faculty-led study abroad

Faculty Leaders

Learn how to propose and develop a Study Abroad program.

WMU faculty and instructors are an essential and integral part in providing study abroad opportunities for WMU students. Through encouraging global learning, advising on course selection and developing study abroad programs, they play a central role in supporting student engagement in education abroad.

study abroad in thailand
My favorite part about studying abroad was getting the chance to meet people from all different places and backgrounds. A huge thank you to Professor Duke [Leingpibul] for leading us on this unforgettable journey. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.
— Lauren Adsmond, Business & Culture in Thailand Student

Develop a Study Abroad Program

General Introduction on Fac Led Programs/Development

New Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

Time Before DepartureProgram Phase
18+ monthsIdeation and Consultation
12-18 monthsProgram Development
11-12 monthsProgram Approval
 Program Marketing and Student Recruitment
 Application Management and Applicant Review
1-2 monthsPre-Departure
N/ATravel/On-site
1 month (after return)Return

Repeat Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

Time Before DepartureProgram Phase
11-12 monthsNotify Study Abroad Intent to Repeat Program
 Program Updates
 Program Approval
 Program Marketing and Student Recruitment
 Application Management and Applicant Review
1-2 monthsPre-Departure
N/ATravel/On-site
1 month (after return)Return

New Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

Time Before DepartureProgram Phase
18+ monthsIdeation and Consultation
12-18 monthsProgram Development
11-12 monthsProgram Approval
 Program Marketing and Student Recruitment
 Application Management and Applicant Review
1-2 monthsPre-Departure
N/ATravel/On-site
1 month (after return)Return

Repeat Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

Time Before DepartureProgram Phase
11-12 monthsNotify Study Abroad Intent to Repeat Program
 Program Updates
 Program Approval
 Program Marketing and Student Recruitment
 Application Management and Applicant Review
1-2 monthsPre-Departure
N/ATravel/On-site
1 month (after return)Return

New Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

  • Meeting with SA, College Dean/Chair
    • Incorporating input from SA
  • Vetting partners/in-country contacts, activities
  • Site visit
  • Supporting documents: Syllabus, budget, itinerary
  • Submit Proposal: Obtaining signatures and approval
  • Transitioning from development to marketing/recruiting
  • Program Marketing and Student Recruitment
  • Application Management and Applicant Review & Selection
  • Pre-Departure

Travel to study abroad location

Return

Repeat Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program

  • Notify Study Abroad plan to repeat
  • Dates/costs
    • Adjustments to program activities/itinerary

Program Approval

  • Program Marketing and Student Recruitment

Application Management and Applicant Review

Pre-Departure orientation

Travel to study abroad location

Return

Faculty-Led Program Proposal Deadlines

Fall Course

January 31

Spring Course

August 1

Summer I Course

September 1

Summer II Course

October 1

Faculty Led Policies & Procedures

Leading a faculty led study abroad program helps WMU achieve its internationalization goals and provides opportunities for students to engage in global education. This can be a very rewarding experience, not only for you as the faculty leader, but also for your students. WMU Study Abroad faculty led policies and procedures are in place to ensure our programs are designed with good practices, consistency across our programs and that development of programs happens in a well thought out and timely manner. 

We hope these policies and procedures support your goal of leading a faculty led program and provide guidance for developing and leading a program. 

A Faculty Led Study Abroad program has the following components: 

  • Planned, organized and taught by a WMU faculty or instructor, and; 

  • WMU faculty or instructor travels with the students abroad, and; 

  • Participating students register in a WMU course, and; 

  • The program and course is approved by the WMU academic department, college and WMU Study Abroad 

New Policies Section

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Financial Procedures and Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

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