FACULTY AND STAFF
Georgia State offered 49 faculty-led programs in 2023-2024.
85.3% of study abroad participants went on a GSU faculty-led program in 2023-2024.
THE WORLD IS YOUR CLASSROOM!
"This study abroad experience provided our students with the opportunity to quickly assess occupation-based needs and recommend treatments to improve the quality of life for individuals and their caregivers who otherwise were not receiving specialized services."
-Emily Buchman, Clinical Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy
Academic Advisors
The Study Abroad Programs Office collaborates with colleagues and departments across campus. Academic advisors play a special and important role in the study abroad process for GSU students. Many students indicate that they first heard about studying abroad from their advisor or that they decided to apply based on advisor encouragement.
Academic Talking Points
- Students can choose from numerous approved GSU programs, or any accredited non-GSU program and receive credit for the experience. To receive credit for an experience abroad, students must meet with a study abroad advisor in advance of their time abroad.
- Students can get General Education, Elective, Major, or Minor credit, depending on their degree requirements.
- GSU students can meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss their plans.
- The SAP office can help students find classes, participate in internships, or conduct research abroad.
- Classes can be in English in all locations (unless the program is specifically language-intensive).
Financial Talking Points
- Programs vary in cost based on program type and length of term. Students can get a general estimate of the difference with our Program Type Comparison.
- Financial aid (Pell, Hope, grants, loans, some scholarships) can be applied to study abroad program fees.
- Study Abroad Programs encourages students to meet with Financial Aid to discuss how their financial aid package can travel with them.
- There are many scholarships available for every student. Some are need-based, merit-based, program-specific, location-based, and many others. Visit our Scholarships page for a list of the most frequently awarded scholarships.
Planning and Application Stage
- Talk about studying abroad during relevant advising appointments and refer students to our Student page.
- Assist students in identifying needed course credits and help them understand whether a study abroad course is a good match.
- Help students determine the best time to study abroad based on their degree program and schedule.
Support for Students Participating in Semester or Academic Year Programs
- Work with students to complete the Transfer Credit Approval Form [link a watermarked version as an example] once they have selected a program and submitted their application.
- Advise students on degree-seeking courses that can be taken abroad.
- Complete Step 5: Ideal Registration Plan on the TCAF by reviewing the approved courses identified and helping the student create a registration plan by marking which courses you recommend they enroll in to stay on track for graduation.
- Please confirm whether each course on the registration plan is CPoS compliant.
- Advise students regarding registration dates for the term following their study abroad experience.
Program Directors
For all other questions, direct students to our FAQ page or have them meet with an Advisor.
Consider leading a study abroad program.
The GSU Study Abroad Programs and Office of International Initiatives is excited you're ready to begin the study abroad program proposal process! We use the Standards of Good Practice of the Forum on Education Abroad as a guideline when creating, monitoring and evaluating GSU study abroad programs. Submitting a new study abroad program proposal involves outlining the program's objectives, learning outcomes, and logistical details. Proposals should demonstrate the program's academic relevance, intercultural learning goals, and the benefits to participants. In addition, thorough planning in health and safety, affordability for students, and recruitment are essential for successful program approval and implementation.
Faculty Eligibility
- A full-time, benefit-eligible GSU faculty member and qualified to be the instructor of record for courses they will teach abroad
- Able to exercise a high degree of discretion and responsibility on behalf of the institution while also leading an academically challenging study abroad program
- Well-versed in the location of the study abroad program, either through past experiences living, working or studying there or thanks to a GSU-funded site visit
- Willing to adhere to the Study Abroad Management Requirements
Process for Proposing a New Program
- Phase 1: Submit an academic proposal that outlines the program's course details, program director’s information, course objectives/syllabus and academic relevance to the location.
- The proposal must be reviewed and signed by your Department Chair and Dean/Dean’s designee.
- Phase 2: Upon receiving approval, a program director will be prompted to submit program logistics including a budget, travel details, and health and safety information.
Study Abroad Program Renewals
Study Abroad Program Proposal approvals are valid for three years / iterations. If you are a current study abroad program director and plan to renew a program complete the following forms. Renewals are due July 1 for programs running in Spring 2026, Maymester or Summer 2026.
Program Approval Duration
- Changes to destination country(ies)
- Changes in program director(s) or program course(s)
- There are significant changes to the program format.
Site Visit Funding
COVID-19 Guidance for Program Directors
Consider an exchange agreement with a university abroad
Learn about how International Partnerships and Agreements at GSU supports faculty in the creation of international exchange agreements, international research and grants here
Learn about establishing a new exchange agreement by emailing [email protected].
For all other questions, direct students to our FAQ page or have them meet with an Advisor.
Faculty & Staff Resources
Here we've compiled essential Study Abroad resources for faculty and staff.
Study Abroad Office
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Physical Address
Study Abroad Programs Office
International Center Dahlberg Hall, 3rd Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303