Program Development

Faculty-led and Global Experiential Opportunity (non-credit) programs should be developed at least 12 months in adance of the travel and/or course dates. Please see the resources below to start developing a program. All program leaders are also strongly encouraged to meet with the Assistant Director of Learning Abroad to discuss their program development. 

• Learning Abroad Faculty-Led Program Development Timeline
• 2024-2025 Faculty-led or University-Sponsored/GEO Program Proposal
  • Submission Deadlines:
    • Winter Break 2025 Programs: May 1, 2024
    • Spring 2025 Programs: July 1, 2024
    • Summer 2025 Programs: September 1, 2024
  • Links to FY25 proposal forms 
    • Proposal Form for Faculty-Led Programs
    • Proposal Form for Global Experiental Opportunities (GEO) Programs

Program Leader Handbook

To assist faculty and staff in leading programs abroad, Learning Abroad has developed a Program Leader Handbook. This handbook is designed to facilitate the successful development and implementation of faculty-led and global experiential opportunity programs at UH, as well as equip you for the responsibilities associated with leading a program abroad. 

Access the Program Leader Handbook

Program Planning & Coordination 

• General
  • Program Budget Worksheet
  • UH Global Faculty Development Fund
  • List of Faculty-Led/GEO Travel Logistics Providers
  • Faculty-led/GEO Travel Logistics Provider Requirements
• Risk Management Resources
  • • U.S. Department of State
      • Students Abroad
    • Current Travel Alerts and Warnings
    • U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Program Leader Training

Learning Abroad requires all program leaders to attend a program leader risk workshop annually.

In addition, we also strongly encourage leaders to attend additional trainings that will assist in leading a successful program abroad. Being a program leader for a group of students abroad requires the leader to fill many roles on the program, including a professor, cultural informant, disciplinarian, confidante, community builder, health care supporter, and required campus & Clery Act reporter. For a holistic preparation for this dynamic leadership role, we strongly recommend leaders participate in the following trainings offered at the University of Houston.

Mental Health First Aid Training

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Helping Students of Concern

Cougar Ally training

Supporting Today’s Student: Faculty and Staff Track

Compass: Sexual Misconduct Response Training