Keeping in mind The Forum standards of good practice and the MSIE program students’ limitations, it was decided that a short-term study abroad program of no longer than 2 weeks in duration would be integrated with a full 3-credit course, which would be offered online. The rationale was that a short-term standalone study abroad program would have less academic value for fostering student learning and development (The Forum, Standard 2) than one which was integrated into a full academic-term experience. In addition, it was believed that integrating a mandatory short-term study abroad component into a full 3-credit course would have potential to attract more students, because participants could take the course as part of the credits needed toward their graduation. Furthermore, they would also be eligible for financial aid under the Simon Act, which allows students to use financial aid for study abroad if it is required for course credit.