Step 1: Learn More About Faculty-Led Programs

Why should I lead a group?

Discover a new culture, country, and city while sharing with students your research and scholarship.  Build intellectual connections with students while exploring new research ideas and agendas. Increase tenure and promotion opportunities at MSUB. Faculty who have led students abroad frequently comment about the improvement of in-class discussions and work as a result of students who have participated in a study abroad program.

It is imperative to be familiar with the MSU International Travel Policy.

When should I lead students?

9-12 months prior to departure, you need to have chosen your program model, have identified your host country, partner university or program provider and have your proposal prepared for submission.

How long is a typical trip?

Program length varies, but these are designed to be short-term (i.e. spring break) or summer programs anywhere from 2-8 weeks approximately in length.  You will need to propose your course to MSUB schedule of classes as well as confirm the term.

How should I teach students in an international setting?

Faculty leaders submit a proposed syllabus with their proposal to have their program considered.  Courses abroad are required to include the same elements as syllabi for courses that take place on campus.

Who pays for my trip expenses?

If your proposal is accepted, you will be awarded full or partial funding to support your expected trip expenses, as indicated in the submitted budget. During the proposal creation process, you are required to obtain signatures from your program Chair and College Dean indicating partial support of your trip expenses (at most, this contribution will be 25% of your total costs for each the department and the college). If the Chair and/or Dean do not support financing your proposal trip expenses, then please have them indicate this on the proposal signature documents so the review committee can take this into consideration when allocating funding.

How do I get compensated?

Faculty are compensated according to the guidelines established by the University. Faculty need to coordinate compensation with their respective department and college.

Do I need to have a co-leader?

Not necessarily. Per Board of Regents policy, all study abroad groups must have two leaders, but the second leader can come from support provided by a contracted third-party provider or personnel from an official partner university. Co-leaders can also come from different departments or colleges in the form of co-teaching, or they can come from experienced MSUB staff, such as OIS personnel.

What happens if the program is canceled due to a force majeure or unforeseen circumstances?

On rare occasions programs abroad may get canceled at the last minute due to extenuating circumstances. In these instances, it is up to the faculty to coordinate with their department and college about whether the class will continue and if so, in what capacity. It is always a good idea to have a contingency plan in place that you can highlight in your proposal.

Please note that if you are teaching the faculty-led program course in-load, then you likely will be obligated to continue to teach the course without the international component.

Can I meet with someone to help me establish a proposal?

Of course! The Office of International Studies is excited to work with you to build a faculty-led program abroad. Set up an appointment with Abby Cook, OIS Assistant Director, 406-657-1761.