Utilizing student affairs professionals to enhance student and faculty experiences and mitigate risk in short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the use of student affairs professionals in short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs to enhance student experiences, support faculty by taking over the “student support” role, and manage risk. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper that introduces the value that student affairs professionals can bring to the study abroad context. A short case study is embedded. Findings – Although conceptual, this paper identifies the benefits of a partnership between student affairs and academic affairs in the study abroad context. Research limitations/implications – This paper is not empirical. Practical implications – The practical implications of using student affairs professionals in the study abroad context include enhanced student experiences through both pre-departure preparation and ongoing reflection, increased support for faculty which may result in less faculty burnout and stress, and additional staff to help mitigate and manage risk. Originality/valu...