First Year Seminar Abroad Program Overview
First Year Seminar Abroad Programs introduce incoming first-year CSU students to classmates and professional faculty and staff through meaningful domestic and international experiences. Prior to the start of the fall term, participants will live and learn abroad (10-14 days) with a cohort of first-year CSU students. Program Leaders and students meet on campus during Pre-Departure Orientation (Rams Ready 2 Roam) and fly to their international destination together. Upon returning home, students will meet for class during the first eight weeks of the fall semester to complete the course.
The goal of this program is to help students:
- Feel more comfortable asking questions in class, approaching faculty members for help, and obtaining letters of recommendation;
- Improve their ability to navigate campus, live away from home, and manage their time and money;
- Gain confidence in making friends and finding a support network on campus; and
- Increase their ability to interact with diverse people and ideas.
Course and location
All First Year Seminar Abroad programs are 3 academic credits. The Office of International Programs selects the program locations each year, and departments and faculty are invited to collaborate by developing a theme or track specific to that location. Syllabi are created for each course to allow rotating faculty to incorporate their expertise and disciplinary perspective into the seminar while also integrating the foundational content that supports students’ transition to Colorado State University. All First Year Seminar Abroad syllabi include the following foundational learning objectives:
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Engage in dialogue about what it means to be part of a campus community, a broader community, and the world.
- Develop an openness to differing viewpoints on controversial topics and be able to form and share their own opinions (Intercultural communication).
- Examine and demonstrate how their own attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs compare or relate to those of other individuals, groups, communities, or cultures.
- Gain an understanding of the host society including its politics, economy, society, history, identity and culture.
- Reflect on experiences that have and will influence your career path and identify intentional points for engagement/continued learning to support your career objectives.
- Articulate the importance of academic integrity and an awareness of available academic resources within the Department and the University.
- Explain how social, personal, and academic factors influence the adjustment to college life.
Important requirements to understand before applying
- No guests or companions of program leaders or students are allowed on First Year Seminar Abroad Programs. This includes not having guests or companions travel to the program location to stay in the accommodation with the program leader or to participate in any part of the program. The FYS programs are intensive and require a high level of support for students.
- Program leaders must travel on the round-trip group flight with the student group.
Application Process
We are pleased to invite applications for program leaders for the Office of International Program’s First Year Seminar Abroad programs for Fall 2027-2030. To support continuity and mentorship, First Year Seminars Abroad programs use a staggered leadership model, that provides shadowing opportunities a year before co-leading a First Year Seminar Abroad for first time leaders. We strongly encourage nominations that reflect the diversity of our academic community and welcome both emerging and experienced leaders to apply.
We are accepting applications for the following roles:
- Faculty [Continuing, Contract, or Adjunct (CCA) or Tenure Track]:
- Lead Support Staff [Colorado State University employees (full-time, permanent status)]
- Support Staff [Colorado State University employees (full-time, permanent status)]
Support staff roles are designated for CSU personnel in student‑facing positions responsible for academic guidance and success planning. These roles are structured to provide sustained, long‑term support to students as they progress through their CSU experience. Example positions that fall into this category and will be prioritized include Academic Advisors, Academic Success Coordinators, Orientation and Transition staff, Student Success specialists, or similar.
Program leader responsibilities
All applicants are encouraged to review the contracts that outline the responsibilities of faculty/instructor leader and support staff leader for our First Year Seminar Abroad programs. These roles require providing mentorship and support to first year students on a near 24/7 basis during on campus orientation and while abroad, and we ask that you carefully consider this level of commitment when deciding whether to apply. Program leaders are encouraged to have a flexible mindset while supporting a diverse population of students. This program is designed for individuals who are eager to help cultivate a learning community that supports first year students in their retention and success.
tentative timeline
| June 15 | Applications Due |
| June 30 – August 15 | Interviews; selection of leaders |
| Late July/Early August | New leaders to shadow Rams Ready 2 Roam Orientation |
| September-November | Academic & program planning with co-leaders |
| December | First info session for 2027 recruitment |
| Early Spring Semester | Two Info Sessions for prospective students. Program Leader Workshops |
| April 1 | Priority Deadline Student Application Review |
| Mid April/Early may | Virtual First Student Group Meeting |
| Late June/ Early July | Virtual Health and Safety Orientation and Program Preparation Meetings |
| Late July/August | Rams Ready 2 Roam On-Campus Orientation |
| Early August | International Portion of Program (10-14 days) and welcome back event |
| Fall | Course for the first 8 weeks of the fall semester |
| Fall- December | Cohort Reunion Event |
Benefits and Compensation
- Set rate supplemental pay. Faculty/Instructors may choose to teach the course in-load with approval from their department in lieu of supplemental pay.
- Round-trip group transportation from the CSU Fort Collins campus to the Denver International Airport
- Group flight round-trip airfare from Denver to destination for dates of employment
- Baggage fees, visa fees, required immunization costs, if applicable.
- Group meal costs for designated meals pre-planned in program outline
- International cell phone plan monthly rate reimbursement
- Meal off-set per day for the days you are in country
- Housing for the duration of the program
- Ground transportation in country for program related travel
- Entry fees for program related excursions
Application
Interested applicants must apply by June 15. To apply to be a program leader complete the form linked below. You will receive a message confirming your application has been received once completed. Applications must include the following:
- A brief statement of interest (one page or less) addressing:
- Your interest in leading a First Year Seminar Abroad.
- Experience in building college transition skills with first year or high school students.
- Experience in facilitating community building with undergraduate students.
- Experience leading students on a domestic or international travel.
- Any experience related to international travel. Please specifically note any experiences within the current locations for First Year Seminar Abroad Programs.
- Any work or personal experience related to student retention, access, or working with students who hold various identities.
- Faculty/Instructors: A statement that describes which current locations on the First Year Seminar Abroad program page interest you and what themes you have in mind for that course. South Korea is a new location in development for Fall 2027 and could be an option for your consideration.
- Current Resume or CV.
- Contact information for two references related to your experiences.