Proposing a FACULTY-LED Study Abroad Program
Education Abroad provides advising and support services to FAU employees interested in offering an FAU credit-bearing course with a 1-8 week international travel component--also known as a faculty-led program. The University has a robust development and approval process for faculty, staff, adjuncts, and administrators leading students abroad on an academic program. In collaboration with the Center for Global Engagement, Academic Affairs, General Counsel, and other FAU departments, Education Abroad continues to strengthening policies and procedures to prepare all University travelers for the exciting and complex landscape of international travel abroad. Education Abroad works closley with FAU's Global Travel Safety and Security Subcommittee to evaluate program destinations and ensure that we have considered and prepared for safety and security of students, faculty, and staff abroad.
Meet with our team to brainstorm and discuss the many possibilities for adding an international component to your academic course! The University has existing partnerships with schools, organizations, and vendors around the world, and our team supports faculty leaders and departments from start to finish. To align with best practices and policies, we work with vendors/third-party providers that can offer a wide range of programmatic services which include but is not limited to housing abroad, local transportation passes, classroom space if needed, activities, excursions, group meals, and more. Education Abroad can assist with identifying a vendor that best meets the needs for a proposed program. All new vendors must be approved by Education Abroad prior to developing a program.
Education Abroad helps faculty and staff with:
- Program development
- Budget and finance
- Safety & security
- Recruitment and marketing
SUMMER 2024 STUDY ABROAD FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS
New and returning prospective leaders should meet with Education Abroad Director, Madison McShane at least 2 weeks prior to submitting a proposal to discuss new guidelines, best practices, and receive your unique proposal submission link. To make an appointment, contact Madison at mmcshane@fau.edu.
Thursday, August 17, 2023 - Priority submission deadline. This is strongly encouraged for new programs or programs with a May start date. Proposals submitted by this date will be reviewed first.
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - Final submission deadline.
1. Read the Study Abroad Program Faculty Handbook
2. Signature page of the Study Abroad Program Faculty Handbook
3. Proposal Application and signatures
4. Program expense document and draft itinerary
5. Safety & Security Plan form
A unique submission link will be generated for each proposal and supporting documents. Contact Madison McShane at mmcshane@fau.edu to recieve your unique submission link to upload your proposal application and supporting documents.
After the review process is complete, approved programs will require submission of additional documents which include:
- Final program budget reviewed and approved by Education Abroad and Program Leaders - required prior to marketing the program to students
- Tentative syllabus for program course offerings - required prior to marketing the program to students
- Updated program itinerary - required approx. 4 weeks before program start date
Faculty leader and Assistant Forms Required:
- Program Leader(s) Flight Itinerary and receipt
- Clear color copy of the biographical page of valid passport
- Program Leader Emergency, Health, and Reimbursement Form
- Family and Friends Disclosure Form
- Family and Friends Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Review Process: Submissions will be reviewed by Education Abroad, the Center for Global Engagement, and the Provost office. The required proposal documents and program destination(s) are carefully reviewed to evaluate safety, security, accessibility, diversity, and affordability. Throughout the review process, Education Abroad may request additional information or meetings with faculty leaders and staff regarding the program. By submitting a proposal, approval is not guaranteed.
Risk Assessment: Travel destinations that are identified by the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory as a Level 3 or a Level 4 must be reviewed by the FAU Global Safety and Security Subcommittee (GTSSS). FAU's Global Travel Policy can be found here. Program destinations that meet this parameter will be automatically sent to GTSSS for further review by Education Abroad. GTSSS may request additional documents or approvals for further consideration. This may impact the proposal decision timeline. FAU reserves the right to suspend travel to any destination when world conditions alter the safety and security assessment of the country or region, and student travel could affect the physical, mental, and emotional health of travelers.
Decision Timeline: Education Abroad will make every effort to provide a decision on a proposal submission by the first week of October. Please note a decision may be provided for some submissions earlier and some may receive a decision later depending on the program.
Marketing Timeline: Education Abroad will make every effort to have programs ready to market and applications open to students by November 1 in order to have them ready to market at the annual fall study abroad fair. Please note that program leaders are strongly encouraged to host a table at the study abroad fair. More information will be provided after proposals are reviewed.
Student Application Deadline: For most summer faculty-led programs, the student application for study abroad deadline is early February. The required deadline may be earlier or later depending on the program and various factors such as international housing payment deadlines and more.
For more information on the Study Abroad Faculty-Led Program process and guidelines, review the Study Abroad Program Faculty Handbook here.