Justice Beyond Borders: Best Practices in Organizing and Implementing Interdisciplinary Study Abroad Programs

Study abroad opportunities provide students with valuable insights into not only international policies, practices, and cultures, but also themselves. Interdisciplinary study abroad programs provide a unique opportunity to bring students and faculty from different disciplines together for a broader, deeper, and global understanding of social issues, including crime. However, planning and implementing such courses can be a challenging experience that can vary based on context. We discuss several best practices we have developed from our own study abroad involvement. Topics include selecting destinations, student recruitment, developing multicultural competencies, and encountering unexpected challenges related to student mental health. Additionally, we highlight opportunities for organizing interdisciplinary programs and the benefits they have for students and faculty alike. Our discussion is particularly geared toward faculty at universities with a Study Abroad Office, as these offices often play a critical role in supporting program development and logistics.