Program Development and Approval

The development and approval of study abroad programs at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) follow a structured process to ensure academic alignment, logistical feasibility, and institutional oversight. Faculty interested in leading a study abroad program must adhere to the following criteria and steps:

1. Developing Study Abroad Programs

Faculty members who wish to propose a study abroad program must begin by submitting an Intent to Lead Form, which can be accessed at:
🔗 Faculty Study Abroad Intent to Lead Form (located at the bottom under the drop-down menu).

Once the Intent to Lead Form is submitted:

Assessment Meeting: The Program Director will contact the faculty member to schedule an assessment meeting. This meeting is designed to explore how the proposed course can be integrated with a unique and meaningful study abroad experience.
Logistical Planning: After the initial assessment, the Office of International Education will assist in coordinating the logistical aspects of the program, including travel arrangements, partnerships, and compliance requirements.
Administrative Approval: The Office of International Education will inform the faculty member’s Associate Dean or Direct Manager, ensuring they are aware of the proposed program and its impact on academic responsibilities. The Associate Dean or Direct Manager has the authority to approve or deny participation based on academic and administrative considerations.
Application & Payment Setup: Once approved, our office facilitates the creation of participant application portals and third-party payment processing, ensuring a seamless experience for students.
Recruitment & Awareness: The Office of International Education supports district-wide recruitment efforts, promotional campaigns, and program awareness initiatives to ensure successful student engagement and enrollment.

2. Centralized Application for Study Abroad

PBSC utilizes JotForms to manage the study abroad application process efficiently. This digital platform provides an interactive and user-friendly experience for students applying to study abroad programs.

Through JotForms, students can:

Complete and submit all required forms digitally.
Obtain necessary approvals and signatures electronically.
Ensure compliance with institutional and program-specific requirements.

The digital application system streamlines the administrative process, reducing paperwork and improving accessibility for students and faculty alike.

Program Types

Palm Beach State College (PBSC) offers a variety of study abroad program types designed to provide students with immersive global learning experiences. These programs enhance academic learning, foster cultural awareness, and develop essential skills for success in an interconnected world.

Faculty-led Programs - FLP

A Faculty-Led Program (FLP) is a short-term study abroad experience in which PBSC faculty members teach credit-bearing courses abroad. These programs integrate classroom instruction with experiential learning through activities, organized excursions, and cultural immersion, offering students a world-class education both on and off campus.

Key Features of Faculty-Led Programs:

Timing: Faculty-Led Programs can take place during PBSC’s designated Spring Break or the Summer Term.
Duration: Typically lasts 7 to 12 days in a group-based format.
Academic Integration: Students enroll in PBSC courses taught by PBSC faculty while participating in site visits, hands-on projects, and intercultural experiences.
Global Competency Development: These programs enhance students’ ability to analyze global issues, interact with diverse cultures, and gain real-world perspectives related to their field of study.
Accessibility & Inclusion: The Office of International Education collaborates with faculty and PBSC-approved vendors to design programs that are accessible, inclusive, and financially feasible for students.

University Partnerships

PBSC is actively working to establish University Partnership Programs that will expand global learning opportunities for students.

These partnership programs will provide students with longer-term global experiences, fostering academic growth, cultural understanding, and professional development.

Internships and Service Learning Abroad

PBSC is also exploring the development of Internship and Service-Learning Abroad programs to offer students practical, hands-on international experiences. These programs aim to:

Internships Abroad: Enable students to gain work experience with international organizations, companies, or nonprofits, enhancing their professional skills in a global context.
Service Learning Abroad: Provide students with opportunities to engage in community-driven projects, addressing social, environmental, or economic challenges in international settings while earning academic credit.

These upcoming programs will allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world global environments, strengthening their career readiness and cross-cultural competencies.