Visit our Start Here webpage to learn more about the education abroad process, advising options, scholarships and financial aid.
What is a staff and faculty-led program?
CSU is home to amazing instructors and faculty who are dedicated to sharing their research and experience abroad with CSU Students. Staff and Faculty-Led Programs are education abroad experiences created and led by CSU staff and faculty, with the support of the CSU Education Abroad Office. Programs can be as short as a week or as long as a semester. Programs happen primarily during breaks (fall, spring, winter, or summer) with a few semester-long options, too. You will travel abroad with a small group of CSU students studying a specific academic subject while taking one or more CSU courses taught by a CSU instructor or faculty.
Your program activities abroad support and enhance what you are learning. With 75+ Staff and Faculty-Led programs occurring all over the world, these programs are a great way to get connected and build community with CSU students, faculty, and staff!
The benefits of a Staff and Faculty-Led Program include:
- CSU course credit
- Travel and study with CSU students from across campus
- Options for short-term program experiences that can take place without disrupting degrees with strict graduation requirements
- No restriction on the number of times you can participate
- Deepening connections with CSU faculty, staff, and students that support your well-being and learning
- The programs expand your classroom beyond the traditional campus, incorporating interacting with communities, people, and new experiences abroad
- Group travel and organized itineraries can ease stress for new travelers
- Research suggests that students who participate in education abroad programs are more likely to graduate than those who do not participate
NOTE: All students are advised to consult with their academic advisor and/or department to discuss how an education abroad program will fit into their specific graduation plan.
HOW TO FIND DETAILS ABOUT A STAFF AND FACULTY-LED PROGRAM
Each of our programs is unique, and we offer more than 75 options! To find specific information about Staff and Faculty-led programs at CSU, go to the Program Search, and select the desired parameters for your search: you can search by program name, location, region of the world, and area of study. You’ll see a list of programs that meet those criteria. Helpful hint: A CSU Staff and Faculty-Led Program title starts with an * and has a descriptive name.
Once you click on a program link, you can find information regarding:
- Location
- Dates
- Program Cost & Funding
- Curriculum & Academics
- Housing and Meals
- Program Leaders
- Application Process including: Requirements, Eligibility, and Deadlines
WHY CHOOSE STAFF AND FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS?
ACADEMIC STRENGTHS
CSU SFLP courses are taught by CSU faculty and instructors who are experts in their respective fields and/or have extensive experience in a specific country/region of the world. Group sizes range from 10-20 students, meaning students can connect more closely with faculty and staff leading the program and teaching the course. Many programs cover academic content, cultural preparation, and group bonding before and/or after the program. You have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a new and international context. Students continue to make progress towards graduation, their major, or minor, and they can also fulfill a CSU AUCC 1C requirement by successfully completing a 3-credit CSU SFLP course abroad. Of course, students can also take a course for personal interest or fun!
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Most financial aid and scholarships CSU students receive can be used towards education abroad, including Staff and Faculty-Led Programs. CSU Education Abroad facilitates scholarship applications and awards by connecting students to a variety of scholarships. Students can also schedule financial aid advising appointments through the Colorado State University Education Abroad website.
On-Campus Support
In addition to the program leader/s, each program is supported by CSU’s Education Abroad Office and on-site partners. Education Abroad staff support students and program leaders for logistic, transportation, accommodation, health, and 24/7 emergency needs. Program participants are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, with country-specific health and safety information, about one month prior to departure. In addition to our Pre-Departure guide, students will receive information relevant to their program regarding health insurance, emergency support, money & banking, communication tips, and other important details that support their overseas program success.
On-SITE Support
Program locations are selected based on their academic, cultural, and geographic appeal, the availability of affordable housing and amenities, and availability of reliable logistical support on site. CSU also considers the criteria of safety, security, and health. In addition to onsite resources and being supported by the program leader/s, all CSU students also have access to existing CSU support structures and resources.
The CSU Education Abroad Office continuously monitors and evaluates travel alerts in all countries where CSU students participate in programs abroad. All program participants are covered by International Medical and Evacuation Insurance. For more information on safety and Education Abroad, please visit the CSU Education Abroad Health & Safety page.
QUESTIONS?
For questions regarding Staff & Faculty-led program at CSU, please contact the Education Abroad team in the Office of International Programs.
