Faculty members have a tremendous influence on their students’ learning and development.
In addition to encouraging their students in the classroom to explore educational experiences around the world, faculty and staff also have the opportunity to plan, create, and teach an education abroad program.
The Programs Abroad office staff is here to assist our colleagues who wish to establish new international education programs. We provide administrative and logistical support for all faculty-directed programs at UT. We work with faculty and staff to deliver faculty-directed programming to students in every college.
If you’re ready to explore creating a Faculty-Directed Program:
- Fill out our interest form.
- RSVP and attend one of our upcoming Faculty-Directed Program Workshops.
- These Sessions will provide an overview of the process, resources, and support available.
- Nov 18, 2025 – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Academic Resources Building (ARB 200)
- Dec 4th, 2025 – 5-7 p.m. | Academic Resources Building (ARB 200)
- These Sessions will provide an overview of the process, resources, and support available.
AY 26-27 Program Applications Will Open Soon!
Please see more information in the menu below about target dates to start recruiting and more!
Faculty interested in developing and leading a program abroad are encouraged to begin by visiting the UTK Programs Abroad SharePoint site. This resource provides an overview of the faculty-directed program process, timelines, proposal materials, and key contacts to support you in bringing your academic course to a global setting.
Important Dates
Interest Form Due:
| All Terms: | October 15, 2025 |
Request Proposals (RFP) from Partners/Providers
Please note this process takes 5-6 weeks on average
| Fall/AY Programs: | October-November 2025 |
| Winter-Mini/Spring/Spring Break Programs: | October-December 2025 |
| May-Mini/Summer Programs: | October 2025-March 2026 |
Program Leader Application Due
All renewal and new programs
| Fall/AY Programs: | January 15, 2026 |
| Winter-Mini/Spring/Spring Break Programs: | February 15, 2026 |
| May-Mini/Summer Programs: | April 15, 2026 |
Program Approval Decision Timeline
After review by CGE and the college stakeholders, program leaders will be notified by this date whether their program has been accepted into the AY 2026-2027 cohort of Faculty-Directed Programs
| Fall/AY Programs: | February 1, 2026 |
| Winter-Mini/Spring/Spring Break Programs: | March 1, 2026 |
| May-Mini/Summer Programs: | May 1, 2026 |
Target Date to Open Student Recruitment
CGE will provide:
- Program Brochure in the VolsAbroad Portal, open for applications
- Media kit that includes a branded social media post and print flier
- Automatic registration for a table at the VolsAbroad Fair
| Fall/AY Programs: | February 15, 2026 |
| Winter-Mini/Spring/Spring Break Programs: | April 1, 2026 |
| May-Mini/Summer Programs: | August 17, 2026 (start of semester) |
Student Application Deadlines
| Fall/AY Programs: | Priority Deadline | Standard Deadline |
| March 15, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | |
| Winter-Mini/Spring/Spring Break Programs: | Priority Deadline | Standard Deadline |
| September 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | |
| May-Mini/Summer Programs: | Priority Deadline | Standard Deadline |
| November 15, 2026 | February 1, 2027 |
VolsAbroad Fair Dates
| Spring 2026 | Wednesday, January 28, 2026: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. |
| Fall 2026 | TBD |