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MANAGEMENT
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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Faculty and Departments Study Abroad

Creating a new study abroad program for your students is an exciting and challenging undertaking. Typically faculty led programming occurs in Winter or Summer, offering students the benefits of group travel and highly experiential education in a variety of subject fields including language, major specific course work and general education. 

The benefits to faculty members and students are enormous, but the process requires careful (and early!) planning.  The first and most crucial step is establishing an agreement between CSUSM and the institution/program provider as part of the proposal process.  This agreement will consider several and varied aspects of your anticipated program, including risk, funding & on-site logistics.  

To begin, please consider the following:

  • Program Name & Associated Course (number of units & prep needed before travel to meet requisite contact hours)
    • Does this course crosslist with UDGE for credit?
  • Program Purpose/Goal
  • Program Location(s):  According to the following Chancellor's Office Code AA 2007-25, faculty leaders must show "appropriate experience and expertise related to the program destination and program objectives." 
  • Program Duration & Approximate Dates
  • Type and Number of Participants (i.e. certain majors/GPAs/class levels)
  • Program Inclusions:  From in-country coordinators to field trips and guest lectures
  • Provider Must Meet CSU Liability Insurance Requirements
Once you know these items, you can consider options for an institution/program provider.  The Office of Global Education suggests working with one of the following approved providers, though we can request bids from those outside this list as well:

Step 1:

If you are interested in developing a study abroad program, please set up a meeting with Danielle McMartin, Senior Director of Global Education and Tiffany Gabbard, Assistant Director of Study Abroad,  to discuss process and timeline.

Study Abroad- Faculty Led Programs
Advisors ONLINE
Danielle McMartin & Tiffany Gabbard Schedule a virtual appointment here

Step 2:  

If you are not planning on using the approved vendors listed above, you will need to send the Program Provider Questionnaire to your desired provider to ensure they meet basic CSUSM requirements.

Step 3:

Complete the faculty led proposal.

Deadlines for submitting proposals for 2025 are as follows:

  • April 1 (January program)
  • September 1 (Spring-break, Summer programs)

Beginning in 2025, ALL program proposals are due January 15 for the following year's programs, both Winter & Summer.

Step 4:  

Await final approval by University Global Affairs Committee of your anticipated program. 

University Global Affairs Committee (UGAC) will offer feedback to ensure quality, sustainability, and strength of student programming in the faculty led process.

Step 5:  

The Office of Global Education will work to build a program budget, website and marketing materials for your program.  It is your responsibility to work with us to plan and orchestrate several student info sessions over the course of the semester to recruit for your program.  Our students want to meet you and see your excitement for this overseas experience!