A full proposal includes the submission of an online application form, a narrative description of the proposed program, and accompanying documentation. Depending on the type of program you are proposing, there are different requirements for the narrative responses and for required supplementary documents.
Term | Proposal Deadline |
Fall Semester Program | October 31 the year prior |
Winter Break Program | January 31 the year prior |
Spring Semester Program | January 31 the year prior |
Spring Break Program | January 31 the year prior |
Summer Program | August 1 the year prior |
You may find it helpful to view a sample program proposal.
Click on any of the following tabs to learn more about the specific proposal steps for the particular program type you are proposing:
A complete proposal will consist of the following components:
Please submit completed proposal documents via email to Maria Beam:
Complete the proposal narrative by addressing all items listed below. Each item needs to be addressed for your narrative to be complete.
Please submit your completed narrative via email to .
(A) Provide an overview of the program's:
i. academic content
List course titles, codes, number of credits, and how credit earned on this program will fulfill requirements in the major (as well as university and college requirements).
ii. description of physical environments, including:
iii. contact hours
In terms of how many contact hours will be met through classroom time and through field experiences.
(B) Briefly discuss the program's expected academic and experiential student learning outcomes
Explain how these outcomes support MSU/college/department learning goals. Please include any plans for facilitating (inter)cultural engagement and learning on site, as well as reflection during and after the program.
(C) Explain how the proposed program supports the education abroad strategy of the applicable college(s)/department(s).
(D) Provide an estimate of likely student enrollment initially and in subsequent years (number of students, targeted majors) and briefly describe your recruitment plan, including plans for recruiting a diverse student body. Also indicate:
(E) Describe your prior experience in the host country, with topics relevant to the host country as a context for this EA program, and if applicable, your proficiency with languages relevant to the program and host community(ies).
(F) List the minimally required as well as desired requirements for student participation in the program. Such as class standing, GPA, course prerequisites, application essay and/or interview, etc.
In an effort to promote access, ensure equity and provide education abroad opportunities to the most diverse and exemplary cadre of students possible, consistency is required in the application and selection process, as well as language used in written and oral communication, including the application.
To help mitigate bias and potential backlash from applicants who exchange notes with one another, a standard set of interview questions should be established and agreed upon. In addition, a decision should be made whether or not to interview every applicant or none at all. Decisions to interview some applicants may be perceived as or indeed be done subjectively which diminishes the integrity of the application and review process, as well as disadvantage and potentially harm some students.
(G) Briefly address how the program will endeavor to create mutually beneficial relationships with/in host communities.
(H) Describe how students will be prepared/oriented for the program and what, if any, post-program follow-up will be available to them (e.g., program reunion, reflective “unpacking” workshops, etc.).
(I) Describe how the department/college will evaluate the program and assess its intended student learning outcomes.
(J) Explain all health, safety, and security precautions
Special Instructions for Addressing Health, Safety, and Security
Risk management is a crucial component in our review of program proposals. You should review the information available through the U.S. Department of State and International SOS and your proposal should describe how your program design, preparation of students, and on-site procedures will mitigate the risks identified by the Department of State and International SOS. The Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security is happy to assist program leaders in developing thorough health, safety, and security program protocols so do not hesitate to reach out to them ( or 517-884-9419).
Program directors must complete a Critical Incident Management Seminar before leading a program for the first time and then at least every two years. More information on these seminars and other important tips for program directors may be found on the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security's webpage.
1. Safety and Security
Program proposals must demonstrate the director’s clear understanding of the risk environment and must detail appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Many risks can be mitigated through thoughtful program design, pre-departure education, and consulting local sources.
For each category below, identify any risks that may impact your program and the strategies your program will undertake to mitigate these risks:
2. Health
Program leadership must be aware that there may be health issues that arise during the program, and should be prepared to handle student, faculty, or staff health issues.
Identify the risks and mitigation strategies for:
3. Program Activities
It is also important to consider risk as it may relate to the program activities. In this section, please offer the following:
4. Local Support and Resources
Strong local support can be crucial in ensuring your program is healthy, safe, and well managed. Your program proposal must include:
5. Program Preparation
Please describe your plans for offering pre-departure orientation for students. Guidance, including a link to a pre-departure orientation template, is available online. You are also encouraged to consult with regional experts. These may include areas experts at International Studies & Programs, your Education Abroad Program Coordinator, the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security, or MSU faculty, staff, and students from the country you will be visiting.
6. Housing
New direct enroll, exchange, and provider programs must complete the section below. Guidance for faculty-directed program proposals is forthcoming.
7. COVID-19 Considerations
A complete proposal will consist of the following three components:
Note that new Direct Enroll programs will need to have a "Direct Enrollment Agreement" on file. To initiate this process, please email Dr. Elizabeth Wandschneider: .
Please submit completed proposal documents via email to Maria Beam: .
Please note that this form cannot be saved. Therefore, we recommend that you review and prepare all of the information required prior to completing and submitting this form.
Complete the proposal narrative by addressing all items listed below. Each item needs to be addressed for your narrative to be complete.
Please submit your completed narrative via email to .
(A) Provide a brief rationale for choosing this particular partner institution to expand your college's education abroad portfolio. How will working with this partner institution enhance your college's portfolio and address student needs (academic, financial, professional, etc.)? Will this new program compete with existing education abroad offerings in the MSU portfolio? If yes, how? If no, explain. Describe how this program supports the college's strategy for education abroad.
(B) Provide a brief description of the partner institution.
(C) Provide information about:
(D) Describe how students will be prepared/oriented for the program and what, if any, post-program follow-up will be available to them (e.g., program reunion, reflective “unpacking” workshops, etc.)
(E) Briefly describe how the department/college will evaluate this program to determine whether or not to continue with them for the next year. Who will conduct this evaluation for the college (in collaboration with Education Abroad?)
Special Instructions for Addressing Health, Safety, and Security
Risk management is a crucial component in our review of program proposals. You should review the information available through the U.S. Department of State and International SOS and your proposal should describe how your program design, preparation of students, and on-site procedures will mitigate the risks identified by the Department of State and International SOS. The Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security is happy to assist program leaders in developing thorough health, safety, and security program protocols so do not hesitate to reach out to them ( or 517-884-9419).
Program directors must complete a Critical Incident Management Seminar before leading a program for the first time and then at least every two years. More information on these seminars and other important tips for program directors may be found on the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security's website.
1. Safety and Security
Program proposals must demonstrate the director’s clear understanding of the risk environment and must detail appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Many risks can be mitigated through thoughtful program design, pre-departure education, and consulting local sources.
For each category below, identify any risks that may impact your program and the strategies your program will undertake to mitigate these risks:
2. Health
Program leadership must be aware that there may be health issues that arise during the program, and should be prepared to handle student, faculty, or staff health issues.
Identify the risks and mitigation strategies for:
3. Program Activities
It is also important to consider risk as it may relate to the program activities. In this section, please offer the following:
4. Local Support and Resources
Strong local support can be crucial in ensuring your program is healthy, safe, and well managed. Your program proposal must include:
5. Program Preparation
Please describe your plans for offering pre-departure orientation for students. Guidance, including a link to a pre-departure orientation template, is available online. You are also encouraged to consult with regional experts. These may include areas experts at International Studies & Programs, your Education Abroad Program Coordinator, the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security, or MSU faculty, staff, and students from the country you will be visiting.
6. Housing
New direct enroll, exchange, and provider programs must complete the section below. Guidance for faculty-directed program proposals is forthcoming.
7. COVID-19 Considerations
A complete proposal will consist of the following three components:
Additional considerations and documents required for establishing a bilateral exchange program
Exchange programs require that the following documents are in place before student mobility may commence in either direction (outbound or inbound). While these documents can be initiated before program approval, it is suggested that signatures from the international partner institution not be collected until MSU has completed its review of the proposed program.
General MOU/MOA
The MSU General MOU/MOA Framework establishes a formal partnership between MSU and an international institution. This first type of agreement also encompasses student, faculty and/or staff exchanges, shared research projects, technology transfer and other specific activities. The MSU General MOU/MOA Framework is facilitated by the International Studies Program (ISP) Dean's Office.
A general MOU/MOA framework is required before a Two-Way Student Exch Aange Agreement can be initiated. A Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement should only be initiated for a true two-way bilateral exchange.
Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement
Primary points of contact at the home and host institution should have established a thorough review of courses and reciprocity of credits before a Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement is established. The conditions of the exchange, balances, and all pertinent items pertaining to the bilateral exchange shall be addressed through the Two-Way Student Exchange Agreement and must be agreed upon by both parties. Whenever necessary, MSU Colleges should consult the Associate Director for Education Abroad for assistance.
Please submit completed proposal documents via email to Maria Beam: .
Please note that this form cannot be saved. Therefore, we recommend that you review and prepare all of the information required prior to completing and submitting this form.
Complete the proposal narrative by addressing all items listed below. Each item needs to be addressed for your narrative to be complete.
Please submit your completed narrative via email to .
(A) Provide a brief rationale for choosing this particular partner institution to expand your college's education abroad portfolio. How will working with this partner institution enhance your college's portfolio and address student needs (academic, financial, professional, etc.)? Will this new program compete with existing education abroad offerings in the MSU portfolio? If yes, how? If no, please explain why not. Describe how this program supports the college's strategy for education abroad.
(B) Provide a brief description of the partner institution.
(C) Provide information about:
(D) Describe how students will be prepared/oriented for the program and what, if any, post-program follow-up will be available to them (e.g., program reunion, reflective "unpacking" workshops, etc.)
(E) Briefly describe how the department/college will evaluate this program to determine whether or not to continue with them for the next year. Who will conduct this evaluation for the college (in collaboration with Education Abroad?)
Special Instructions for Addressing Health, Safety, and Security
Risk management is a crucial component in our review of program proposals. You should review the information available through the U.S. Department of State and International SOS and your proposal should describe how your program design, preparation of students, and on-site procedures will mitigate the risks identified by the Department of State and International SOS. The Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security is happy to assist program leaders in developing thorough health, safety, and security program protocols so do not hesitate to reach out to them ( or 517-884-9419).
Program directors must complete a Critical Incident Management Seminar before leading a program for the first time and then at least every two years. More information on these seminars and other important tips for program directors may be found on the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security's webpage.
1. Safety and Security
Program proposals must demonstrate the director’s clear understanding of the risk environment and must detail appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Many risks can be mitigated through thoughtful program design, pre-departure education, and consulting local sources.
For each category below, identify any risks that may impact your program and the strategies your program will undertake to mitigate these risks:
2. Health
Program leadership must be aware that there may be health issues that arise during the program, and should be prepared to handle student, faculty, or staff health issues.
Identify the risks and mitigation strategies for:
3. Program Activities
It is also important to consider risk as it may relate to the program activities. In this section, please offer the following:
4. Local Support and Resources
Strong local support can be crucial in ensuring your program is healthy, safe, and well managed. Your program proposal must include:
5. Program Preparation
Please describe your plans for offering pre-departure orientation for students. Guidance, including a link to a pre-departure orientation template, is available online. You are also encouraged to consult with regional experts. These may include areas experts at International Studies & Programs, your Education Abroad Program Coordinator, the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security, or MSU faculty, staff, and students from the country you will be visiting.
6. Housing
New direct enroll, exchange, and provider programs must complete the section below. Guidance for faculty-directed program proposals is forthcoming.
7. COVID-19 Considerations
Review of program proposals takes place on a rolling cycle throughout the year. However, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the proposal submission deadlines as they vary depending on term and program type. All MSU education abroad credit-bearing programs are administered by Education Abroad, in partnership with the sponsoring college(s).
Summer program proposals that are received by August 1 have the best chance of being reviewed and decided upon prior to the Fall Education Abroad Expo so that you can recruit at this key event.
The overall review is coordinated by EA. Those consulted include:
Review Procedure