Building a Resilient LIASE Program by Developing Multiple Field Sites

Most LIASE-sponsored programs incorporate some type of fieldwork in Asia as a primary element. Sustaining these field sites over the long term is vulnerable to varying levels faculty commitment, personal relationships with overseas partner institutions, and vicissitudes student interest, especially given small pools at liberal arts colleges. Eckerd College has met this challenge by using joint on-campus program feed into multiple research locations, which broadens opportunities for engagement. It also allowed us let lapse when they were not working out, without undermining integrity continuity overall program.