Off-Campus Programs

Mission

The Office of Off-Campus Programs promotes and advises students about the college’s study abroad programs, works to maintain and enhance the quality of the programs, and provides logistical and training support for faculty leaders teaching in the program.

Vision

The Office of Off-Campus Programs seeks to be a catalyst for global learning through high-quality study abroad and domestic program opportunities in worldwide locations for students and faculty from all academic disciplines including those often underrepresented in study abroad.

Scholarships

Through a generous bequest by the late Dr. Joseph W. Walt, emeritus professor of history, Simpson College is pleased to offer more than 40 scholarships annually to help cover costs of a Simpson College student’s study abroad experience. These awards are available for students participating in a May Term International Travel Courses as well as for those studying on semester-long overseas programs.

For students who receive a federal Pell Grant as part of their college financial package, the Gilman International Scholarship is another potential funding source. The scholarship is provided by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. It stipulates that students must study abroad for at least 21 days, so those studying on a Simpson May Term International Travel Course unfortunately are not eligible to apply for a Gilman Scholarship, but for those students participating in longer duration programs, the scholarship is a great opportunity to help reduce their costs.

Cost

Costs to participate in the Global Gateway for Teachers Program include:

-$1,200 program cost ($300 payable at time of submitting registration set to GGT, with the remaining $900 payable before the end of the semester before student teaching commences)

-$240 – $300 per week typically for 10 weeks (8 weeks in school plus any school holidays)

-Flight/transportation costs

-Visa (fees varies by country) and passport

-Health insurance which will cover the student while abroad

-Classroom liability insurance purchased through ISEA or IPEI

Personal qualities

Students who are most likely to succeed in cultural immersion experiences possess:

– Emotional stability, good health, and willingness to adjust and adapt to unfamiliar and sometimes difficult circumstances

-Freedom from worries about family and friends or other social obligations

-Adequate financial resources to pay program fees, travel expenses, and living expenses abroad

-Strong professional and personal objectives for their experience

-A sense of independence and adventure

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate, students must:

-have earned a least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Simpson*,

– have passed a teaching dispositions review completed by the Campus Director of International Student Teaching in consultation with the Education Department faculty,

-interview with and then be recommended for International Student Teaching participation by the Director of International Education and the Campus Director of International Student Teaching,

-apply by the appropriate deadlines (see below),

-follow through on all responsibilities included in the Global Gateways Acknowledgement and Agreement of Student Responsibilities document,

-successfully complete their first student teaching placement of 7-8 weeks in Central Iowa,

-complete all student teaching seminar requirements prior to departure for their international student teaching placement.

*While the standard minimum GPA requirement for participation is 3.5, consideration will be given to students with a Simpson cumulative GPA of between a 3.3 and 3.5 that have a great body of other evidence that clearly demonstrates they are an excellent candidate for IST.