Evaluation and Study Abroad: Developing Assessment Criteria and Practices to Promote Excellence

This paper describes how the authors worked with a Task Force to develop the IES Model Assessment Practice (MAP), a set of detailed criteria to use in evaluating IES study abroad programs, and how IES is beginning to implement MAP. Two sets of theories provided the framework for the project: current thinking about educational program evaluation and assessment in the U.S., including current definitions of academic quality; and organizational learning, whereby the processes of planning and decision-making involve members of the organization in gathering, sharing, and interpreting information. The 18-month project was sponsored by IES, The Institute for the International Education of Students (formerly the Institute of European Studies). With this publication, we propose that study abroad practitioners join a dialogue about program evaluation and share models of good practice for the benefit of our students.