faculty-led programs faq

How long does it take to plan a program?

The planning stages vary depending on your contacts abroad and your experience and knowledge of the host country. It is important to plan well in advance to account for unforeseen planning setbacks like time differences, uses of technology, and holidays in both the U.S. and host country. Initial proposals need to be turned in approximately 1.5 years before the course is slated to run.

How many areas on campus will I be dealing with?

Academic Affairs will be your main point of contact; however, you will be interacting with your Department Chair, the Global Programs Office, Financial Aid, Finance, and Payroll during the process.

How hard is it to recruit students?

Recruiting enough students may be the biggest challenge of your course. SFAI requires that 8 students enroll in your course for it to run. Consider opening your course to undergraduates and graduates across all majors. Cost is often the biggest barrier for students, so faculty should do their best to keep costs as low as possible. Also, think about where students are interested in traveling right now and what might pique their interest.

How do I promote and recruit students for my FLP?

Academic Affairs will support you in reaching your recruitment goal by coordinating and co-leading information sessions, sending emails to students, and promoting the course through posters around campus. Beyond this, it is up to each faculty leader to promote the course through class announcements, department meetings, colleagues, and word of mouth.

What is a manageable number of students?

Between 8 and 15 students is a manageable group for most faculty leaders.

Can I bring my family or friends?

Unfortunately, family members cannot participate in an SFAI program unless they play a recognized role.

Who makes the travel arrangements?

The faculty leader, not Academic Affairs, is responsible for determining all travel plans. Students cannot be required to take a group flight but may be given the option and encouraged to travel together.

What is a “good price” for students?

We have found that courses that offer a Program Course Fee of $1,000 - $2,500 are the most successful. This cost does not include airfare or tuition.

Is it possible to promote this course to students outside of SFAI?

Yes, our courses are open to students outside of SFAI. However, any enrolled student must pay all tuition and program course fees to SFAI.

Can international students participate?

Of course. International students should meet with the Global Programs Office to determine if special visas are necessary for travel to the host country.

Do I need to stay in accommodations with or close to the students?

Yes, faculty are expected to either stay in the same building or very near to where students are staying.

Do I need receipts?

Receipts should be obtained for every purchase possible. We recommend keeping a log of purchases for items for which receipts are not possible. Prior to departure, each faculty leader is required to meet with the SFAI Finance Office to review SFAI reimbursement policy. Faculty leaders are ultimately responsible for showing all receipts and SFAI cannot be responsible for budget shortfalls.

How much will I get paid?

For tenured faculty, besides your expenses paid through student fees, this course will count as one of your academic courses. For adjunct, please contact the Academic Affairs Office for more information.

What is the role of Academic Affairs?

Academic Affairs’ main goal is to ensure faculty members develop and lead successful Faculty-Led Programs. One of the most important roles of Academic Affairs is to assist in the development of your FLP to present the program for its initial review. During this time, Academic Affairs will advise on location, viability, recruitment, and finalizing the initial budget. After a course is approved, faculty leaders work with Academic Affairs to set application and payment deadlines, co-lead information sessions, and create hand-outs for prospective students. Academic Affairs also guides faculty leaders through the pre-departure meetings and reimbursement process. However, each FLP is ultimately the responsibility of the faculty leader. All in-country reservations and plans must be secured by the faculty leader. It is also the faculty leader’s responsibility to ensure the course runs within budget and to update and account for any budget changes.