Study abroad programs get Standards.(NEWSWATCH)

International studies programs are red hot in today's global economy. But when experienced study-abroad administrators are already booked and schools rely on faculty to supervise the trips, many have gotten into trouble.

For example, last summer a University of Washington five-week program in Ghana ended abruptly with the medical evacuation of half its students, amid charges that they were ill, underfed and living more than three miles from their program director.

Faculty-run abroad programs tend to be shorter, such as during academic breaks, and at lower cost--good news for students previously unable to participate. But problems start when faculty is sent into the field with little training or experience in planning and managing them.

"If you're going to send faculty members to lead programs abroad, you've got to back that up with proper training," said Carl A. Herrin, a consultant in international education. In many programs only one faculty member supervises 15-20 students with little administrative experience.

Proposals for improvement include: Add a second staff member to share responsibilities, follow already-proposed courses and programs, assure proper training for leaders and properly evaluate groups that will provide services and ...