Educators
Academic Partner
LeadAbroad partners with Oglethorpe University to make it easy for students from Oglethorpe University around the US to participate in a LeadAbroad program. Oglethorpe University is a leading liberal arts and sciences university located in Atlanta, Georgia. With its motto, “Make a living, make a life, make a difference,” the missions of OU and LeadAbroad combine seamlessly. Founded in 1835, OU has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges, Forbes’ America’s Best Colleges, and Princeton Review’s Best Southeastern College in its 2014 edition of The Best Colleges. Oglethorpe is a member of the Annapolis Group, an organization of America’s most selective liberal arts institutions. For seven consecutive years, Oglethorpe has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for commitment to and achievement in community service. Oglethorpe competes in the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association, and it is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors and master’s degrees. Through LeadAbroad’s partnership with Oglethorpe University, the faculty is able to focus on their areas of expertise and deliver engaging curriculum to our students. The academic staff leads all academic endeavors including lectures, guest speakers, site visits, discussions, activities and papers. With the help of teaching assistants, the academic staff works closely with students and ensures a challenging classroom environment abroad. From archaeological digs to unearth ruins in Greece to leading international organizations of fellow professors, our faculty are both accomplished and committed to furthering international education. Academic credit for all LeadAbroad programs comes from Oglethorpe University. It is up to each student to follow the policies outlined by his or her home university to transfer the credits. We will work with you and your university to help students navigate the process, but the student is primarily responsible. Academic and personal growth are at the heart of all LeadAbroad programs. Each program type has a different curricular focus:
GO Curriculum
GO programs are 4-week study centers. Our faculty undergo rigorous evaluations from both Oglethorpe faculty and administrators in order to earn a teaching position abroad. The faculty retain complete control over their syllabi, readings, assignments and in class policies. GO programs also have a unique engagement model. Students experience academic engagement through coursework, discussion, tours and guest speakers. Cultural engagement comes from exploration of the local food, history and culture. Personal engagement occurs through intentional conversations with our LeadAbroad staff at weekly community club meetings and group dinners. We work with students on an individual basis to help them discover their passions, articulate their vision and get the most out of their time abroad. Sample course syllabi are listed below. Students will select two of the offered courses in their location. All courses are subject to change and syllabi may be updated before the first day of class.
LEAD Curriculum
All LEAD programs focus on leadership and service learning. Students earn six credit hours from Oglethorpe University in the courses of Leadership: Global Theory and Practice and Global Citizenship and Civic Engagement. Professors adapt each syllabus to reflect the local culture, history and current events. Both professors and their syllabi are thoroughly reviewed by Oglethorpe faculty and administrators, and all courses will include class instruction paired with experiential education. Students may select how they would like to list their classes on their transcript from the following disciplines: interdisciplinary studies, history, politics or sociology. LEAD programs are grounded in in-class lectures and coursework; however, they also emphasize experiential learning and out-of-the-classroom experiences. The courses are designed to create unique learning environments. Class time includes hands on service work in the local community, physical opportunities like hiking Table Mountain and focused role-playing activities. Students will be challenged to create their own vision statement and reflect on the impacts of their experience abroad. Sample course syllabi are listed below. Students will select two of the offered courses in their location. All courses are subject to change and syllabi may be updated before the first day of class.