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Become a Faculty Member with the FLEAP Program

Run a FLEAP Program

The Education Abroad office supports UCR faculty and departments in developing faculty-led summer programs in other states or countries. We aim to collaborate with you and assist in every step as you plan and coordinate a high-impact experiential program. Read more about our summer programs on Inside UCR

This webpage covers a timeline from idea to departure, and contact information, funding, and frequently asked questions about teaching a summer Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program (FLEAP). FLEAPs are programs:

  • Designed and led by UCR faculty from any academic department
  • Runs in the summer term
  • Hosted for 2-5 weeks, typically in another country 
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students at UCR and other universities
  • Often include 8 units of summer courses; non-credit, fieldwork, and research possible

What are the benefits of running a FLEAP?


Faculty Benefits

  • Expand your global network
  • Free travel! FLEAP travel compensation includes:
    • Teaching salary, paid by Summer Sessions.
    • Faculty airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and per diem, paid by student program fees.


Student Benefits

  • Broaden student interest in a particular field
  • Widen understanding of the world around them
  • Encourage students to take more courses in your department, increasing student retention and graduation rates

Are you interested in leading a FLEAP?

Please complete our Interest Form


Deadline to submit a Summer 2026 FLEAP interest form:

Deadline: January 3, 2025

Interest Form

Attend an Info Session

How to Get Started as FLEAP Faculty

UCR faculty should take the first step at least 20 months before a program departs. We need this much time to prepare itineraries with third-party providers, finalize budgets, sign the required paperwork, and recruit a minimum of 12 students who pay deposits. Info Sessions are scheduled if you'd like to learn more or ask questions in person.
 

Timeline

Click here for a Gantt chart of credit-bearing FLEAP timeline and processes (revised September 2024).

Click a card below to display more information.

A committee will review your proposal after submission. Then, the Education Abroad office will announce the approved proposals.
In some cases, there is a revise and resubmit process.

For Approved FLEAP Programs:

Questions?

Please schedule a meeting with Sonja Lind, the Assistant Director of Education Abroad, or email sonja.lind@ucr.edu.

Or email Professor Robert McKee, the Campus Faculty Director of Education Abroad, at robert.mckee@ucr.edu

Attend an Info Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts

Jun Wang

Jun Wang

Assistant Provost

jun.wang@ucr.edu

Sonja Lind

Sonja Lind

Assistant Director of Education Abroad

sonja.lind@ucr.edu
Schedule a meeting
Book a classroom visit

Rob McKee

Robert McKee

Campus Faculty Director of Education Abroad

Assistant Teaching Professor, Bioengineering
VP International Affairs Admin

robert.mckee@ucr.edu

 

Carmen Rivera

Carmen Rivera

Business Officer

Financial and Administrative Solutions Team

Upcoming Events

Summer Social Hour

Meet off-campus with other UCR faculty and learn about UCR faculty-led education abroad programs (FLEAP). Attendees pay for food or a beverage of their choice.

Fri. Sept 27th, 3-5:00 pm

Food Lab
3605 Market St, Riverside

Meet at the red tables outside Wilson's Bar.

2024 FLEAP Info Sessions

These sessions are for UCR faculty designing Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs (FLEAP).

Sept 25 | 11-12pm | SSB 2201 & Zoom | 2023 recording
Oct 3 | 11-12pm | SSB 2201 & Zoom
Oct 9 | 10-2 pm | Rivera Library
Nov 19 | 10-2 pm | Belltower
Dec 3 | 4-5pm | SSB 2201 & Zoom | Guest: AlianzaMX
Dec 5 | 1-2pm | SSB 2201 & Zoom

Fall Social Hour

Meet off-campus with other UCR faculty and learn about UCR faculty-led education abroad programs (FLEAP). Attendees pay for a hot beverage of their choice.

Thur. Dec 12th, 2-4:00pm

Arcade Coffee Roasters - Canyon Crest
5225 Canyon Crest Dr, #17A, Riverside

2023 FLEAP Info Sessions

These sessions are for UCR faculty designing Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs (FLEAP).

Sep 26 11-12pm 
Oct 3 10-12pm [recording]
Oct 18 2-3pm
Nov 7 11-12pm [recording]
Nov 16 11-12pm [recording]
Dec 6 3-4-pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about UCR Faculty-led Education Abroad Programs (FLEAP)

  • Why do students prefer FLEAPs?

    Students who prefer FLEAPs may:

    • Have limited time or resources to study abroad for a quarter or year (for example, they may work full-time)
    • Enjoy group programs with other students and you, the UCR faculty
    • Earn UCR summer credits, allowing them to attend as a graduating student
    • Use their federal, state, and institutional financial aid
  • How many courses will I teach?

    You (and an optional TA or co-faculty) will teach eight units, typically two summer courses.

  • Which courses should I teach?

    Courses already pre-approved in the UCR course catalog. You can teach courses which appeal to a broad number of students across disciplines (i.e., breadth courses) or teach courses which are required for the major. Faculty who have run past programs have offered one course along with a second 190 course that complements that first course.

  • Does my chair have to approve these courses?

    Yes, your chair approves the courses you will teach, and can help you strategize on which courses could attract the most students.

  • Who will I work with?

    The UCR Education Abroad office under International Affairs supports faculty leaders. Together, we'll also work with the following campus units:

    • Your academic department
    • UCR Summer Sessions
    • Registrar
    • Financial Aid
    • Student Business Services
    • Student Health Services
    • Office of Title IX
    • Risk Management
    • Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S)
    • Student Conduct & Academic Integrity Programs (SCAIP)
  • Will I get a teaching assistant to help out?

    A teaching assistant is optional and will depend on the number of students. Note that many third-party providers offer on-site ground support, assistance, and educational services such as guest lecturers and classroom spaces.

  • How many students need to enroll to run a program?

    To run a program, we require a minimum of 12 students with paid deposits and complete applications.

    If you have fewer than 12 students, your program may be canceled, or your department can agree to cover the budget shortfall.

    Note that FLEAP programs are typically capped at 20 students per faculty so as to keep things manageable and allow for more student interactions.

  • What if my program has fewer than 12 students?

    If you have fewer than 12 students, your program may be canceled.

    Alternatively, you may ask your department to cover the budget shortfall.

  • How am I compensated?

    Summer Sessions appoints you as a summer faculty and pays you according to their policies. Please contact Summer Sessions Director Leonard Taylor for additional information.

    Student program fees will also cover the cost of your travel.

  • What costs does the program cover?

    Student program fees cover lodging, ground transportation, per diem, and more. Program fees also cover your airfare and Summer Sessions pays your teaching salary.

    Some faculty choose to buy a group flight for their students, but this is up to you. Students can buy their own flights through Student Universe or other travel websites.

  • How do I choose the location?

    You are the faculty leader and can choose a location you know well, have ongoing research interests, and/or complements the courses you teach.

  • Who can help me with questions about my proposal?

    Our Education Abroad staff would be happy to help with any questions. We can also review your proposal prior to submission.

    Please schedule a meeting with Sonja Lind, the Assistant Director of Education Abroad, or email sonja.lind@ucr.edu or educationabroad@ucr.edu (general).

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