Call for Proposals
PSU welcomes proposal submissions for new or returning programs annually. Early consultation is encouraged to ensure alignment, feasibility, and resource availability.
Required Submission Materials
Your submission must include:
- Complete Program Proposal Form (all 8 components)
- Department Support Confirmation
- Proposed program timeline
- Co-leader information, if applicable
How to Submit
- Click the New or Renewal proposal button.
- Log in to VikingsAbroad using your PSU Odin ID.
- Select the term you wish to lead (e.g., Summer 2026).
- Add your program location and anticipated dates.
- Select Continue — your proposal will populate.
For questions: facultyled@pdx.edu
Review Criteria
Proposals are reviewed based on:
- Completeness & timeliness
- Academic quality & curriculum alignment
- Faculty engagement & communication
- Feasibility (logistics, safety, budget) & recruitment potential
- Strategic value & alignment with PSU’s global portfolio
- Ed Abroad departmental capacity & balance across terms and disciplines
- Past program performance (if renewing)
- Sponsoring Departmental Approval
Selection Process
Reviews occur with:
- Education Abroad staff
- Department chairs
- Internationalization Council - Study Abroad SubCommittee (consulting role as needed)
Programs with similar themes, locations, or timelines may be compared to maintain a diverse and balanced portfolio.
Annual Program Capacity
To maintain program quality and operational support, PSU typically approves:
- 15 programs for Summer
- 5 programs each in Fall, Winter, and Spring
≈ 30 programs per academic year
After Approval
nce your proposal is approved, the Proposing Program Leader will receive an official notification confirming the program’s selection for the upcoming cycle. Approval marks the transition from idea to implementation—and this is when program development truly begins.
What Happens Next
1. Program Leader Confirmation
You will receive written confirmation from Education Abroad outlining your role as the approved Program Leader for the upcoming term.
2. Begin Program Development
With approval in place, you will start working closely with Education Abroad to build out the operational and academic structure of your program. This phase includes:
- Identifying and selecting a service provider or international partner
- Soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) when applicable
- Finalizing the detailed program itinerary
- Setting and confirming the program budget
- Outlining academic content integration, site visits, and experiential components
This collaborative development period is critical to ensuring your program is feasible, safe, academically strong, and financially sound.
3. Required Training Steps
Approved Program Leaders will receive a list of required Program Leader Development Trainings covering key topics such as budgeting, risk management, roles and responsibilities, and preparing to lead students abroad.
4. Marketing & Recruitment Launch
Once the service provider is selected and the foundational program details are confirmed, Education Abroad will work with you to:
- Establish a marketing timeline
- Create or update the program’s VikingsAbroad webpage
- Develop a recruitment strategy, including info sessions, classroom visits, and outreach
- Set application deadlines and student communication plans
5. Pre-Departure Preparation
As the program approaches launch, you will collaborate with Education Abroad on:
- Pre-departure orientation
- Health, safety, and emergency planning
- Student expectations and academic preparation
- Finalizing travel logistics