Study Abroad Program Development Funding Initiative

Program Development

The Office of International Affairs provides limited funding for faculty-led study abroad program development. In accordance with OIA’s strategic plan, the goal of this funding is to support the professional development of faculty, and increase the internationalization of the campus community. Faculty-led programs offer innovative opportunities for students by expanding the classroom around the world. Funds may be used for site visits for developing new study abroad programs.

Study Abroad Program Development (SAPD) Funding Request

Eligibility

Funding of up to $2,000 is available only to full-time faculty of Texas Tech who have completed a minimum of one year of service to the University. Funds will not be available to faculty who have led a program or conducted a site visit to the proposed site in the last three years. All programs submitted must be for courses offering academic credit abroad. Funding is non-renewable. Cost sharing with the faculty's department and/or College is strongly encouraged.

Requirements

Preference will be given to faculty whose proposal address the attached Application Rubric (Form SAPD-3).

• All proposed programs must clearly demonstrate how the international location augments the course content and learning experience.
• Faculty must meet with the Assistant Director of Study Abroad Adrianna Ward to discuss program creation and proposal.
• Faculty must complete forms SAPD-1 - Funding Application Form and SAPD-2 - Department Chair/Center Director and Dean Endorsement and submit to the Assistant Director of Study Abroad . Consult with the appropriate contact in your Dean's Office for any additional international requirements/guidelines.
• The application must include evidence of prior correspondence with relevant parties at the proposed site.
• The application must include a detailed itinerary for the site visit with rational for the location(s)selected.
• The application must include a two-page statement of purpose, addressing the Application Rubric (Form SAPD-3).
• A draft of the program proposal must be submitted in a addition to the funding request application. Proposals may be submitted online. 
• The application must include a copy of the faculty vita (five page maximum).

Upon Completion of the site visit, the faculty must:

• Complete the SAPD-4 - Site Evaluation Rubric within 30 days of site visit completion.
• Write a detailed review statement of the site visit, including direct statements about how/if the visit influenced the program proposal within 30 days of site visit completion.
• Finalize the program proposal.

Program must be offered within two years of the site visit and every effort should be made to offer the program on a regular basis.

Application Deadlines:

• Faculty leading programs in 2026: January 30, 2025

Completed applications should be returned to Adrianna Ward, Assistant Director of Study Abroad. 

Other Professional Development Opportunities

In addition to offering the funding for a site visit in order to develop a faculty-led study abroad program, the Study Abroad Office offers faculty leaders the opportunity to participate in other professional development opportunities to prepare for their program abroad. For example, in an effort to ensure that faculty have the skills necessary to encourage student intercultural development, the Study Abroad office may fund participation in a conference focused on this topic.

Example professional development opportunities may include:

• Forum on Education Abroad Annual Conference
• NAFSA Association of International Educators Annual Conference
• Workshop in Intercultural Skills Enhancement (WISE) Conference

If you have additional professional development ideas related to your faculty-led study abroad program, please contact the Assistant Director of Study Abroad for funding approval.