                   An itinerary, which includes the names and telephone numbers of all hotels where the group can be contacted.

d.                  A list separate from the application forms which sets forth each students' name, social security number, home address, telephone number, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three family members or friends who can be contacted in case of emergency.

e.        Appropriate Forms IT-1 and IT-2 International Travel Release Forms signed by all traveling participants releasing the college from liability and giving the college authority to release information about the participant to the persons who are to be contacted in case of an emergency.

       f.         Written proof that each student is currently covered or has purchased an insurance plan        that will provide a minimum of $5,000 medical expense coverage.

       g.        A photocopy of the passport for each student and faculty member.

       h.        A complete breakdown of all costs per student and the total projected costs.

 

 


 

 

 Form IT-1

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FACULTY/STAFF RELEASE FORM

Virginia Western Community College

 

 

I, the undersigned, request permission to participate in the  ________________________

 

__________________________ program.  Unless rescheduled, this program will be held

 

with travel dates of ___________ for departure and ___________for return. 

 

I understand that there is no guarantee that this activity is free of risk of personal injury,  property damage or loss.  I agree to abide by any applicable college rules and understand that the college reserves the right to exclude my participation at any time if I am disruptive, in the sole determination of the college President or Vice-President, or for any other good reason.

 

In exchange for being permitted to participate, I release and promise not to sue the Commonwealth of Virginia, the college, its agents or employees, (including other faculty/staff members participating in this program), from and for any injury (including sickness or death) to me, or damage or loss to my property, which may occur as a result of my participation in this program or which may arise out of my participation in this program, no matter the cause.  I understand that the only exception to the preceding sentence is if injury, loss or damage is due to intentional misconduct by employees or agents of the Commonwealth.

 

I understand that no one, except the college President or college Vice-President, has the authority or right to change or waive any of the foregoing terms, or to make any representation of any nature to me as to this program, except as may be stated in official college publications.

 

I hereby authorize VWCC to contact the persons I have listed for emergency purposes and to release to them such information about me that the college deems proper and appropriate.

 

 

_________________________________                _____________________________________

                       Name                                                           Address

 

_________________________________                _____________________________________

                       Signature                                                       Date

 



Form IT-2

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL STUDENT/PARTICIPANT RELEASE FORM

Virginia Western Community College

 

 

I, the undersigned, request permission to participate in the  ________________________

 

__________________________ Program.  Unless rescheduled, this program will be held

 

with travel dates of ___________ for departure and ___________for return. 

 

I understand that there is no guarantee that this activity is free of risk of personal injury,  property damage or loss.  I agree to abide by any applicable college rules and understand that the college reserves the right to exclude my participation at any time if I am disruptive, in the sole determination of the college representative, or for any other good reason.

 

In exchange for being permitted to participate, I release and promise not to sue the Commonwealth of Virginia, the college, its agents or employees, from and for any injury (including sickness or death) to me, or damage or loss to my property, which may occur as a result of my participation in this program or which may arise out of my participation in this program, no matter the cause.  I understand that the only exception to the preceding sentence is if injury, loss or damage is due to intentional misconduct by employees or agents of the Commonwealth.

 

I understand that no one, except the college President or college Vice-President has the authority or right to change or waive any of the foregoing terms, or to make any representation of any nature to me as to this program, except as may be stated in official college publications.

 

I am 18 years of age or older.  I understand that, before signing this paper, I can talk to any advisor of my choice, including parent, spouse or attorney.

 

I hereby authorize VWCC to contact the persons I have listed for emergency purposes and to release to them such information about me that the college deems proper and appropriate.

 

 

_________________________________                _____________________________________

                       Name                                                                        Address

 

_________________________________                _____________________________________

                       Signature                                                                   Date

 

_________________________________                _____________________________________

                   Parent Signature                                                            Date

    (Required if student is less than 18)

 


 

 

 

 

Form IT-3

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COURSE PROPOSAL

Virginia Western Community College

 

Course Name & Number________________       Instructor ________________________

 

Country Where Course Will Be Taught & Dates of Trip       ___________________________

 

1.      Attach a detailed syllabus for the class, which will include the following:

 

a.                  Identify the program's specific academic goals.

b.                  How many credit hours and contact hours will be involved in the course?

c.                   Attach an outline for the orientation session for students.  Make sure the orientation includes comments on the security of the country, both politically and medically, as determined from reports issued by the State Department.

d.                  What is the format of the course (classroom lectures, field trips, and seminars with local experts, etc.)?  Include this information for the portions of the course that are conducted within the United States and within the international country.

e.        For whom is the course designed (VWCC students, senior citizens, others)?

f.          How many students can participate?

g.                  How will the students' academic performance be evaluated?  Include copies of tests and a final exam, if applicable.

 

2.        Attach a statement providing the following information:

 

a.                  How will the students be recruited?  Regular VWCC students should have a recommendation from a faculty member other than the teacher for the overseas course.  If a participant is sponsored by a business, a recommendation from the employer should be submitted.

b.                  Give the cost of the trip for participants with an itemized expenditure breakdown.

c.                   What are the logistical arrangements (housing, meals, transportation, safety/security, etc.)?

d.                  Has research been done to assure that the country to which the students are traveling is safe?  Please give a brief synopsis of the status of the security of the country, both politically and medically, as obtained from the State Department within ninety (90) days of travel.

e.        Attach a copy of any brochures or publicity, which you plan to distribute off-campus.  Show that the materials have been approved by the Public Information Office.

 

3.        Have the individuals shown below indicate by their signature that they are aware of and approve your proposal.

                       

Division Dean  ___________________________________________  Date ______________

 

Coordinator of International Education _____________________ Date ______________

 

Vice-President of Financial & Admin. Services ______________  Date ______________

 

Vice-President of Academic  & Student Affairs ______________  Date ______________

 

President  _______________________________________________  Date ______________

 

 


 

 

Form IT-4

 

APPLICATION TO TAKE AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COURSE

Virginia Western Community College

                                                                             

 

Name                                                             Social Security Number                                       

 

Address                                                                                                                                            

 

Telephone Numbers:  Home                                                Work                                              

 

e-mail address                                                         

 

Passport number:____________________ Date of expiration                                                 

(Note:  passports must be obtained 45 days or longer before travel.  In the event of an emergency, contact your Local Congressman or Senator.)

 

Are you currently enrolled at VWCC?         ___Yes   ___No   If not, are you currently enrolled in any college or university? (Give name, location, and dates of attendance)

                                                                                                                                                           

 

List the name, address, and telephone number of three people who could be contacted in case of emergency.  Please note, that by providing this information, you hereby give Virginia Western Community College, its agents and employees, the right to release information to these individuals concerning any aspect of this trip and the associated course without having to obtain any further permission from you.

 

1.    Name                                                                                                                                         

       Address                                                                                                                                     

       Telephone number                                          _____              Relationship                                  

 

2.    Name