Faculty FAQ

How do I get started?

Stop by the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning. This staff serves the WKU community as a valuable resource and can explain to you the steps you need to follow to lead a program abroad.

In addition to the office of Study Abroad and Global Learning, who else should I speak to about leading a program?

You should speak with your department chair. Another person to talk to is your college’s liaison to the International Education Council. Both individuals can provide you with invaluable information about how to prepare to lead a program abroad. Find out who your IEC Liaison is below.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences - William Pfohl

College of Health and Human Services - Ron Ramsing

Gordon Ford College of Business - Dan Myers

Ogden College of Science and Engineering - David Keeling

Potter College of Arts and Letters - Roger Murphy

University College - Cecile Garmon

Is there funding available to help me explore a possible program abroad?

Yes, the Study Abroad Course Development Fund is meant to help defray some of the cost of travelling to another country to prepare for your program. To learn more visit the OIP Website

How will I be compensated?

This depends on what model you use to create your program. There are several choices:    

1. CCSA. This program allows you the flexibility of concentrating on the academic component of your program while CCSA handles the logistics. Another advantage is that you can attract students from other universities to participate in your program. Remuneration is offered in the form of a per diem by CCSA. To learn more, visit the designated CCSA website
2. KIIS. This program offers you the opportunity to lead a program abroad for four weeks during the summer. Like CCSA, KIIS will arrange the logistics while you focus on the academics of the program. KIIS offers faculty a $2,000 stipend to lead programs abroad. For more information, visit the designated KIIS website.
3. WKU Faculty-led program. This option is for faculty who prefer to handle all aspects of program development: planning, budgeting, marketing, recruiting, travel, etc. WKU requires two leaders per program: a program leader and a co-leader. The program leader receives a stipend of $300 per student (maximum $3,000) and the co-leader receives a stipend of $150 per student (maximum $1,500). In order to receive compensation, you MUST submit a program proposal before leading students abroad.

How do I recruite students for my program?

The Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning will post information about your program on its website. But oftentimes, word of mouth works best!

Are students from other universities allowed to participate in my program?

Absolutely. After they have completed the study abroad application, they must apply to WKU as a visiting student. They can do this by clicking here.

Then they follow the instructions listed here:

1)Click on “Domestic and International” under “Undergraduate Admissions”

2) Create a login account by clicking on “application account creation”

3) Follow the instructions given

What do I need to know about insurance?

WKU has contracted with Academic Health Plans to offer students and faculty who go abroad insurance. This insurance covers you only for the time you are outside of the US and is not meant to replace your normal insurance.

As part of study abroad insurance, you and your students would have access to Academic Emergency Services. This service can provide you with emergency evacuation-medical and political as well as other important resources. To learn more click on here.

May I take my family with me?

Your primary responsibility will be the students. If your spouse is involved in the program, i.e., teaching a course, that is permissible.

What happens if I lead my own program abroad and I do not submit a program proposal to the IEC?

You will not receive compensation if you did not submit a program proposal before leading students abroad.