Conception: from idea to reality

Interested in proposing a new Short-Term Immersion Program? Get started by reviewing the program proposal template and timeline. Proposals for new programs must be received at least one academic year before the intended date. 

1. Start planning early. Preliminary talks with Global Immersions (GI) should start one year in advance. Set up a first meeting to discuss the feasibility of supporting your program with GI.
2. Choose a location. You may or may not have decided on a site country or city by the preliminary meeting with GI. Picking a location for a course is perhaps the single most critical decision. It is important to remember that every location has to be screened by the Risk Management office and that all faculty must agree upon the safety of the site location. Considerations to take into account include the general political situation in the host country and the general safety of the host city, local geography, the site’s distance from and access to medical facilities, etc.
3. We strongly recommend taking advantage of the Jesuit Network when thinking about facilities and hosting institutions, but we also encourage faculty to find hosts through professional acquaintances and your own knowledge of a particular town or region. Costs should always be an important consideration.
4. Submit a course proposal to be approved by School Deans and AVP. Winter and Spring Break course proposals are normally submitted in early spring semester, and Summer by mid Fall semester 
5. Involve the department. The AVP and School Deans ultimately approve the course proposal. It is imperative that the AVP and GI and other department members be involved in planning a short-term immersion program from the earliest moment. The course must fit in with the department’s curriculum and should fulfill the needs of USF students and follow the University’s mission. 
6. Consult with Global Immersions. Short-Term Immersion programs are a collaborative effort between GI and the academic departments/faculty. A working relationship should be established at the preliminary meeting with GI and should continue throughout the duration of program planning and during the program itself. We have experience with these sorts of programs and can advise you as to what has been successful in the past. We can also advise you as to USFCA policies with regard to study abroad and international travel. A close working relationship is essential to success.
7. Take emergency planning into consideration early. Ask yourself if there are certain aspects of location or politics that might present certain security risks? Stay informed of current health and security considerations in your proposed country by reviewing the U.S. Department of State Travel Alerts & Travel Warnings, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and United HealthCare Global security reports.