STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

FEASIBILITY PROPOSAL (Exchange)

Completing a feasibility proposal is an important step when developing a new Study Abroad/Exchange program. The
following information, as well as the feasibility proposal form which begins on the next page, are designed to help
University departments and schools to outline the critical details of their new program. This in turn helps to ensure that
the program is shaped with the needs of students in mind and that all important details have been gathered and
considered. Should you have questions as you complete your feasibility proposal, the Office of International Studies
and Programs (OISP) will be glad to assist you. Please feel free to contact OISP at 309-438-5276 to discuss
international program ideas with OISP staff members.
To this date you should have completed steps 1 5 of the Critical Steps for the Establishment of an International
Partnership protocol towards creating a new partnership or program for Illinois State University students. Please note:
the actual order of the steps may differ.
1. An interested party (faculty/staff member, student, alumni, etc.) contacts the Unit for International Linkages (UIL) in
OISP to discuss/explore the possibility of establishing some form of relationship between ISU and a foreign institution.
Contact information can be found at: http://InternationalStudies.IllinoisState.edu/contact/
2. The UIL director initiates contact(s) with the institution outside of the United States. This may include research about, a
site visit to, and/or hosting visitors from the institution.
3. Further research is conducted to determine the benefit of possible international collaboration: Is the proposed partnership
a good fit for ISU? What does each party hope to gain from the proposed collaboration? The faculty/staff member who
initiated contact may wish to involve the appropriate personnel in their school/department and OISP in order to facilitate
this research.
4. Meeting(s) take place with OISPs UIL director, Study Abroad and Exchange Student and Scholar coordinators to
determine/assess merits of proposed relationship.
5. OISP drafts a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Once approved by ISU Legal Counsel, this document should be
signed by the president of ISU and the acting head of the partner institution. An MOU is the first step in the developing a
relationship between the two entities and it only communicates each institutions desire to work together. It does not
legally bind either institution to any further action.

Considerations For Beginning the Process

As you begin to complete the Feasibility Proposal process, please be advised of the following:

Creating new programs/partnerships may, at times, be a lengthy process. We suggest you plan to have the
program approved at least 2 semesters prior to your proposed program start date so there is ample time to
recruit.

By completing this document, you agree to be the Faculty Director for this proposed program. Faculty
Directors responsibilities include but are not limited to:
o Recruiting students for the program
o Meeting with students regarding questions about the program
o Articulating ISU equivalencies of Major/Minor courses at the host institution
o Working with the Study Abroad Coordinator on the Program Budget, if applicable
o Providing emergency contact/s and itinerary information, if applicable
o Verifying acceptance of students into the program (work with the Study Abroad Coordinator)
o Attending students Orientation meeting each term the program runs - date(s) to be determined

Feasibility Program Proposal Form

Page 1 of 14

This proposal form was designed to assist you with sorting out details that will affect your program. We
encourage you to meet with our office about any issues to which you cannot answer throughout the proposal
process.
Contact Information:
Primary ISU Faculty Director Contact Information
ISU Faculty Co-Director Contact Information (if applicable)
Name of ISU faculty contact person
Name of ISU faculty
contact
person
(Faculty
Director):
(Faculty Co-Director):
Position/Title:
Position/Title:
Telephone number:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Fax number:
Email address:
Email address:
Department:
Department:
Campus Mailcode:
Campus Mailcode:
Home contact information in case of emergency:
Home contact information in case of emergency:

Page 2 of 14

DEFINING YOUR PROPOSED PROGRAM

Please make sure to answer each lettered section and all associated bullets.

A. RATIONALE
o How does this program support the overall mission of ISU?

o What goals do you hope to achieve from this proposed program? (departmental or otherwise)

o Why have you chosen this location/host university for the proposed program?

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B. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROGRAM

Please describe the program. (For example, how do you envision the program to run? (Academic
instruction, field trips, site visits, internship opportunities, combination of, etc.)

C. STUDENT PARTICIPATION (check the appropriate box)

o Who can participate?

Undergraduate

Graduate

Both Graduate and Undergraduate

o Minimum GPA to participate: ______ GPA (Undergraduate) ______ GPA (Graduate, if applicable)
Please be advised: OISP minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 undergraduate, 3.0 graduate

o Are there course pre-requisites?

Yes

No

If yes, please list _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
o Are there major GPA requirements?

Yes

No

If yes, please state ______________________________________________________________

o Are there foreign language prerequisites?

Yes

No

If yes, please state/list____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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D. FACULTY DIRECTORS ROLE IN THIS PROGRAM (check the appropriate box)

My role is to serve as Faculty Director and TO ACCOMPANY the students abroad as:
(check all that apply)

Instructor
Guide (non-instructional)
Other (please specify) ___________________________________________
My role is to serve as Faculty Director and NOT accompany the students abroad.
E. DESCRIPTION OF HOST UNIVERSITY/COMPANY/LOCATION
o Name of University (if applicable) ____________________________________________________
o City, Country _____________________________________________________________________
o Which major city is nearby? _________________________________________________________
F. ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Please list all courses that will be taught, attaching additional sheet(s) if necessary. If there is a full
curriculum offered at the host university, please also supply a current course catalog.

Course title at host university (if applicable)

Equivalent ISU Course Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
o

Courses will be taught by:

Academic instruction will be conducted at: (check all that apply)

Host University

ISU Faculty

Onsite Tour

Host University Faculty

ISU Campus

Both ISU and Host Faculty

Other (please specify) _____________________

Is the program open to specific ISU majors or colleges only?

Yes

No

If yes, please specify the majors______________________________________________

o (If applicable) Are there required courses at the host university?

Yes

No

If yes, please list __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

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G. PROGRAM DURATION
o (If applicable) What is the period(s) of study at the host university?
Quarter

Trimester

Semester

Other (please specify) _____________________

Approximate Start Date/s

Approximate End Date/s

Term 1
Term 2 (if applicable)
Term 3 (if applicable)
Term 4 (if applicable)
Does the host university have a requirement for duration of program?

Yes

No

If yes, please specify ___________________________________________________

o (If summer program) How many weeks? ____________________________________________
Envisioned approximate program dates: Start date __________

End date __________

H. ON-SITE INFORMATION (Provide as much information as possible)

Please also view the attached appendix for the program budget template which is provided for your information
only, and should not be filled out.

o Accommodation

(Check all that apply)

Hostel/Hotel

Who arranges accommodation? _______________________________________________

Are utilities included?

Is internet available?

Yes

Dorms

Yes

No
Yes

Are laundry facilities/services available?

Are any meals provided?

Yes

Homestay

No

If yes, is usage an additional expense?

Apartment-style

Yes

No
No

No

If yes, please explain ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

o Are students required to pay host universitys student fees?

Yes

No

If yes, please estimate amount in U.S. Dollars ____________________

o

Does the host university/study abroad company provide insurance?

If yes, is the offered insurance required?
Is there an additional cost?

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

If yes, please estimate amount in U.S. Dollars ____________________

o Orientation
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Is an on-site orientation provided?

Yes

If yes, is there an additional cost?

No

Yes

No

If yes, please estimate amount in U.S. Dollars ____________________

I. TRAVEL, IMMIGRATION and IMMUNIZATIONS
o How do you prefer the students to travel to the host site?
Arrange Individually

Group Flight

If group flight, who will make travel arrangements? ________________________

o Immigration

Is a visa required to enter the country?

Yes

No

If yes, please specify ___________________________________________________

Is a residence permit required to stay in the country?

Yes

No

o Arrival

Is airport pickup provided?

Yes

No

If yes, is there an additional cost?

Yes

No

If yes, please estimate amount in U.S. Dollars ____________________

o Are immunizations mandatory for host country?

Yes

No

(Please visit CDC website for complete details: http://cdc.gov/)

J. RECRUITMENT, APPLICATION AND ORIENTATION

o How do you intend to recruit students?

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o What support, if any, do you need/expect from OISP (this will be discussed further when you meet
with the Study Abroad Coordinator)?

o What is the preferred application deadline for your program? _______________________________

Please be advised: OISP can accept applications no later than: March 15th for fall semester
participation, October 1st for spring semester participation, and March 1 st for summer term participation

K. EXCHANGE: Incoming Exchange Students Coming to ISU

o COURSES

Do you anticipate that incoming exchange students will focus on courses offered in your school or
department?
Yes
No
If yes, have you selected certain courses that exchange students would be eligible for
provided they meet prerequisites? Please list:
ISU Course Number

ISU Course Title

1
2
3
4
5

Will you be able to guarantee spaces for incoming exchange students for classes taught in your
department?
Yes
No

Do you anticipate that incoming exchange students will study courses in a variety of departments?
Yes
No

Does the exchange partner require that their students take specific ISU courses, or is the
exchange partner flexible with any ISU courses either in your department/school or across the
ISU campus?
Incoming exchange students may take any ISU courses
Specific ISU courses are required, please list:
ISU Course Number

ISU Course Title

1
2
3
4
5

Will the (timing of the) partners academic calendar allow their students to attend ISUs regular
semester periods (Aug.-Dec. and/or Jan.-May)?
Yes
No
If no, please advise _______________________________________________________
Page 8 of 14

o SELECTION OF STUDENTS

How does the exchange partner screen its applicants? Please explain:

What criteria does the exchange partner use to select students? Please explain:

Providing proof of incoming students English proficiency is mandatory. How will the incoming
exchange students prove their English proficiency? Please be advised: ISU admission requirements
include a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for paper/pencil tests, 213 for computer-based tests, or 79 for iBT/Next
Generation scores. For IELTS, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required.

TOEFL

IELTS

Incoming exchange students may be:

Undergraduate

Other (please specify) _______________________________

Graduate

Both Graduate and Undergraduate

If the incoming exchange students will focus on courses in your school/department, do you have a
preference about how far along the students must be in their degree programs at home?
Yes

No

If yes, please explain

o DURATION OF STAY

When would incoming exchange students attend ISU? (Check all that apply)
Fall

Spring

Summer

Please be advised: while summer is an option, there are extra considerations. Please contact the Exchange
Student and Scholar coordinator (Stephanie Gonzalez) to discuss these considerations.

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o ACCOMMODATION

These are the options available to incoming exchange students, please check all that apply:
On-campus ISU residence halls
Off-campus in private apartments (arranged independently by students)

o ORIENTATION
Does the overseas partner provide their students with a pre-departure orientation?
If yes:
What information is covered?

Yes

No

What information from ISU would incoming exchange students find helpful for their
preparation?

o CONTACT INFORMATION
At Host University, Primary Contact for Incoming Exchange Students coming to USA:
Name :
Title:

Address:
Telephone Number:
Email address:

Page 10 of 14

L. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE PROPOSED PROGRAM

Host University/Program Provider Information

Name of institution abroad:

Address:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email address:
Contact person(s) abroad
Position/Title:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email address:

Mailing address (if different than above):

Emergency contact information:
(Name and phone number)
Administrator for International Program (if different than above)
Position/Title:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email address:

Mailing address:

Page 11 of 14

Departmental/School and College

Study Abroad Proposal
Approval Form
Part One: To be completed by the FACULTY
DIRECTOR(S) submitting the proposal.

Program Date

Proposal Deadline

Winter Break Program

January 15 of year prior start

date

Spring Break Program

May 15 of year prior start date

Summer Program

August 15 of year prior start date

Semester Program

One year prior to start date

A. Proposal Submission Date: _________________________________________________________________

B. Program Title/Host University: ______________________________________________________________
C. Program Dates: __________________________________________________________________________
D. Faculty Director(s): _______________________________________________________________________
E. Department: _____________________________________________________________________________
F. College: ________________________________________________________________________________
G. The following course(s) will be offered for credit as part of this Study Abroad Program:
If proposing a host university please attach prospective course articulations for review by department chair.
COURSE/S

TITLE/S

CREDIT HOURS

Illinois State University recognizes that directing a Study Abroad program places extraordinary and varied
demands on a faculty member during the international portion of the program. I have read and understand the
duties of an ISU Study Abroad Program Director as outlined in the Study Abroad Faculty Directors Handbook.
My signature below verifies my acceptance of the role of Faculty Director.
________________________________________
Primary Faculty Director Signature

________________________________________
Faculty Co-Director Signature (if applicable)

________________________________________
Print Name

________________________________________
Print Name

______________________
Date

______________________
Date
(Please Continue to Next Page)

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Part Two:

To be completed by the DEPARTMENT CHAIR, SCHOOL DIRECTOR, COLLEGE

DEAN, AND GRADUATE SCHOOL DEAN (only if graduate credit is offered).

A. Faculty Salary
The decision to whether a Faculty Director is to be paid a salary is determined by the department.
Ordinarily, to ensure the program is affordable to the students, the Faculty Directors salary is paid from
departmental or college funds. If such funds are not available, the Office of International Studies and
Programs, in agreement with department/college, will collect funds directly from the students as part of
the program costs. Those funds would then be transferred to the authorized department for payment of
the faculty directors salary.
Please complete the appropriate sections below.
1. The program directors salary will be paid from departmental or college funds.
(If no, please proceed to # 2.)

Yes

No

2. Salary for this program director is not available from department or college funds; therefore we request
that the Office of International Studies and Programs collect funds in the amount of ________________,
to be generated through student program costs. (If no salary is required, please put zero -0-)
B. Administrative Approvals
I (we) certify that the program design and academic content are satisfactory, and that the qualifications of
the proposed Faculty Director(s) have been reviewed and approved.

College Dean Signature

Print Name

Date

Department Chair/School Director Signature

Print Name

Date

ISU Director of Graduate School Signature

Print Name

Date

(Needed only if Graduate Credit is to be awarded)

Page 13 of 14

Appendix
This template is provided for your information only, and need not be filled out.
Amount to be collected by
University
Amount to be paid by
(i.e. OISP & ISU)
student (out-of-pocket)

Costs to Students

Faculty-led affiliate programs

only (in some cases)

Tuition/Instructional Cost

Housing: Attach any accommodation information your may have (web link is ok)
Meal plans at host institution/ faculty-planned group dinners
Program Support/Faculty Support
Exchange Program costs (if applicable)
OISP Administration/Implementation fee
OISP Non-refundable application fee
International Student Identification Card (ISIC)

Amount to Be Billed by OISP (sum of lines #1 through #8)

3
4
5
6
7

11

ISU insurance (Summer Insurance = $155)

ISU tuition (2 hrs in-state tuition, varies according to students enrollment status)

12

ISU Bills Student (sum of Line #10 and #11)

10

Variable
$ 150.00
$ 150.00
$ 25.00
Variable
$ 204.00
$ 642.00
$ 846.00

26

Airfare (OISP will not bill/pay for airfare for students)

Passport (Passport is currently $135)
Visa expenses
Additional Health Insurance abroad (if required by affiliate provider/host country)
Immunizations
Host-site Coordinator/Orientation
Housing related costs (utilities, housing deposits, etc)
Field Trips (in addition to those included in program cost)
Food expenses (in addition to Line #3 above)
Student Fees
Optional costs (i.e. activities, entrance fees, etc.)
On-site Transportation
Books
Personal Expenses: (personal extras, i.e. snacks, toiletries, laundry, etc.)

27

Cost Independently Incurred by Student (sum of lines #12 through #26)

Variable

28

Total Program Cost (sum of Line #9 + Line #12 + Line #27)

Variable

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Page 14 of 14

$ 135.00