Proposing a Program
Why Propose a Study Abroad Program?
Study abroad is, for many students, the experience of a lifetime, and programs led by CSUSB faculty and staff (CSUSB-led programs) are the cornerstone of education abroad opportunities for CSUSB students. Developing and leading an education abroad program is a wonderful teaching and service opportunity for CSUSB faculty and staff.
Who Can Submit a Study Abroad Program Proposal?
All CSUSB faculty and staff are invited to propose an education abroad program through which CSUSB students earn course credit in connection with travel to an international destination or destinations. Programs that do not involve students enrolling in and earning academic credit (e.g., conference attendance, internships, field trips) must follow procedures and timelines for international field trips set forth by the Office of Risk Management.
What is Required?
The program proposal requires:
- Information on who will lead the program
- Program location and dates
- Course information, including allocation of instruction hours
- Proposed program itinerary and budget
- Preliminary safety information
- Preliminary marketing information
- Assurance of compliance with EO-1081.
Full list of questions on the program proposal.
How Do I Access the Proposal Submission Portal?
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First Time Applicants | An initial meeting with the Education Abroad Office is required to access the proposal submission portal if you have not previously led a study abroad program at CSUSB. You can self-schedule an appointment.
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Returning Program Directors | Active Program Directors who have recently led a study abroad program at CSUSB should automatically receive an application submission portal link with each new proposal cycle. If you do not receive a link, email goabroad@csusb.edu to request application access.
When are Applications Due?
As of March 2026, there are three deadlines annually for the submission of study abroad program proposals:
- September 1st For programs with Summer enrollment and travel.
- February 1st For programs with Fall or Winter enrollment and travel.
- May 1st For all programs with Spring enrollment (travel over Spring Break or Summer).
Can I Get Feedback on My Proposal Before I Submit It?
Yes! In fact, for new programs, returning programs with substantive changes, and all programs using a new third party provider, you are strongly advised to submit a “Letter of Intent” to the Education Abroad Office at goabroad@csusb.edu at least two months before the program proposal due date. The letter should include the following information:
- Name, department, and appointment for each program leader
- Proposed term for travel (summer, spring break, winter intersession)
- Proposed length of travel
- Proposed course(s) associated with program
- How the course content will be substantively tied to in-country experiences
- In-country experience and course subject expertise of Program Leader(s)
- Preliminary itinerary
- Any available estimates for costs associated with running this program (hotels, in-country transportation, activities, guest lecturers, and so forth).
- Third party proposal and contact information (if applicable)
Who Decides Whether My Program is Approved or Declined?
Decisions to support or decline a program are made based on recommendations of the Council on International Affairs, Education Abroad Subcommittee and they are typically sent out no more than 6 weeks after the proposal deadline. If your proposal is accepted, you will be considered the Program Director. As such, you will serve as a primary point of contact for students interested in the program.
How Can I Get Help?
Reach out for assistance any time! The Education Abroad Office can help you to brainstorm ideas, map out contact hours, understand budgeting and risk management constraints, explore logistics planning options, and consider ways to make your program appealing to a wide range of CSUSB students. Email goabroad@csusb.edu, call 909-537-3204, or book an appointment with the Director of Education Abroad.