Thank you for your interest in developing a study away course! Although developing these courses requires some extra preparation on your part, it will also provide you and your students with extraordinarily rewarding experiences.
There is a new, 2-step process with a defined timeline that starts with the submission of a pre-proposal.
- Pre-proposal review and approval allows course developers to move forward with the confidence the plan has no major issues likely to delay or stop final approval.
- The updated schedule provides ample opportunity for the review, development, and approval steps, and dedicates time for student advertising and recruitment.
Course Development Process
The course approval and development process is intended to be initiated 12-18 months before the study away course is first offered.
Below, you will find the steps to help you develop a successful study away course.
Step 1—Talk to your chair or dean
If you are considering leading a program meet with your unit leadership (chair or dean for colleges without departments) to discuss the program.
Step 2—Complete the Pre-Proposal Form
Once you have established support from your unit leadership, complete the Study Away Pre-Proposal Form.
- Pre-proposals must be submitted by the end of Week 4 of Spring Semester for courses
planned to be offered Spring semester or later in the next calendar year.
- for example, a pre-proposal submitted in February of 2027 would be to approve courses planned in Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters in 2028.
- Following review by Risk Management and the Deans Council, faculty will be notified of their next steps.
Step 3—Develop Full Proposal
After you are notified that your pre-proposal is approved, full proposals are developed in collaboration with the Study Away and Abroad Manager.
Full proposals are due annually by Aug. 1st.
- This deadline is set to allow faculty ample time to develop and finalize full proposals throughout spring and summer.
- Reviews will be finalized by Sept. 1
Step 4—Recruit students
The final draft and review deadlines ensure that approved programs are ready to be advertised at the Fall Study Away Fair in mid-September, maximizing visibility for student enrollment.
Additionally, you can work with Study Away and Abroad to create a marketing and student recruitment plan.
Questions?
Study Away and Abroad will work with faculty interested in leading a study away course. Faculty interested in developing a course or learning more about what options are available for MTU-led study away will learn about a range of options available (from working with established programs abroad to working with third-party providers) as well as about standards of good practice for study away.