Program Proposals

Saint Joseph's has a long history of leading short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs. We began our very own SJU study tours in 2002 as leaders in the field of international education. Today, we support 150+ students annually through these international academic opportunities.

We would not be able to serve this student population without the passionate contribution of our faculty members. On this page, you can find more information about how to submit a program proposal, how to market a program, the program timeline and more. 

Saint Joseph's study tours are semester-long courses taught on campus, typically during the spring semester. These are combined with a short-term period of group travel designed to introduce students to other countries and cultures by bringing to life what they learn in the classroom. Logistical coordination is provided by the CIP, a tour coordinator and a tour provider/organization.

Saint Joseph's summer programs are designed to introduce students to other countries and cultures by immersing them in the country. The one-month courses are taught and led by SJU faculty and are offered each summer in locations where we have established a 'home base' in Greece, Rome and South Africa. Summer programs are for students of any major who may not have the flexibility to spend a semester abroad but want a longer immersion than a study tour. Logistical coordination is provided by the CIP, a summer program Coordinator and a program provider/organization.

Please review the following University policies before submitting your program proposal:

• Study Tour and Summer Program Policy
• Spouse/Child Participation Policy
• Interim International Travel Policy

Please submit an online proposal using the links below:

• Study Tour Proposal Application
• SJU Summer Program Proposal Application

Please keep in mind the deadline to submit proposals is February 15, 11:59 p.m. Proposals will not be accepted after the deadline.

Important Dates

When marketing faculty-led programs to students, it's helpful to keep in mind why some students choose this type of program. Students who decide to participate in study tours or summer programs are likely to do so for one or more of the following reasons:

• The desire to go abroad with an SJU faculty member: The faculty member may have a reputation or teaching style that attracts students. Students may be more comfortable going abroad with someone they know and have an established relationship with and who they view as a representative of Saint Joseph's study abroad programs.
• Interest in a particular course/region: Getting course credit is a particularly attractive feature of SJU study tour or summer program.
• Length of time: For many, this is an excellent opportunity to cover coursework in the summer and not “miss” out on a semester on campus. Summer is a naturally appealing time for many students to study abroad, and being away for 2-6 weeks seems more manageable for many students. For those who have not traveled far from home, this is an opportunity to whet their appetite.
• The appeal of an SJU-sponsored program: Some students and families prefer the familiarity and feeling of security that comes with a study tour or summer program because they are assured the same high quality of teaching they would receive on campus and the support of multiple offices throughout the program cycle.
• Pre-planned logistics: Many students want the independence of being abroad but may find an independent immersion experience daunting. The current U.S. student culture increasingly leads to student selection of highly structured programs.

• Leading Short Term Education Abroad Programs (Forum on Education Abroad): This guide for leaders of short-term programs explains what leaders need to know before running a program abroad. It is a framework for conversations between all those involved in the program. Like the Standards of Good Practice, they provide a means to assess and improve programs by ensuring that they include those essential elements that will maximize students’ learning and personal development while assuring their safety and well-being.
• Code of Ethics for Education Abroad (Forum on Education Abroad): The Code of Ethics for Education Abroad is designed to guide ethical decision-making and assist organizations as they seek to provide education abroad experiences and services in accord with the highest ethical standards.
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for generations to come.
• The Power of International Education: IIE’s mission is to help people and organizations leverage the power of international education to thrive in today’s interconnected world. IIE focuses on work that achieves the following: advance scholarship, build economies and promote access to opportunity.
• Peace Corps - Educator Resources: The Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools program fosters an understanding of other cultures and global issues by providing online educational resources based on the Peace Corps experience and facilitating communication among U.S. learners and current and returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
• Global Oneness Project: This education program offers tools to become deeply engaged with the issues and ideas raised in the Global Oneness film and media content. Through these materials, educators may develop effective ways to introduce global themes, environmental issues, and multi-cultural awareness into their established course curricula.