International Programs Outside the Office of Education Abroad

Programs that take place wholly or partially abroad and that are organized by units outside the Office of Global Strategies (such as Alumni Services, Architecture, Athletics, Campus Ministry, Canon Law, Law, and Social Work) are considered non-OGS programs. The originating department is responsible for the organization and execution of the program, while the Office of Education Abroad is responsible for general oversight and data collection. The Provost makes final approvals on all programs.

Steps for Planning an International Program

Develop a preliminary idea for your program and discuss it with your division head. The Office of Education Abroad is available for consultation upon request. Create a program itinerary.

  1. Complete the program proposal form and confirm that student accommodations meet Catholic University housing standards. Obtain the signatures of the program director, division head, and (for academic units) the dean.
  2. Submit the program proposal form along with a copy of the program itinerary to the Office of Education Abroad by August 1 (for Fall programs), December 1 (for Spring and Spring Break programs) or May 1 (for Summer programs).
  3. Receive approval from the Associate Provost for International Affairs and the Provost. The Office of Education Abroad submits the necessary documentation on your behalf and notifies you once approval is received.
  4. Create a program page on goabroad.cua.edu, working with the Office of Education Abroad.
  5. Ensure that all students register their trip through goabroad.cua.edu and pay the associated application fee. Failure to complete registration may mean removal from the program. If preferred, arrange with the Office of Education Abroad to pay the application fee on the students' behalf.
  6. Register the program director and all accompanying faculty/staff in the Catholic University Travel Registry. Failure to complete registration may mean removal from the program.
  7. Attend a mandatory overseas program director training session. This will keep you up-to-date on student preparation, legal concerns, finances, and other responsibilities. Program directors for recurring programs must receive the training at a minimum once every two years. Failure to attend a training session will result in cancellation of the program.
  8. Hold a pre-departure orientation for the program participants, with the Office of Education Abroad's assistance.