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Global Faculty-Led Experiences (FLEX)

The Lewis Global Studies Center's FLEX programming initiative offers faculty opportunities to design and lead short-term global learning travel programs (1—3 weeks) to either enhance an existing course or as a newly credited course offered during winter, spring or summer breaks. This initiative replaces the former Global Engagement Seminars. The goal is to build a range of global experiential learning activities that can be readily adapted to departmental and faculty interests. Programs may be outside of the United States or have a global theme within the United States.


Current Offerings 2023–24

Brazil: Contemporary Arts Parks and Cultural Centers
May 2024
Application deadline November 29
Cost $4,100
Info Session: Tuesday, September 26 at 12:15pm in CC102

This short-term, faculty-led program will explore Brazil's thriving contemporary arts scenes and museums in São Paulo. The group will then travel to Brumadinho to visit the Inhotim Contemporary Art Institute, a massive, 5,000-acre art park and botanic garden described in the New York Times as “a vast garden of art."

Ireland: Overcoming Divided Histories
May 2024
Application deadline: Wednesday, November 29 
Cost: TBD
Info Session: Thursday, October 5 at 12:15pm in the Jandon Center (Wright 013)


Application Instructions for Students

Students may apply for a Global FLEX program online using Smith International Travel Experiences System (SITES). Guest students can create a profile and log into SITES here. Once in SITES, go to Search Programs and use the keyword ‘FLEX’ to locate the current programs.


Instructions for Faculty

  1. An initial site visit to plan the program and select local program providers, usually the year prior to the planned program. Faculty may be asked to seek additional support from CFCD or departmental funds.
  2. A one-time program development stipend of $1,000 is available for new programs.
  3. A faculty stipend of $2,000/week, for a maximum program length of three weeks, for planning, designing, leading and reporting on the travel program.
  4. Flight, accommodations and meals for the traveling faculty member.
  5. Partial coverage of student expenses based on financial need status. Students will be expected to pay for some portion of their program fees, and any related visa, immunization or other travel expenses.
  1. Priority funding is for programs intended to be offered on at least two occasions, with calendar year timing dependent on the number of trips offered each year. Funding beyond two trips will need to be supported from other sources.
  2. Faculty are required to participate in a risk management workshop and training offered annually.  Additional pre-departure risk assessment meetings will also be required.
  3. In most cases, logistics will be supported by a local contractor or institution. A services contract and/or MOU will be prepared by the faculty member and local contractor in coordination with the Lewis Center.
  4. Programs are required to include professional student affairs support to assist with logistics and handle student health and safety issues during the program.
  5. Faculty will write a short report with documentation (such as photos and student assignments) for donor reports, to be submitted within 90 days of the end of the program.
  6. Students will complete evaluations and submit thank you letters to the donor(s) at the end of the program.

Course enhancement proposals will require Lewis Global Studies Center and Committee on Study Abroad (CSA) approval; proposals requesting a new course designation and credit will also need to be submitted to the Committee on Academic Priorities (CAP). This process can take 6—10 weeks depending on when the initial proposal is received.

  1. Proposal is initially submitted to the Lewis Center directors for review and determination of viability.
  2. Based on initial review and requests for additional information, proposals are subsequently forwarded to CSA for study abroad approval.
  3. Proposals that request a new credited course (typically 2 credits), and supported by the Lewis Center and CSA, are submitted to CAP for final consideration and course approval.

Currently accepting proposals for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Submit your proposal here by Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

 

Please direct any questions about the Global FLEX program or the process to Laura Gomez.