Frequently Asked Questions

We will work with you as a team to develop a specialized program that meets your objectives, is relevant to your groups' academic/professional interests and career goals, and considers their linguistic and cultural backgrounds.  We will work collaboratively to design a unique educational experience for your group.  We will discuss every issue from logistics to academic curriculum, from budgets to pedagogy, answering questions such as:

• When is the most convenient time to send a group?

• How long would you like the program to be?

• How many participants would you like to send?

• Are you planning to send undergraduates, graduate students, or mid-career professionals?

• What are the participants' professional/academic interests?

• What is the average level of English proficiency within the group?

• Would you like us to provide an interpreter?

• What are your goals & objectives for this program?

• What would you like the participants to accomplish?

• Are there any specific skills you would like them to learn?

• What types of orientation and follow-up do you prefer?

• What is the most appropriate theme for this group of participants?

• Would you like the participants to work on a project?

When is the most convenient time to send a group?

We can host groups at any time of the year.

How long would you like the program to be?

Most programs run two - four weeks, but they can range from one day to a few months.

How many participants would you like to send?

A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants is recommended.

What are the participants' professional/academic interests?

It is recommended, but not required, that participants have a common professional/academic interest.

What is the average level of English proficiency within the group?

Instruction is in English, but no minimum level of English proficiency is required.  TOEFL/TOEIC scores may be requested for placement & to target the level of instruction.

Would you like us to provide an interpreter?

We can arrange for interpreters in most languages.

What types of orientation & follow-up do you prefer?

All programs include a detailed, pre-departure orientation manual & an extensive report following the program.  UNC Charlotte faculty can visit your campus to provide orientation and/or follow up classes.  Web board discussion groups & distance learning classes can also be arranged.

What is the most appropriate theme for this group of participants?

The theme is the driving force that determines the curriculum.  It ties all of the program components together.

Would you like the participants to work on a project?

A project, relating to the theme of the program, gives purpose & relevance to all program components.  It integrates all the elements of the program into a meaningful educational experience that is directly applicable to the participants' professional/academic interests.  A project coach, who is an experienced leader, will supervise the project & stimulate the participants to analyze, synthesize, & apply what they have learned.  Participants deliver an oral presentation to present the results of their projects.