Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad

N.C. A&T Faculty/Staff-Led programs offer students unique opportunities to explore the world. These experiences can be integrated into a course curriculum or taken as cultural immersion opportunities, providing valuable global exposure and hands-on learning. In 2024 and 2025, students have traveled to diverse destinations, gaining firsthand international experience and cultural immersion.

Meet A&T student Jalen Wallace! In Summer 2024, he joined a faculty-led study abroad program in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, led by Professor Antwon Foreman from the College of Business & Economics. Through immersive learning, professional site visits, and cultural exploration, Jalen gained firsthand insight into global business practices and expanded his worldview.

"Studying abroad in Dubai changed the way I see business, the world, and myself."

Watch Jalen’s story to see how faculty-led study abroad experiences create powerful opportunities for students to grow personally and professionally while representing A&T on the global stage.

Other recent faculty-led programs have taken Aggies to:

Mexico – Exploring vibrant cities, rich history, and local traditions

Canada – Engaging with global perspectives in a dynamic, multicultural setting

Ghana – Experiencing the deep cultural heritage and historical significance of West Africa

France – Discovering the charm, art, and culture of one of Europe’s most iconic destinations

England – Immersing in the historical and contemporary influences of the UK

Dr. Michael Brooks, Paris, France (Fall 2024)

Faculty/Staff-Led programs allow students to engage with new environments, broaden their global outlook, and create lasting memories. 

Upcoming trips for 2025 include Belize, Brazil, England, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, South Korea, and more.

The Office of International Affairs is available to support faculty and staff, whether they are new to leading trips at the university or returning trip leaders looking to enhance their study abroad programs. Our support includes: 

• Recommending approved Study Abroad Providers

• Connecting trip leaders with host institutions in-country for academic engagement

• Suggesting external short-term language immersion courses for students

• Ensuring travel compliance with institutional policies

For guidance in planning your experience, please refer to the Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad Planning Checklist here. 

Faculty and staff interested in leading a Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad program are encouraged to work with their respective departments to explore funding opportunities that can help support program development and travel costs. Potential sources may include departmental budgets, college-level funding, grants, and external sponsorships.

Please see our Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad Handbook here. Please contact Dr. Kimberly Tyson (kktyson@ncat.edu) should you have any questions regarding leading a global experience. 

Step 1: Discuss Travel Plans with Supervisor

• Trip leaders should consult with their direct supervisor to discuss the proposed travel, its objectives, and the associated academic course (if applicable).The OIA recommends having this conversation at least 18 months prior to the intended departure date to allow sufficient time for planning and approvals.

Step 2: Determining Where to Go: Selecting a Program Location

• Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions when designing a faculty/staff-led study abroad program. The destination should align with academic goals, be logistically feasible, and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Step 3: Collaborate with Your Study Abroad Provider to Design the Program

• Work closely with your designated study abroad account manager to shape your program vision and develop a meaningful experience.

Step 4: OIA Travel Registry Submission

• The Faculty-Led Program Proposal Agreement from the Study Abroad Provider along with the traveler’s details must be submitted in the OIA Travel Registry:

  • At least 12 months before departure for new faculty/staff-led programs.

  • At least 6 months before departure for renewed or previously approved programs.

• Once OIA approval is granted, the trip leader must upload the OIA approval confirmation into Emburse (formerly Chrome River).

• After receiving Emburse approval and official OIA confirmation of the signed Faculty-Led Program Proposal Agreement, trip leaders may begin recruiting students for the program.

Step 5: Student Recruitment

• Mention the opportunity in your classes and during departmental meetings to generate early interest.

• Encourage past participants to share their experiences through class visits, social media posts, or short video testimonials.

Step 6: Schedule Student & Provider Meetings

• Organize a meeting with recruited students and the provider to discuss trip details and payment deadlines.

Step 7: Communication & Emergency Preparedness

• All trip leaders must create a WhatsApp group for chaperones and students.

Step 8: Pre-Departure Orientation

• Students, Trip Leaders, and Chaperones complete orientation sessions with the OIA and their Study Abroad Provider.
  

Trip Leaders may select one of the approved study abroad providers listed below to administer their trip.

Barcelona SAE: Barcelona SAE specializes in faculty-led programs that combine academic rigor with cultural immersion in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Their trips are tailored to meet specific academic goals while providing students the opportunity to explore Barcelona’s rich history, art, and culture. Through a network of local partnerships, Barcelona SAE offers unique experiences, including site visits, workshops, and cultural excursions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter in a global context.

EF Tours: EF Tours is a leading provider of educational travel, offering customizable programs designed to immerse students in new cultures and environments. With over 50 years of experience, EF Tours provides expert guidance, logistical support, and unique itineraries that enhance the learning experience. Their dedicated team ensures that every detail is taken care of, allowing faculty leaders to focus on enriching student learning through travel.

Loop Abroad: Loop Abroad offers immersive faculty-led programs designed to provide students with hands-on experience in various fields, including wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, and global health. Their programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to engage with local communities and gain valuable skills while exploring diverse environments. With a focus on personalized support and safety, Loop Abroad ensures a meaningful and enriching study abroad experience.

Toucan Education: Toucan Education specializes in creating transformative educational travel experiences. Their programs foster cultural exchange and personal growth through hands-on learning. By partnering with local organizations, Toucan Education provides authentic interactions and opportunities for students to engage with communities. Their commitment to sustainability and responsible travel ensures that trips are both educational and environmentally conscious.

WorldStrides: WorldStrides is a trusted provider of educational travel experiences, offering a wide range of programs for students of all ages. With a focus on experiential learning, WorldStrides enables students to connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Their experienced team works closely with faculty to design itineraries that align with academic goals while providing logistical support and safety throughout the journey.

The Office of International Affairs has launched the Faculty & Staff Travel Grant, specifically designed to support individuals participating in global engagement activities abroad.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a full-time, permanent faculty or staff member at North Carolina A&T State University.

• The trip must be approved in both the OIA Travel Registry and Emburse (formerly Chrome River) to be considered.

• Applicants will be evaluated based on the overall quality score of their application, as determined by the evaluation committee.

• Each applicant may apply once per academic year.

• The total grant amount is $500.

• If the recipient's travel experience is canceled for any reason, the full payment must be returned to the Office of International Affairs within ten business days.

• The 2025-2026 application is open for experiences taking place between Fall 2025 and Summer 2026.

• The application deadline is August 15, 2025.

Please find the application here. 

North Carolina A&T faculty and staff may access the Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad Toolkit here. The Toolkit includes planning checklists, proposal guidelines, risk management resources, and internal group communication tools.

Access requires OneID credentials.