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Faculty

Faculty-Led Study Abroad and Study Away

Each year, our VCU professors lead groups of students on short-term study abroad (international) or study away (domestic) programs. Faculty members interested in directing programs should refer to the following resources. If you have questions about next steps, please email Amy Leap at leapae@vcu.edu.
 

2024-2025 Timeline

  • Mid-April: proposals open
  • June 1: priority proposal deadline for winter break and spring break programs 
  • August 15: priority proposal deadline for summer programs 
  • October 1: student application deadline for winter break programs
  • December 1: student application deadline for spring break programs
  • February 15: student priority application deadline for summer programs 

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis; however, programs proposed by the priority deadline will have a significant advantage. If needed for summer programs, GEO will work to extend the student deadline to March 15th where feasible.

Get started on the next steps by reading the Handbook (below) and starting a proposal (also below). Click here to watch the recording of our April 12th kick off event (pardon some hybrid related technical imperfections). Need help with the proposal system? Watch this 7 minute video for additional guidance. 

  
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Are you facilitating student international travel and are unsure if it’s considered study abroad? Complete this intake form so that GEO can determine your next steps in compliance with VCU's Policy for International Travel for Employees and Students.
 

Global Learning Outcomes

GOAL 1) Observe and Relate to diverse cultures

GOAL 2) Develop global self-awareness, personal and social responsibility, and capacity for empathy

GOAL 3) Articulate, critically reflect on, and integrate global knowledge, concepts, and experiences into their academic, personal and/or professional lives
 

International Summer Institutes (ISI)

If you have been selected to teach at an ISI, please complete this ISI faculty registry and read through the ISI Faculty Leader Handbook. 


Virtual Global Learning

Faculty interested in creating or adding a virtual global learning component to an existing course should review the information on this page to learn more about this exciting, accessible, high-impact practice in global education. A recording from VCU's CTLE Workshop in 2020 on Global & Virtual Global Opportunities for Faculty is available online. 


VCU REAL 

 
We encourage faculty to implement REAL into their study abroad program. Topics courses cannot be designated as REAL so faculty have two options: to establish a new experiential learning course in your department (UUCC/CIM) or to have students concurrently enroll in REAL 399 (0-3 credits). The second option is recommended for all and is the only option for faculty-led programs that offer transfer credit. 


UN Sustainable Development Goals

VCU encourages faculty to structure programs around the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a way to enrich the experience and learning of our students, and for the benefit of our planet and all its people. If you are interested in learning more about the UN SDGs, consider enrolling in a free course through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).  


International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC)

Per university policy, program proposals in destinations with Department of State Travel Advisories of Level 4 will not be approved; proposals in destinations with Level 3 Travel Advisories will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC).


Student Referrals
Faculty, please click here to refer a student to the Education Abroad office and/or the National Scholarship Office.

VCU Education Abroad Faculty Facebook Group
Join our online community of faculty to connect with study abroad veteran faculty leaders and to stay up-to-date on the latest news related to study abroad.

Affiliate Program Providers
VCU has affiliation agreements with various third-party study abroad program providers and host institutions abroad, some of which we have worked with to create customized faculty-led programs. These international education organizations are able to offer customized academic programs in various destinations and in collaboration with many host institutions around the world. You may consider connecting with one of these providers to discuss how they might help in the development of a study abroad program for your students. You may also consider conducting a search to identify a third party provider to facilitate your program on the ground using Gateway's free Education Abroad Provider Directory.
 
Pre-departure Workshops and Resources for Faculty Leaders
Teaching and Learning:
Faculty travel registry
All faculty leading/co-leading a study abroad program must complete this registry before departure. For more information, please contact Stephanie Tignor at davenportse@vcu.edu.