"It was a privilege witnessing students come to new realizations about the world, and great fun sharing this adventure with them."
- Dr. Brenda Glascott, Honors Department
What Are International Faculty-Led Programs?
International Faculty-Led Programs (IFLPs) are PSU credit-bearing courses taught by PSU faculty abroad. These programs provide immersive international learning experiences that bring course content to life, foster faculty–student connection, and create high-impact educational opportunities.
Each program is uniquely designed for PSU students, and no two programs look alike.
Program Features
- Duration & Credits: Typically 2–3 weeks (range 1–10 weeks), 4-12 credits, often offered in summer.
- Leadership: Usually led by one or two PSU faculty members with support from Education Abroad and local international partners.
- Support & Logistics: Education Abroad assists with classroom space, housing, transportation, guest speakers, budgeting, and student support.
- Academic Impact: Students gain intercultural competence, apply learning in real-world contexts, and expand global perspectives.
Who Can Lead a Program?
Anyone eligible to teach for credit at PSU — including adjuncts, AAUP faculty, and administrative professionals — can lead a program.
Not an instructor? Education Abroad may be able to pair you with a PSU faculty member or an international partners who deliver academic content (with departmental approval).
Do Program Leaders Receive Compensation?
Yes. Program Leaders are paid according to PSU’s standard contracted rate based on credits taught. Compensation typically comes from the Education Abroad Office and does not impact regular teaching loads. Programs offered throughout the 9-month Academic Year may be offered in-load, overload, or via Labor Distribution. Please ask us if you'd like to explore one of these options further.
Program Leader Development Trainings
All Program Leaders are required to participate in a series of Program Leader Development trainings. These sessions ensure that faculty are fully prepared to design, manage, and lead high-quality international programs that meet PSU academic, financial, and risk-management standards.
Training topics include, but are not limited to:
- Basics of Submitting a Proposal & Introduction to Proposal Review Process (Highly Recommended)
- Program Leader Roles and Responsibilities (Required annually for Program Leaders)
- Granting Departmental Approval & Understanding Program Budgets
- Program Development Essentials: Budgets, Service Providers, and RFP's
- Fundamentals of Purchases, Salaries, and Travel
- Emergency Support and Risk Management (Required annually for Program Leaders)
These trainings are required for all approved Program Leaders and are offered throughout the academic year. Completing trainings early ensures smoother program set-up, more accurate budget development, and stronger coordination with Education Abroad.
Interested in leading an International Faculty-Led Program?
The Program Leader Toolkit is PSU’s comprehensive guide for faculty interested in developing and leading an International Faculty-Led Program (IFLP). It provides step-by-step guidance on designing a high-quality program, submitting a proposal, navigating the review process, and managing logistics before, during, and after travel.