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The Global Engagement at Central is now accepting 2027 Courses Abroad proposals!
“Courses Abroad” are intense, short-term, credit-bearing University classes that foster the understanding of world issues, cultural differences, and global interdependencies. “Courses Abroad” are academic courses. They cannot be categorized as sightseeing, touristic, or recreational, although students abroad may have learning experiences that are not typically academic in nature. Students who participate in Course Abroad earn academic credits.
“Central Discover Abroad” open to students and the community, is an educational travel experience that does not count toward academic credit but offers learning opportunities for both enrolled students and community members. Participants do not earn college credits unless special independent studies. The enrollment is available to Central students, alumni, professionals, retirees, or anyone interested in the experience. The program should have an educational focus including cultural immersion, personal enrichment, language learning and so on.
Deadlines
- March 30, 2026: Interested faculty members submit proposal through OnBase
- April 6, 2026: Review and Approval of Department Chair(s) or Supervisor(s)
- April 17, 2026: Review and Approval of International Studies and/or Graduate Dean (if cross-listing with an International Studies (IS) course, or if any graduate-level courses)
- April 27, 2026: Review and Approval of Academic Deans or VP
- May 11, 2026: Review and Approval of Provost/Study Abroad
Online Proposal Submission
Courses abroad proposals must now be submitted online through OnBase following the process outlined in the attached Workflow document.
Click here to access OnBase
Online Submission Workflow
Proposal Guide for 2027 Course and Central Discover Abroad
Tips & Insights
To support you in the planning process, we’ve gathered some helpful tips and frequently asked questions. Our goal is to make the academic, logistical, and safety aspects of your program as seamless as possible so you can focus on the student experience.
Central Discover Abroad offers enriching educational travel experiences for community members, students, alumni, professionals, retirees, and anyone eager to explore the world through learning. Programs focus on a variety of topics including but not limited to cultural immersion, personal enrichment, and language learning. Participants do not earn college credit unless they are enrolled in a Special Independent Study.
- It must be an academic course with a solid educational foundation that justifies international travel.
- The program is not a sightseeing or recreational trip, though students may have non-traditional learning experiences while abroad.
- Students earn academic credits for participation.
- We follow U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and CDC guidelines.
- Faculty and student safety are central to all, with a campus-wide Global Health Safety Plan
- In 2025, 89% of Central study abroad participants were FAFSA-eligible. Programs should be cost-effective and accessible.
- Study Abroad provides scholarship opportunities, including an additional $300 incentive for first-year participants.
- Students are encouraged to apply for additional Central or external scholarships.
- Faculty are encouraged to apply for additional fund to support the program
- Course Abroad: Active full-time faculty
- Central Discover Abroad: Active full-time faculty or administrative faculty
- Second eight-week Fall Session with Winter Travel
- Three-week Winter Session with Winter Travel
- Spring Semester with Spring Break Travel
- Spring Semester with May Travel
- Summer Term with Summer Travel
- Locations should be familiar to the faculty in terms of language and culture.
- If English is not the primary language, we recommend that at least one faculty leader be fluent in the local language.
Since 2025, the university covers travel costs for all approved programs based on established faculty-student ratios. Faculty should consult the Study Abroad office for specifics.
Guidelines vary by academic term. Faculty should consult the academic side and Study Abroad office for specifics.
- Faculty typically recommend housing.
- Study Abroad maintains a collection of international accommodation options and can provide guidance.
- Work with Study Abroad to arrange international flights and local transport (buses, metro passes, trains, etc.).
- Study Abroad usually books all flights and can advise on ground logistics.
- Faculty can select the “individual flight” option, where students purchase the designated flight and meet at a specified location to begin the program.
- Study Abroad and faculty work together to prepare a budget and itinerary beforehand.
- Submit the itinerary and budget as part of the program proposal.
- Study Abroad works closely with faculty to finalize costs based on a monthly collaboration checklist.
Students must obtain and manage their own passport and any required travel documentation.
Faculty interested in leading a Course Abroad program must complete an OnBase application to submit their program idea.
The application should include a general outline of the proposed program, such as:
- Location of the program
- Timing and academic term
- Corresponding course at Central
- Itinerary of activities and learning experiences
- Budget for the program
- Any other relevant details that support the proposal
- The application has a 15–20 minute timer that resets with activity.
- Incomplete applications can be saved multiple times by selecting “No” when asked if the application is complete.
- A resume link will be emailed so faculty can continue working on the application later.
Once the application is complete, faculty select “Yes” to indicate it is ready for submission. This action officially starts the approval process with the department chair.