The SAF Concept
The SAF concept is firmly based on the value of universities working
together in a multilateral network to increase opportunities for undergraduate
study abroad. Member universities work with SAF to share resources and to
develop the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for study abroad to be a
strong 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 and other programs. Working in this way is relatively new to
universities in Asia and as such SAF is pioneering a new model to increase
international student mobility.
SAF’s 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 the 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. In all of the
countries where it works, SAF has local offices to serve students and their
universities. SAF staff in Korea, Japan, Mainland China and
Taiwan are highly qualified and experienced. They counsel students on
program choice, application preparation, standardized testing, visa
regulations, student insurance, travel options, provide pre-departure services
and briefings etc. SAF staff at the SAF HQ in Indianapolis, USA and in other
countries where our students study, connect with member universities and
provide a range of support services to students during their time abroad
Mission
The Study Abroad Foundation (SAF) is student-centered and committed to the
promotion of student mobility on a global basis. It works with
member universities worldwide to provide high-quality integrated semester
and academic year study opportunities for undergraduate students. SAF 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. To this end, SAF works in three broad
areas:
Academic
SAF develops and promotes study abroad programs in countries where universities
and colleges are experiencing increased interest in opportunities for their
students to study abroad for a short period as part of their overall
undergraduate experience.SAF is committed to meeting the needs of its partner
institutions while ensuring that where possible its programs are an integral
part of students' degree programs.
Professional Development
SAF uses its resources to strengthen institutional capacity through
the professional development of university staff working in international
education, especially those concerned with student mobility programs.
Fundraising
SAF seeks, encourages and provides financial resources to help
students afford study abroad. SAF is particularly concerned with
helping students who traditionally have not had access to opportunities to
study abroad.
Values
SAF and its member 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 member
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 study abroad experiences for one or two semesters or a
year at member institutions abroad, complemented and strengthened by
comprehensive student support services.
Student Experience Goals
It is SAF’s goal to assist students to become 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 foreign 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.
Links to Country Offices
SAF Japan
SAF Korea
SAF Mainland
China
SAF Taiwan
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