Faculty-Led Programs

Faculty-led programs are credit-bearing study abroad experiences that are developed and led by UNC Charlotte faculty and/or staff members, managed by UNC Charlotte, and that deliver specific UNC Charlotte courses partially or mostly abroad. Most programs are offered during semester breaks (i.e. spring break and summer) but some semester length options are available.

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Faculty-Led Program Types

There are two primary types of Faculty-Led Programs: Embedded and Freestanding. The main differences between these types is in how course registration works, how grades are processed, and how the costs are structured.

PROGRAM COST STRUCTURE

Before reviewing the costs specifically associated with Faculty-Led programs, students should familiarize themselves with the Costs to Consider and Financial Planning sections of EA website. A budget for each faculty-led program will be listed on the program brochure in the Money Matters section. Budget sheets provide a list all of the expenses paid to UNC Charlotte along with estimated costs for anticipated expenses not billed by EA.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Students should reference the Can I Get Credit? and Earning Credit Abroad sections of EA website to understand how credit works on study abroad programs and academic policies.

Registration and Grades

Embedded Faculty-Led Programs

Participants are required to register for the corresponding on-campus course by the University add/drop deadline for the applicable term. The Faculty Director will provide participants with the section number for the course tied to the study abroad program or will enroll all participants in the applicable course.​ Students will be unable to register in the study abroad course if they have a hold on their UNC Charlotte Student Account. The program’s Faculty Director will grade students per the regular University grading processes and timelines.

Freestanding Faculty-Led Programs

EA will register participants into a non-tuition bearing study abroad “placeholder” course, called “FRST”. The FRST course allows participants to remain active students at UNC Charlotte while abroad. The actual UNC Charlotte credit students will receive for the program will be added to your UNC Charlotte transcript after the program ends. EA processes the grades awarded by the Faculty Director and sends them to the Registrar. Grades will post to transcripts within 4-5 weeks after EA receives all the grades awarded by all Faculty Directors/institutions as applicable. Students intending to graduate immediately following the program will need to notify their Faculty Director and EA right away in order to ensure their grades are processed in time.

APPLICATION PROCESS

First visit the How to Apply section of EA website to learn more about the steps to applying for a study abroad program. The first step to applying is completing the Study Abroad 101 requirement. After completing Study Abroad 101, students will be able to apply directly to the open program of their choice by visiting the relevant program’s webpage. Faculty-Led programs operate on a rolling admissions basis up to the final application deadline, or until the program fills. Should the program reach its maximum enrollment prior to the final application or confirmation deadlines, the program will close and further applications will no longer be accepted. Students interested in faculty-led programs are not required to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor, but it is encouraged if they have any further questions!

Application Review and Approval Process

First, EA will determine if the student meets the general eligibility requirements for study abroad as well as any program-specific eligibility requirements. Once EA has reviewed each application, it will then be forwarded on to the Faculty Director for a final review and admission decision. Final admission decisions are at the discretion of the Faculty Director and will be shared with students after the Faculty Director has completed their review of the application. Please reference the confirming participation section of this website for more information about what happens after approval for a program.

Confirming Participation

Once a student’s application has been approved, the student must complete several confirmation steps in order to hold their place on the program.

1. Review and electronically sign the EA Non-Refundable Fees Agreement
2. Review and electronically sign the EA Participant Agreement

When students confirm their intent to participate in a program by submitting an application fee and signing the confirmation documents, the Education Abroad office begins to make financial commitments on their behalf, both administratively on campus and also to our international partners. If a student must withdraw after confirming their participation they will be subject to the Programs Withdrawal Policy.