Global Course Connections (GCC) are field-based extensions of selected on-campus U-M courses. Participants take the on-campus course in Winter term and then travel 10-30 days with classmates to domestic field sites or field sites abroad where they put into practice what they have learned in their course. GCC's goals are to prepare students to maximize their short time abroad, create intercultural relationships, and move beyond a superficial understanding of their host culture.

The content of the off-campus field component may range from linguistic and cultural immersion to practical experiences and individualized research. Suggestions for field activities include 1) project-based learning with students from a partner university, 2) research, 3) on-site instruction focused on a specific museum, library collection, or scientific institution, or 4) academically-grounded community service experiences.

A minimum of 12 student participants is needed for a GCC program to run. As such, it is critical that the on-campus course has a strong pool of potential applicants. GCC student participants will register for a 2 credit off-campus component in addition to the regular on-campus course. Students enroll for all credits for Winter term and should plan accordingly as it is not possible to audit or register only for the off-campus field component.

Travel Period

Travel for the off-campus field component must occur during University breaks either in the middle OR the conclusion of the course's academic term. Field components run between 10 to 30 days. Preference is given to longer experiences.

Funding and Support

If selected, CGIS will provide funding of up to $9,000 per site in addition to one administrative stipend ranging from $1,000- $2,000 per site to be shared by the instructor(s) and/or program assistant. Funding is prorated by nights spent abroad (excluding travel):

Less than 14: $4,000 plus $1,000 (administration stipend) = $5,000
14 - 17 nights: $5,000 plus $1,000 (administration stipend) = $6,000
18 - 21 nights: $6,000 plus $1,500 (administration stipend) = $7,500
22 - 26 nights: $7,000 plus $1,500 (administration stipend) = $8,500
27 - 30 nights: $8,000 plus $2,000 (administration stipend) = $10,000

Sites in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States will receive an additional $1,000.

The balance of project costs will be calculated as a per-student program fee. Program fees will cover students' on-site expenditures, but students will be responsible for the cost of tuition should their field component credits put them over a full course load.

CGIS will provide administrative and academic support for the off-campus field component. Specifically, CGIS will work with the faculty member to develop an on-site curricular strategy, finalize project budget and per student costs, as well as review on-site health and safety issues, and assist with any on-site emergencies.

Faculty members are responsible for making all on-site arrangements, developing a budget in partnership with CGIS, and managing their project funding in conjunction with their sponsoring unit (unit of employment) business administrator. Faculty must also attend a preliminary budget meeting at the end of Winter 2012 and will have several faculty orientation sessions in Fall 2012 and Winter 2013. These sessions will be led by CGIS staff and experts from across the University to prepare for the field component. The faculty member and CGIS will work together to publicize the GCC project and recruit students. Faculty should plan on attending the Fall 2012 Global Education Fair. CGIS will also assist with student billing, collecting student forms, and registering students for international health insurance and in the U-M travel registry.

Eligibility

All continuing faculty at University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus are eligible to apply. Proposals should focus on undergraduate education, but may also be designed to integrate graduate and undergraduate students.

Preference will be given to proposals which provide opportunities for students to engage with local people in addition to integrating culturally relevant sites into the curriculum. Funding decisions will be made by the CGIS Advisory Committee in Winter 2012.

Proposal Applications

Proposal applications for the 2012-2013 academic year courses and off-campus components should be submitted electronically to Corrie Hoeft (hoeftch@umich.edu) by 5pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Complete applications include:

1. Completed GCC Faculty Proposal Application 2013, which includes:
   • Program and course descriptions
   • Signature of department/program chair and department administrator indicating support
   • Assignments which justify the additional credits
     • Estimated budget based on 12 students participating, including faculty and assistant expenses
   • Health and safety concerns and precautions for the program location


2. Current curriculum vitae and list of courses the applicant has taught.

Applicants are also asked to provide information regarding their knowledge of the proposed site, language proficiency (for non-English speaking locations only), and previous experience leading student groups in the field.

3. Brief letter from department/program chair describing how the proposed course and its field component will contribute to undergraduate education within the unit. Letter should also confirm if the proposed GCC course will become a regular offering in the unit and/or if support, such as departmental cost sharing, is available.

4. OPTIONAL – CGIS offers an optional $2,000 Development Grant that allows selected faculty to conduct a site visit and/or to develop field-related course materials.  To apply, please submit a 1-page proposed itinerary, list of meetings/activities, and budget for a site visit.

Successful Past GCCs

• Drew from a large pool of students in the on-campus course
• Provided a low program fee
• Offered rich, unique intercultural and academic experiences that directly correlated with students' academic goals

NEWS AND EVENTS

INTERCULTURAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Attend a CGIS Intercultural Learning and Development Training session. This training is required for all CGIS program participants.

Please RSVP for the following session:

Friday, March 23, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Auditorium B, Angell Hall

http://interculturalmarch23.eventbrite.com

QUICK LINKS

Travel Period

Funding and Support

Eligibility

Proposal Application

2013 Faculty Proposal PDF Flyer

Students

CGIS Home

GIEU Home

Spring/Summer Language Home

MGAP Home

GCC Home

Downloads

GCC Faculty Program Application 2013

GCC Faculty Request for Proposals Flyer 2013

GCC Program Budget Template 2013