Introduction
At AIFS Abroad, our mission is to provide the highest quality, inclusive, and innovative global education programs through a supportive structure for our diverse participants and stakeholders around the world. Customized faculty-led opportunities connect AIFS Abroad with U.S. college and university staff and faculty who are building programs for their own campuses.
What are CFL programs?
Pioneered by AIFS in the 1980’s, customized faculty-led study abroad programs are formal arrangements between AIFS Abroad and educational institutions in which AIFS Abroad provides logistical support, student services, classrooms, housing facilities and cultural activities at a location abroad, plus student medical insurance and over $50 million of liability insurance for the U.S. college/university. This arrangement enables institutions to conduct their own academic programs abroad at minimal expense, from two weeks to a full semester.
How it Works
18-12 Months out
Plan Your Program
AIFS Abroad staff work with either faculty or administrators/the study abroad office to determine specific requirements, and then we send a detailed proposal which lists program components, fees, application deadlines and refund policies, so it is absolutely clear what is included in the program fee. All land prices are guaranteed in US dollars, and are not affected by currency fluctuations.
6 Months out
Enroll Your Students
As a partner, the home institution maintains academic control over their students while abroad. The school determines admission criteria and selects and enrolls students. The school retains tuition fees and students pay a non-academic program fee to AIFS Abroad. Faculty from the home institution teach their curriculum abroad (with optional use of local adjunct professors).
On location
Prepare
AIFS Abroad provides logistical support, student services, classrooms, housing and cultural activities at the location abroad. Our on-location Program Staff is responsible for the day-to-day running of each program, ensuring everything goes smoothly. They provide logistical and pastoral support, allowing the faculty to focus on the academics. AIFS Abroad also offers a full range of social and cultural activities for students. Staff on the overseas campus arrange weekend excursions, theater visits, contact with local students and other cultural activities, adding another valuable dimension to the student’s foreign experience.
Benefits To Your Institution
Customized, Faculty-Led Programs are an excellent study abroad option for many reasons! Here are just a few:
Customized
A tailored program that meets the needs of your institution—you decide the program length, time of year and courses.
Cost-Saving
Your institution retains student tuition fees.
Status Friendly
Student financial aid still applies, making study abroad an option for more students.
Credit Retention
Your institution provides a full academic program, so there is no issue of credit transfer.
Internationalism
Great opportunity to provide faculty development and globalize your campus.
Risk Free
AIFS Abroad books the on-site facilities/services and pays any deposits, so there is no financial risk to your institution.
Support
Once the program details have been agreed upon, sit back and let AIFS Abroad do all the non-academic planning and make all the on-site arrangements.
Professional Development Opportunities
Site visits, publications, webinars, Clifton Strengths-based programming, workshops, focus groups, and trainings.
DESTINATIONS
AIFS Abroad Customized, Faculty-led Programs organizes study abroad programs around the globe. Below is a selection of locations we have previously offered. If you do not see a specific location listed, please do not hesitate to call or email if you would like additional information.
80+
US Colleges and Unversities arrange CFL programs each year
Over 1.6 Million
AIFS program participants since our founding in 1964
Educator Services
Because each AIFS Abroad Customized, Faculty-led Program is tailored to fit your institution’s needs, the process will differ slightly in every case. Our team will provide personalized service both before and during your study abroad program.
Planning
You’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire to give us the essential information about your prospective program. Upon receipt, we’ll match you with one of our Program Managers, expert in the program location, who will create a proposal for you. The proposal will list program components, fees, application deadlines and refund policies, so it is absolutely clear what is included in the program fee. All land prices are guaranteed in US dollars and are not affected by currency fluctuations.
- Highly experienced Customized, Faculty-Led staff with local expertise to help you design a customized program to meet your needs
- Flexibility on program length and dates—We can accommodate full-year, semester, trimester, quarter, spring break and short term programs, including embedded programs.
- Access to our online portal for enrollment management
- Assistance with booking academic visits to supplement classroom teaching
Pre-Departure
Alongside the Program Manager, you’ll have support from our US based admissions team and regional university relations team who can assist with program promotion as needed. As a partner, the home institution maintains academic control over their students while abroad. Faculty from the home institution teach their curriculum abroad (with optional use of local adjunct professors), and the school determines admission criteria and selects and enrolls students. The school retains tuition fees and students pay a non-academic program fee to AIFS Abroad.
- Promotional materials and advice on how to recruit students
- Online Student Portal and U.S. Admissions Office to process applications, handle student payments and answer student, family or support network questions
- Orientation services including extensive materials to help students plan for their program
On Site
- Experienced AIFS Abroad Program staff
- Optional round-trip airport transfers
- Extensive orientation program
- Accommodation in apartments, dorms, hotels or homestays (availability varies by location/season/length of program)
- Meal plans (depending on location)
- Classrooms with audio/visual equipment
- Internet access for students & faculty
- Administrative support for faculty including access to shared office and/or computer facilities, depending on location
- Local lectures
- Specialized courses taught by local adjunct professors
- Inclusive or subsidized cultural program
- Optional or included overnight trips further afield
- Unpaid internships and volunteer placements (availability varies by location/length of program)
- 24/7 emergency contact service and on-site emergency preparedness procedures
- Quality medical insurance coverage for students (and faculty, if requested) and over $50 million of liability insurance with your institution named as co-insured
- Program evaluation
Safety & Security
AIFS Abroad considers the health and safety of students to be our first priority. We take a comprehensive approach to preemptively minimizing risk and preparing students for their time abroad. We are also fully prepared to respond to any health or safety issue that may arise while they’re there. With almost 60 years of experience, our policies and procedures related to health and safety are extremely effective and our record is excellent. Additionally, we closely monitor what is being discussed in our field, regarding student health and safety, and we remain responsive to the needs of our college and university partners.
Learn More about Health & SafetyPlanning a program? Take the Next Step
These resources are for college and university faculty, staff, and advisors who are seeking a partnership for a customized faculty-led program. AIFS Abroad will work collaboratively with faculty and advisors to ensure the best possible academic and cultural experience for students abroad.
