Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad Programming

The N.C. A&T Study Away Program is designed for students with limited domestic travel experience, providing short-term Faculty/Staff-Led opportunities to explore unique regions of the United States. This initiative aims to broaden students’ perspectives by immersing them in diverse cultural, historical, and social environments within the U.S., serving as a stepping stone toward future international experiences.

Through carefully curated trips, students will engage in experiential learning, site visits, and cultural activities that highlight the rich diversity of the U.S. This program fosters personal growth, enhances global awareness, and encourages students to consider international study opportunities in the future.

Proposal Submission

Faculty and staff interested in leading a Study Away experience for the 2025-2026 academic year may submit proposals between May 1 – June 30, 2025. To maintain program quality and impact, only two proposals will be accepted per academic year.

For more information or assistance in developing a proposal, please contact Kimberly Tyson (kktyson@ncat.edu). 

N.C. A&T Faculty/Staff-Led programs offer students unique opportunities to explore the world. These experiences can be integrated into a course curriculum or taken as cultural immersion opportunities, providing valuable global exposure and hands-on learning. In 2024 and 2025, students have traveled to diverse destinations, gaining firsthand international experience and cultural immersion.

Recent faculty-led programs have taken Aggies to:

Mexico – Exploring vibrant cities, rich history, and local traditions
Canada – Engaging with global perspectives in a dynamic, multicultural setting
Ghana – Experiencing the deep cultural heritage and historical significance of West Africa
France – Discovering the charm, art, and culture of one of Europe’s most iconic destinations
United Arab Emirates – Experiencing the dynamic intersection of business, innovation, and modern landscapes in the Middle East
England – Immersing in the historical and contemporary influences of the UK

Faculty/Staff-Led programs allow students to engage with new environments, broaden their global outlook, and create lasting memories. 

Upcoming trips for 2025 include Belize, Brazil, England, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, South Korea, and more.

• Recommending Study Abroad Providers
• Connecting trip leaders with host institutions in-country for academic engagement
• Suggesting external short-term language immersion courses for students
• Ensuring travel compliance with institutional policies

For those interested in receiving assistance, you may submit a proposal here. After submitting your form, you will be prompted to schedule a proposal meeting. The Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad Planning Checklist can be found here. 

Faculty and staff interested in leading a Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad program are encouraged to work with their respective departments to explore funding opportunities that can help support program development and travel costs. Potential sources may include departmental budgets, college-level funding, grants, and external sponsorships.

Trip Leaders may select one of the approved study abroad providers listed below to administer their trip.

Barcelona SAE: Barcelona SAE specializes in faculty-led programs that combine academic rigor with cultural immersion in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Their trips are tailored to meet specific academic goals while providing students the opportunity to explore Barcelona’s rich history, art, and culture. Through a network of local partnerships, Barcelona SAE offers unique experiences, including site visits, workshops, and cultural excursions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter in a global context.

EF Tours: EF Tours is a leading provider of educational travel, offering customizable programs designed to immerse students in new cultures and environments. With over 50 years of experience, EF Tours provides expert guidance, logistical support, and unique itineraries that enhance the learning experience. Their dedicated team ensures that every detail is taken care of, allowing faculty leaders to focus on enriching student learning through travel.

Loop Abroad: Loop Abroad offers immersive faculty-led programs designed to provide students with hands-on experience in various fields, including wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, and global health. Their programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to engage with local communities and gain valuable skills while exploring diverse environments. With a focus on personalized support and safety, Loop Abroad ensures a meaningful and enriching study abroad experience.

Toucan Education: Toucan Education specializes in creating transformative educational travel experiences. Their programs foster cultural exchange and personal growth through hands-on learning. By partnering with local organizations, Toucan Education provides authentic interactions and opportunities for students to engage with communities. Their commitment to sustainability and responsible travel ensures that trips are both educational and environmentally conscious.

WorldStrides: WorldStrides is a trusted provider of educational travel experiences, offering a wide range of programs for students of all ages. With a focus on experiential learning, WorldStrides enables students to connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Their experienced team works closely with faculty to design itineraries that align with academic goals while providing logistical support and safety throughout the journey.

WEI Women’s Empowerment Travel: WEI Women’s Empowerment Travell focuses on empowering women through transformative travel experiences. Their programs inspire and connect women, providing opportunities for personal development and cultural immersion. By partnering with local organizations, WEI creates meaningful interactions and supports community initiatives. With a commitment to promoting women’s leadership and social impact, WEI’s trips foster a sense of empowerment and global citizenship among participants.

The Office of International Affairs has launched the Faculty & Staff Travel Grant for Global Student Experiences, designed specifically for Faculty/Staff-Led Study Abroad trip leaders.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a full-time, permanent faculty or staff member at North Carolina A&T State University.
• The applicant must be identified as the "Trip Lead" in the OIA Travel Registry.
• The applicant must be leading an international trip for current A&T students engaged in faculty-led study abroad programming, an international research project, or attending/presenting at an international conference.
• The trip must be approved in both the OIA Travel Registry and Chrome River to be considered.
• Applicants will be evaluated based on the overall quality score of their application, as determined by the evaluation committee.
• Each applicant may apply once per academic year.
• The total grant amount is $500, which will be issued to the recipient via a university-issued check 45 days prior to departure.
• If the recipient's travel experience is canceled for any reason, the full payment must be returned to the Office of International Affairs within ten business days.
• The 2025-2026 application is open for experiences taking place between Fall 2025 and Summer 2026.
• The application deadline is June 1, 2025.

Please find the application here.