Propose a Global Explorations Faculty-Led Program
SCU’s Global Learning department in Global Engagement offers Global Explorations Faculty-Led Programs that provide SCU students and faculty with international education experiences directly integrated into their courses.
What are Global Explorations Faculty-Led Programs Abroad?
SCU faculty have the opportunity to propose a new course and program abroad that provides rich engagement with a site abroad.
Global Explorations Programs are short-term (two week), for-credit, faculty-led programs offered for SCU undergraduate students during the summer. These are not courses taught on-campus imposed abroad, but rather are co-created with Global Learning to maximize curricular and co-curricular learning. Global Explorations programs are not community-based learning programs, volunteer programs, or non-credit programs.
Interested faculty are encouraged to schedule a meeting with Sara Branley, Director of Global Learning.
Questions? Email sbranley@scu.edu
Program Eligibility and Academic Framework
Who is eligible to lead?
- Tenure and Tenure-Track faculty
- Non-Tenure-Track faculty on Renewable-Term or Continuing Appointment
- Faculty on Fixed-Term Appointment with a contract that continues into the academic year post program. Faculty must have completed at least two years of their fixed-term appointment at the time of proposal.
What approvals are required?
- Department Chair
- Dean
- Global Engagement
- Travel Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC)
Program Length
Global Explorations Programs run for two weeks in the summer, between June and September.
Academic Credit
Global Explorations Programs are 4 units.
The course must include:
- 33 contact hours/faculty instruction during the 2-week period abroad
Because these are intensive programs, contact hours/faculty instruction takes place six or seven days per week. This can include:
- traditional classroom instruction
- experiential learning (e.g., guest lectures, site visits, field research, guided discussions and reflections, and structured group work under faculty guidance)
Components such as travel time and on-site orientation are included in the two week timeframe, but not in the expectation for contact hours.
Faculty Teaching Credit
Normally, directing a Global Explorations program is not counted toward the teaching load. Proposing a Global Explorations Program is optional and the opportunity for faculty to teach abroad, normally in the summer, are outside of the regular on-campus requirements. Courses must be reviewed and approved by the academic department to ensure they meet curricular standards.
Successful Global Explorations Programs and Student Enrollment
Global Explorations must enroll 12-15 students to be offered.
The number one reason that Global Explorations Programs do not move forward is that they do not obtain sufficient student enrollment to run. Substantial effort is required to obtain student enrollment for programs abroad and faculty are strongly encouraged to talk with Global Learning about their proposed idea to establish realistic expectations for enrollment and consider how to overcome any anticipated challenges. Courses that fulfill major, minor, Core, and elective requirements are more likely to garner student enrollment and Global Explorations faculty leaders are encouraged to keep that in mind when conceiving of courses.
Proposal and Program Timeline for Faculty Leaders
Crafting a Global Explorations program requires careful planning by faculty leaders in order to provide students with safe, educational, and worthwhile experiences. Planning, executing, and reviewing the program requires at least 25 months of work.
Follow Global Engagement’s timeline to meet all requirements of a Global Explorations program:
Deadlines
Year One
- February 1: Proposal Submission Deadline
- March 15: Final Program Approval by Global Engagement
- May 1: Program Document Finalization and Submission Deadline
- May 1- Mid-November: Recruit Students for the Program
- Mid-November: Students Apply for the Program
Year Two
- January 15: Complete the SCU International Travel Proposal
- January 15- June: Prepare for the Program
- Summer: Two-Week Program Occurs
- One Month After Program Occurs: Program Review Due
Step One: Plan
Begin planning approximately two years before the anticipated program date.
- Begin prepping program, work on proposals, obtain departmental approvals at least 6 months before the proposal deadline
- Brainstorm and explore program ideas
- Consult with Global Learning and your academic department
- Read the Global Explorations Faculty-Led Programs Handbook
- Draft program syllabus and itinerary
- Identify research locations and opportunities
- Book a proposal planning meeting with the Director of Global Learning
Step Two: Submit the Proposal
Submit the program proposal, including draft syllabus/itinerary, by February 1 of the year prior to the program date, about sixteen months before the anticipated program abroad.
- Receive feedback from Global Engagement and make revisions
- Complete approval documents with department chair and dean
- Final program approval by Global Engagement is announced on March 15
- If the program is approved, Faculty Leaders are required to attend pre-departure meetings in preparation of the program.
Step Three: Submit Program Documents
Budget, syllabus, and itinerary finalizations are due by May 1 of the year prior to the program date, about thirteen months before the anticipated program date.
- Collaborate with Global Learning on:
- Budget development and partnerships
- Finalizing program documents: syllabus and itinerary, application materials, pricing and cost estimates
Step Four: Recruit
Recruit students from the program from May through November of the year prior to the program date. Students apply for the program during the Application Filing Period in mid-November.
- Faculty will:
- Develop a promotional plan and materials
- Lead marketing and outreach to students
- Review and approve student applications
- Continue refining program plans as needed
- Complete the SCU International Travel Proposal by the January 15 deadline for TPAC review
Step Five: Prepare
Prepare for the program from January to June of the year of the program, beginning at least four months before departure.
Faculty will:
- Hold cohort classes and activities throughout the quarter
- Attend Faculty Leader Health and Safety Orientation
- Collaborate with Global Learning on pre-departure orientation for students
- Complete all final logistical and academic preparations with partner as needed
Step Six: Lead
Lead the two-week program abroad.
- Execute the program as planned
- Deliver academic content
- Lead and support students
- Manage any emergencies or on-site challenges
Step Seven: Review
Complete final steps upon return from the program and up to one month after the program ends.
- Conduct post-program debrief with participants and Global Engagement
- Submit grades and complete expense reporting
Submitting the Proposal
Proposal Components
- Program Concept Statement (Approximately 1,000 words)
- Personal Statement (Approximately 500 words)
- Proposed program itinerary (downloadable template)
- Recommendation Form completed by Dean and Department Chair: Department Chairs and Deans are asked to review the proposal for academic fit, faculty preparedness, and resource impact.
- Confirmed program location that is not listed with a “Do Not Travel” red advisory on the Department of State Travel Warning List
Proposal Resources
- Rubric for New Global Explorations Program Proposals
- Review Global Explorations Faculty Leader Job Description. You will be asked to digitally sign this form if your Global Explorations program proposal is accepted.
- Review Faculty Handbook for Leading a Global Explorations Program- This handbook will serve as an all-inclusive guide to planning and implementing your seminar. Handbook will be live in Summer 2026.
Begin Your Application
Submit the completed proposal by the February 1 deadline for review.