Executing a successful faculty-led study abroad program requires a significant investment of time and effort into planning. The higher the investment the more positive the impact of the program on the host community and the students.

Faculty leaders and international education staff can use the following questions, focused on community impact, as guides for research and inquiry when planning ethical and responsible community-based study abroad programs.

Community Impact Planning for Study Abroad

Social Impact

  • What are the local norms and customs we have to be aware of?

    How do people of different genders and ages interact?

    How do people greet each other? Is kissing on the cheek or shaking hands important?

    What clothing that could be inappropriate?

    What typical behavior by students could be offensive to the hosts?

    Expensive presents can set a tone of inequality from the start.

    Expensive jewelry or other accessories can create jealousy and promote materialism.

    Are students drinking and/or doing drugs? Consumption of drugs can set a bad example for local young people and increase criminal activity in the area

  • How can we ensure that what we share is not offensive and does not contribute to materialism or “Americanization”?

    Regional dances, like line, square, or hip hop are good choices for sharing culture.

    Songs like the university fight song, the national anthem, or favorite pop music are also good.

    Stories, legends, and myths from home are good to share.

    Artisan or craft work from home are also great.

  • Who makes decisions?

    Who is most vocal? Do they speak for many others?

    Do they have the support of many in the community?

    What are the democratic processes in place to ensure equitable decision making?

  • Are we going to be welcomed by all, most, or just a few people?

    How can we be inclusive of people who do not benefit from tourism typically?

  • What are our unique strengths? What resources do we have access to?

    What are our weaknesses / gaps? What do we not know?

    What are unique opportunities or trends we can take advantage of?

    What are the external threats that could prevent us from contributing?

Economic Impact

  • Cash cropping, fishing, tourism, services, and manufacturing are some common bases.

  • Use UN SDGs to guide your research on this topic and the Forum on Education Abroad SDG resource to plan your program

    Education and technical training, access to credit, and access to new markets, are some possible priorities.

  • What is an average monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly wage in the destination?

    Are we asking people to volunteer when we should be paying?

  • What locally-owned (not international chain) restaurants and hotels can we use?

    Is there a local transportation company?

    Can we hire guides / facilitators from the community or nearby?

  • What amount can we afford as part of the program fee?

    Can students get involved in fundraising?

  • Should we hire local people to do the project and, instead of volunteering, develop a cultural exchange activity?

Environmental Impact

  • Deforestation, ecosystem degradation, loss of species, pollution and waste, are some of the common threats.

    What impacts will climate change have on the area?

  • Reforestation and protection of wildlife, ecosystems, and water are common priorities.

  • What local and international environmental nonprofits already operate in this area?

  • How much (money) can we afford to contribute to conservation organizations?

    Are you planting trees or similar environmental service work?

  • Estimate using online calculator

    How can we reduce fly time? Can aspects of the program be delivered virtually? Can the program operate in nearby destinations (e.g. Mexico, Caribbean, Central America)?

    How can we reduce drive time?Can we visit fewer destinations, more time in each? Can we visit destinations closer to airport?

    What are the carbon offset options? Can we donate to a local reforestation or other carbon reduction projects? Can we donate to Conservation International, the Carbon Fund or similar initiatives?

  • No plastic bottles policy

    No single use items policy

    Can we track waste we generate by weighing it before discarding?

  • Are we visiting pristine ecological sites?

    Use local guides to limit impact on fragile ecosystems.