Interested in designing and leading a Travel Course? The application process begins over one year prior to the time you would lead students abroad. Concept Proposals are due once a year on October 15. Those that are approved by the Education Abroad Council are then invited to submit a Full Proposal, due on January 15.
It is recommended faculty applicants work closely with the Center for Global Education and your department chair throughout the entire proposal process.
To begin, please consult the Faculty Handbook for guidelines on designing, leading, and returning from travel courses.
Application Timeline:
Phase 1 - Concept Proposal
Phase 2 - Full Proposal
Phase 3 - After acceptance, before travel
Additional information specific to the program will be provided before leaving the country.
Regarding Health Insurance for Faculty while Abroad
Faculty leading travel courses will be enrolled, along with their students, in an international health insurance plan valid for the duration of the program.
Faculty who are traveling independently - e.g. attending a conference or doing research internationally - have access to international medical coverage while enrolled in the Simmons BCBSMA PPO and HMA plans.
For out-of-country coverage while on the PPO plan:
The member can be covered out of the country by the out-of-network benefits part of the Blue Care Elect Plan. This includes routine care. Information about claims submissions as well as general coverage information can be found here. While out of the country, members can also call BCBSMA collect, 24/7, at 1.804.673.1177, should the need arise for instructions concerning inpatient admissions or surgeries.
For out-of-country coverage while on the HMO plan:
The HMO coverage is much more limited and the member can be covered out of the country for urgent and emergency care only (no routine visits). Information about claims submissions as well as general coverage information can be found here. While out of the country, members can also call BCBSMA collect, 24/7, at 1.804.673.1177, should the need arise for instructions concerning inpatient admissions or surgeries.
*Under both the plans, the member may need to pay up front. For out of country claims it is essential that all bills be complete and comprehensive; bills must be completely itemized. Surgeries and inpatient admissions must have complete and comprehensive clinical notes. BCBSMA does not cover anything that does not meet their medical policy, or anything considered experimental.
Additional Travel Resources
All faculty and staff have access to TravelConnect, whose services include assistance with money transfers, translation services, emergency travel arrangements, and replacing lost travel documents. Call 1.800.423.2765.