Leading A Global Study Program

The Office of Global Education collaborates with colleges/schools, departments, and the Global Education Advisory Committee 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 | Anschutz campus combined with unique cultural engagement, lectures tailored to the host country or culture, and guest speakers that you (or a provider) facilitate for your students. 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 a Global Education Program Manager 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 in March the prior year; for Maymester/Summer programs, the application is due in July the prior year.

Faculty should be aware of the International Travel Policy for Students. Proposals for programs in countries with an International SOS travel or medical risk rating of high require a rigorous travel appeal that will be reviewed by the University’s International Risk Management Committee. Travel to countries with an extreme travel or medical risk rating is not permitted and those locations may not be appealed.

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 indicates 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 recruitment for their program. Some ways faculty can get involved are:

• speak to your current classes and your colleagues’ classes about your program and/or ask colleagues to post information in their Canvas courses
• 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 and/or newsletters
• utilize internal department resources such as listservs, websites, and marketing/outreach teams

OGE will produce printed and online materials, discuss programs with students during advising sessions and various campus events, be available to attend information sessions, promote programs on our social media channels, and organize two Study Abroad Fairs per year.

Faculty and staff members who lead Global Study programs 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 a per diem. The program budget does not support any non-program related activities, personal travel, or support for family members.

Students can apply for both internal and external scholarships and utilize CU Denver financial aid for their 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
• FAQs for Students and Advisors

University Policies and High Risk Destination Information

• International Travel Policy
• International SOS (policy number:11BCAS000006)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Travel Advisory Appeal Process