Roles & Expectations

Each program is different, but overall, students on Faculty-Directed programs should expect to spend a significant amount of time with their Dartmouth peers and Dartmouth faculty. Many aspects of the program's logistics will be managed for students and/or communicated to students by the program partner and the Guarini Institute. 

Students have opportunities for free time and exploration, but the expectation is that students spend the bulk of their time with the program in class, on excursions, and sometimes in group living situations.

Students should expect a term that feels different from a term in Hanover, because they are in a new location and are immersed in a different culture, routine, and have access to different resources than they are accustomed to. At the same time, students on faculty-directed programs are still very connected to Dartmouth and may need to take extra care to explore and make local connections on their own.

Each program is different, especially with exchanges. Many aspects of the program's logistics and content will be managed by students with some guidance provided by the host institution. Students should expect to exercise responsibility and independence while preparing for and participating in their exchange program. 

Because the point of an exchange is for students to enroll and live as a local student at their host institution, exchange students are largely in charge of how to schedule their days and spend their free time. Students should expect an experience that is very different from a term at Dartmouth because they are enrolling at a different institution, with a different culture, and different resources and opportunities. Exchange programs tend to require more responsibility and drive from students than other types of programs. This can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding for those interested in venturing outside of the "Dartmouth bubble."

Faculty Directors provide the academic, intercultural, and administrative leadership that enables the program to succeed. While programs vary in format, Faculty Directors usually teach one course and supervise the overall program curriculum. They coordinate with local faculty and staff on program academics.

In addition to their teaching role, they supervise and direct students in the academic and intercultural goals of the program both before departure and during the program. They are also responsible for the supervision and welfare of the participants in the program.

Each program’s Faculty Director is listed the program's webpage.

Exchange partners accept students to enroll and take classes at their institution. The host institution's staff are the primary contacts for students during onboarding and for the duration of the program. 

Students must adhere to the host institution's requirements, deadlines, and processes while they are on exchange. Students have access to the regular resources and programming that the host institution makes available to all enrolled students.

All courses taken during a faculty-directed program are part of a pre-determined curriculum. These courses are considered as Dartmouth credit and will contribute to your Dartmouth GPA.

Students on term-length faculty-directed programs will be assigned a 3-course load and will receive specific course credits and grades. The Registrar's office in coordination with the relevant department will register students directly for the courses on the program.

Students on fall term + programs will be assigned 1 course for the duration of their program. The 1 course for a fall term+ will be in addition to a student's regular fall term course load.

You can see the curriculum by looking at the "Academic Program" section on the Guarini Institute's webpage for the program.

Exchange programs do not have a pre-determined curriculum. Instead, students choose their courses from available options at the host institution and apply to transfer that credit back to their Dartmouth diploma.

Because there is not a set curriculum it is important that exchange students have some flexibility with their academic plan. Sometimes exchange students do not get into their first-choice courses at the host institution or do not receive transfer credit approval from Dartmouth. When this happens, an adaptable academic plan and mindset can help the student pivot to alternative options.

The ability to register for specific courses on exchange and receive transfer credit approval is not guaranteed. So, it is important that exchange students have at least some flexibility with their academic plan, and that they begin the transfer credit approval process well in advance of the start of their program.

🌟 Click here for more information on transfer credit 🌟

The Guarini Institute works with various onsite partners for most faculty-directed programs. 

• Partners are carefully selected and provide a variety of customized support services including a comprehensive orientation, support for program logistics and payments, and assistance with participant health, safety, and security matters. 

• Our partners are often headquartered in the US while having trained staff that support study away programs year-round at the program location. 

• The Guarini Institute continuously improves program design and academic quality in coordination with program partners. 

• The Guarini Institute will introduce you to your program partner.

There is an office and/or particular staff member at the host institution that is primarily responsible for onboarding exchange students. This will be your main contact as you prepare for and settle into your program. You should reach out to them with questions as you have them and to troubleshoot any concerns or issues before and during your time there. They are there to advise you and are the experts on their own institution, so do get in touch, early and often!

The Guarini Institute can help to connect you and your host institution. Contact Noelle Warinsky if you have questions.