Site Visits

Participants will get to know on-site staff, experience components of the curriculum, and learn how programs could be customized to RIT’s needs.

Participants will:

• Experience study abroad programs first-hand
• Meet with students and local staff
• Learn what goes into a successful customized faculty-led program
• Visit housing, internship sites, and academic partners

Benefits

• Use this experience to build a future faculty-led program
• Connect with potential research partners
• Gain a greater understanding of your students’ study abroad experience

Site visit proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to your site visit:

• Discuss your program and ideas with your department chair, college study abroad liaison, and the RIT Global office.
• RIT Global will consult on program feasibility, timing, and competing with other programs.
• The International Education and Global Programs office offers site visit grants. For details about the grant application process and expectations, go to the International Research page.

Tips for a successful site visit:

Here are some factors you should consider when conducting your site visit.

Time

• What is the general pace of the culture?
• What time of day do people eat meals?
• When are shops and attractions open for business? Do they close during an extended period of time?

Excursions

• Is the itinerary arranged efficiently?
• Will museums/tours etc. be open on the days/hours you plan to visit?
• Are there holidays that could affect your itinerary?
• What activities can you recommend for students during their free time?
• How will you pay for your group to participate? Can reservations be pre-ordered?
• Are the activities inclusive of students with diverse abilities? What accommodations can be made?

Local Contacts

• Can you work with locals to make your program run more smoothly?  Think about developing relationships with businesses and organizations that will be part of your program.

Transportation

• What airport will you fly into?  Will you travel with students together as a group?  If not, how can you make the airport transportation easy for students?
• What is the best way to accommodate a large group?  Private or public transportation?
• How will you travel from one activity to the next?  If you plan to take public transportation, is it possible to buy group tickets in advance?

Food

• What allergens are present or common that you should warn students about?
• What are some safe food practices?
• What is the local cuisine like?
• Can your chosen eateries manage large groups? How will it be paid? Is it affordable?

Learning space  

• Where will you be conducting lectures or course projects?
• What technology will you need?

Climate

• What is the typical weather experience for the time of year you will be there?
• What type of clothes, shoes, and equipment is necessary?
• What are some alternate plans in case of weather issues?

Accommodations

• What accommodations are best for a student group?
• Are the accommodations inclusive for students with disabilities?
• Is the lodging located in a safe and convenient location?

Orientating oneself

• Identify shops and businesses that will be useful to your students when they arrive, such as a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, mobile phone store, etc.  

In general, it is a good idea to ask yourself regularly, how will a large group be accommodated in this situation? Also, consider developing some alternative plans in case of an unexpected change.

Because affiliate site visits are discipline-specific, the RIT Global office will let the appropriate faculty/dean know when these opportunities arise. Your department may have to pay a nominal cost for the site visit.

After your site visit:

• Meet with the RIT Global office to reflect on the program
• If applicable, team up with the RIT Education Abroad office to promote and recruit students for the program
• Discuss with your department chair and dean about potential collaborations