Whom does the Center serve? The Center focuses on the needs of decision makers in colleges and universities; that is, senior officers responsible for college and university curriculum and finance. Services are available to all postsecondary institutions, large and small, public and independent.

What the Center offers: The Center consolidates and develops the very best and most current information sources in five key areas related to expanding study abroad:

• Mission/Goal for Study Abroad
  Essential resources and tools to integrate Study Abroad into institutional goals and objectives.
• Faculty Engagement and Research—Study Abroad
  Resources and research for engaging faculty and revamping curriculum.
• Financing Study Abroad Programs
  Financial models both at the institutional and individual participant level.
• Organizing a Portfolio of Programs
  Selected organization models promoting high-level leadership on campuses and various options to organize a portfolio of programs.
• Capacity Expanding Programs
  Capacity mapping for Study Abroad expansion, including non-traditional destinations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The Center's resource database: Hosted by NAFSA as a professional network, this database includes case studies, quantitative data, news reports, strategic plans, Web sites, recent research, discussion groups—in short, a full road map for navigating the complex world of study abroad practices and options.

An action agenda: Beginning in 2010, the Center will also serve as a catalyst for study abroad expansion, convening small groups of educators facing similar challenges in expanding their programs. Group members will share information, act as peer support in implementing programs, and foster collaboration across the field.

About the Center: The Center is supported by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (A·P·L·U). It is designed to work with colleges, universities and study abroad providers to identify and address challenges in planning, financing, implementing, and evaluating international programs for postsecondary students. Dr. Margaret Heisel leads the Center's work, with staff and volunteer support from A·P·L·U and NAFSA contributing to the Center's efforts.