The SAF Concept - An Introduction
The SAF concept is firmly based on the value of universities working
together in multilateral networks to share resources to develop the specialized
knowledge and skills necessary for study abroad to be part of their
internationalization process. An important objective is to enable university
partners to effectively and professionally respond to increased demand for
study abroad opportunities by their students. Often this involves serving
students for whom there are insufficient places in bilateral exchange
programs.
SAF works as a network of universities. Its development is guided by an
International Advisory Council (IAC) on which each member university is
represented. SAF places high value on member institutions guiding our
development. Universities are encouraged to see membership in the SAF network
as complementing other arrangements they have to encourage and facilitate
international student mobility. For some universities, the opportunity provided
through SAF membership will be central to their internationalization and
student mobility plans. For other universities, membership will supplement
well-developed and long-standing programs.
SAF was established in 2000 and is an Indiana, USA chartered non-profit
organization with an independent Board of Directors, and as such uses all
of its resources and income as well as grants and benefits it receives from
other foundations and organizations to develop our organization and
strengthen our network. SAF administers competitive scholarship programs for
network members and provides know-how, networking and professional development
opportunities to staff of member universities. The Institute for Study Abroad
- Butler University (IFSA-Butler) assisted in the establishment of SAF as part
of its mission to strengthen international student mobility. IFSA-Butler
is itself a non-profit organization which was founded in 1988 and is today a
network of over 200 universities in 13 countries. Every year approximately
4,000 American and Canadian students participate in an IFSA-Butler study
abroad program.
SAF encourages member universities to transfer course credit awarded to
students completing courses at other member institutions. This can be directly
or where appropriate using the European Credit Transfer Scheme and the UMAP
Credit Transfer Scheme. In all of the countries where it works, SAF has local
offices to serve students and their universities. Our experienced staff
in Korea, Japan, Mainland China and Taiwan are prepared to counsel
students on program choice, application preparation, standardized testing, visa
regulations, student insurance, travel options, etc.
Mission Statement
SAF is student-centered and committed to the promotion of student mobility
on a global basis. It works with universities worldwide to provide high-quality
integrated semester and academic year study opportunities for undergraduate
students. It does this because it believes that giving students the opportunity
to study abroad increases international understanding and provides students
with the intercultural skills necessary to succeed in and contribute to their
own societies and the world community.
Values of SAF
SAF and its network of universities believe that international
education is fundamental to fostering peace, security, and human well-being and
that the opportunity for students to study in a country other than their own
makes a significant contribution to this process. Therefore, SAF and its
network of universities believe that where possible the opportunity to
study abroad should be integral to the academic programs of students at all
universities.
SAF is committed to providing qualified university students with integrated
and excellent academic or language study abroad experiences for one
semester or one full year at member institutions abroad, complemented and
strengthened by comprehensive student support services.
Goals for the SAF Student Experience
It is SAF’s goal to assist students in becoming more culturally aware and
better able to contribute as effective and involved citizens of an
interdependent world.
SAF intends that students participating in its programs benefit by:
- Advancing their academic achievement especially their problem-solving and
critical thinking skills
- Developing their language skills
- Strengthening their understanding of the world community through cultural
exchange and discussion
- Strengthening their understanding and appreciation of diversity
- Growing in personal understanding and respect for others
- Becoming more independent and self-confident
Frequently Asked Questions
Under development and will be posted shortly.
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