The Education Abroad Chaperone Training Program prepares selected WVU faculty, staff, and eligible professional-level students to support faculty-led study abroad programs through structured training in student support, group leadership, travel logistics, and international risk management.
Participants complete a year-long professional development experience that combines monthly training sessions with hands-on experience supporting a WVU faculty-led study abroad program. The program is designed to expand campus capacity for education abroad while equipping participants with practical skills applicable to advising, student success, and global engagement initiatives.
Program Goals
The Education Abroad Chaperone Training Program seeks to:
- Develop a network of trained education abroad professionals across campus.
- Increase institutional capacity to support faculty-led programs.
- Promote student health, safety, and well-being during international experiences.
- Provide participants with practical experience in group travel management and international risk mitigation.
- Enhance participants' intercultural competence and understanding of education abroad operations.
Eligibility
WVU faculty, staff, or professional level students (Ph.d candidates or year 3+ medical students) seeking
to learn professional skills in leading, developing, and/or recruiting for study
abroad programming.
Undergraduate and masters level students are not permitted to serve as program chaperones.
Program Commitment
The Chaperone Training Program operates annually from September through May. Participants should anticipate approximately one hour of training per month, along with meetings related to their assigned program.
Participants selected for a travel placement should expect to dedicate additional time to:
- Faculty meetings related to the assigned program;
- Student pre-departure orientation sessions;
- Completion of required university training;
- Post-program reflection and evaluation activities.
2026-2027 Training Cohort Size
3-4 Participants will be selected through a short application and interview process. Education Abroad will work with faculty leaders to place chaperones on Spring Break programs. Placement will be based on program need, academic fit, and professional interests. Academic advisors and 191 First Year Seminar instructors are encouraged to apply!
Requirements
- 1 hour per month for pre- and post-travel training arranged by OGA
- September: Orientation/Meet the staff/Study Abroad Basics
- October: P-card training, chaperone responsibilities, logistical troubleshooting
- November: Health, mental health, and safety and international risk management/ISOS
- December: Group leadership training
- January: Attend program pre-departure budget meeting with faculty for assigned program
- February: Attend program pre-departure orientation with faculty and students
- March: Spring Break Travel
- April: Program debrief meeting
- Spring Break travel with a faculty-led group, approximately 10 days, travel expenses provided.
- Can't travel during Spring Break? Summer options may be available, let us know during the application process.
Benefits
Compensation is not provided for these activities. Participants will receive training and travel expenses for assigned travel in line with WVU’s Chaperone policy.
Participants should notify OGA immediately if they are unable to travel during the required period.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A mission statement outlining how the program can enhance your professional goals and contribute to your role at WVU. (One Page)
- A copy of your most recent CV or resumé.
- One letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor/department chair confirming your ability to participate, but also demonstrating why you would be a good candidate. Please have this sent directly to educationabroad@mail.wvu.edu. Note: Employees may not be asked to take annual leave during program travel.