Leading A Global Study Program

The Office of Global Education collaborates with colleges and schools to determine the most appropriate Global Study programs that meet curricular goals and requirements. Programs should retain the level of academic rigor expected on the Denver campus combined with the unique engagement opportunities of the overseas location. All proposals must have the support of the Department Chair and/or the Dean’s office. Courses may be offered at the undergraduate level, graduate level, or both. Courses may also be cross-listed among departments, but this must be done well in advance with the consent of the associated department and college.​

Before beginning the proposal process, we urge you to meet with the Global Education staff to discuss your intentions, location, logistics, etc. OGE uses an online proposal application process for all faculty interested in leading students on a course abroad. The proposal application will open in early spring for all programs to take place the following academic year. For Winter programs, the application is due March 1 the prior year; for Maymester/Summer programs, the application is due July 1 the prior year.

Faculty should be aware of the International Travel Policy for Students. Proposals for programs in countries with a U.S. State Department Travel Advisory of a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) will have to go through a rigorous appeal process.

Submitted proposals will be reviewed by the Global Education Advisory Committee (GEAC). A successful program is one that is fully developed by the proposal deadline; experience has shown that successful recruitment requires significant advanced planning. Please note that OGE will not begin marketing your program until it is approved by GEAC. GEAC reserves the right to deny a proposal submission.

Experience and formal studies indicate that faculty members are the single most effective means to promote a study abroad program. We expect faculty to play a big part in the promotion of their program. Some ways faculty can get involved are:

• speak to your current classes and your colleagues’ classes about your program
• hold 2-3 information sessions per semester
• attend the OGE-hosted Study Abroad Fair held in the fall and spring semesters
• promote your program on your department’s social media sites

OGE will produce printed and online materials, discuss programs with students during advising sessions, be available to attend information sessions, and organize two Study Abroad Fairs per year. We encourage you to participate in our Study Abroad Fair. We recommend you also solicit the support of your departmental colleagues, academic advisors, and others to promote the program.

Faculty and staff members who lead Global Study courses must participate in a Faculty Pre-Departure Orientation prior to departure. The orientation includes information on international risk management, managing program logistics, student conduct and equity, health insurance, and other resources. With both new program leaders and experienced faculty members in attendance, the sessions offer practical takeaways and foster interactive discussions.​

We work hard to keep programs affordable for students while ensuring that faculty and staff leaders are fairly compensated for the exceptional amount of effort required to organize, teach, and manage a program abroad. In some instances, the university will sub-contract the services of a reputable in-country provider who will handle many details such as organizing housing, classroom space, transportation, etc. In other instances, faculty members may be much more involved with the day-to-day management of payments and logistics. The Office of International Affairs Finance Unit is the interface between the faculty, overseas vendors, and University purchasing. The program budget supports the faculty salary, international and local travel, accommodation abroad, and usually a modest per diem. The program budget does not support any non-program related activities, personal travel, or support for family members.

OGE offers sigificant scholarships for students participating in University programs.​

Forum on Education Abroad Resources

• Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad
• Leading Short-Term Education Abroad Programs

CU Denver Global Study Program Resources

• Faculty Handbook for Global Study Programs
• Global Study Program Budget Guidelines
• Global Study Proposal Review Criteria
• Faculty Member Agreement
• Faculty Guide for Student Interviews

University Policies and High Risk Destination Information

• International Travel Policy
• State Department Travel Advisories
• Travel Advisory Appeal Process

Apply for faculty development funds through OGE, subject to availability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Contact Andrew S. Wingfield, Director of Global Education, with any questions.