The document outlines the activities and objectives of Penn State Harrisburg's Office of International Programs, which seeks to create more international opportunities for faculty and students to align with the university's strategic plan, though they face challenges like cost, logistics, and coordinating faculty involvement. The office's goals include offering 5-10 study tours annually along with more exchange programs and abroad participation, and they have several tours planned for 2009-2010 in locations like China, London, Scandinavia, Europe, and Mexico.

1. Staff Forum November 13, 2009 Office of International ProgramsPenn State Harrisburg

2. Activities of International Programs Office Marie-Louise Abram 948-6003 C114 Stephanie Ponnett 948-6062 (also Honors and Faculty Senate) C118 Office that creates international opportunities abroad for faculty and students

3. Why do we seek these opportunities? The world has changed – global economy All countries are interconnected, particularly US Students need to be relevant, competitive and current to compete in the job market

4. College’s Approach Following PSU’s strategic plan to make international programs a priority, Office of International Programs was created Strategic Planning Committee was configured and charged in 2008-2009 Action Plans to be executed – example, languages, certificate programs, etc.

5. Functional Areas of International Programs Institutional Relationships Faculty and Student Exchange Contract Work Study Abroad Study Tours

6. Study Tours – Primary Focus Based on Students’ Needs Most students can only travel for short periods – working and class schedules Family obligations Traditional students come with the helicopter parents $$$$$ Having the international experience is more important than the time abroad

7. Challenges Students cannot afford the costs of the trip Faculty do not have incentive to coordinate Logistics Safety Political climate College’s expectations of behavior Cancellations ETC.

8. Penn State Harrisburg’s Objectives in International Programs 5-10 study tours a year More exchange relationships for faculty and students More students using all study abroad programs Development objectives to build program

9. 2009-2010 Study Tours Spring break courses China – School of Business, Dr. Webb London – School of Business, Dr. Chung Scandinavia – School of Humanities, Dr. Barton Spring Course – travel in May 2010 European Bridge Tour – School of SET, Dr. Cecere Summer Course – travel in June 2010 Mexico – School of BSED and Humanities, Drs. Clark and Strickland