FLEAPs

Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs (FLEAPs) provide students with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to travel and learn abroad while earning course credit.

RMU faculty serve as guides for students for 10-14 days while completing course projects, enjoying guest lectures from local experts, and exploring a variety of cultures throughout the world.

2023 FLEAP Information

If you do not have a passport, you should click here and follow these instructions to apply for your passport as soon as possible. You will need to upload your passport or your passport application receipt on your application.

Choose a Program

FLEAPs are select courses offered by faculty and, as such, appear in the RMU Schedule Book.

2023 FLEAP Programs

Apply

  • Send us a complete application. Click here to submit the 2023 FLEAP Student Application on Revolution. Students that apply by the end of November 11, 2022 will receive priority consideration for the program(s) that they select. Students may still apply to programs with space remaining until the end of November 28, 2022 (for Spring Break programs) or December 9, 2022 (for May programs). However, please be advised that some programs have limited space and may be filled before that date. The online application requires you to submit the following:  
    • FLEAP Student Application Form
    • A copy of your passport OR proof of application (a receipt from the post office when you submit your application) OR proof of appointment with a local post office (screenshot your appointment confirmation) to submit a passport application
    • A copy of your current health insurance card
    • Any additional application materials required by the faculty member leading your FLEAP. Please see the program descriptions above (when available) to see if this applies to your program.

You must submit a complete application by December in order to be considered for a FLEAP. If you apply by November 11, you will receive a decision by email regarding your application by November 18. Students who apply after this date will receive a decision by email on a rolling basis.

  • Submit a deposit and required Health & Safety forms. If your application is accepted, you must pay a $250 deposit (for May programs) or a $500 deposit (for Spring Break programs) and submit required forms on Revolution, which will be shared with accepted students. Payments are accepted via the CGE online payment site.
  • Save space on your Spring 2023 schedule. CGE will put the FLEAP course on your Spring 2023 schedule after you confirm your participation and submit your deposit. Make sure you leave room on your schedule so that you do not exceed 18 credits!

Cost & Payment Information

Students who enroll in a FLEAP pay a Program Fee that covers most travel expenses (see the FAQ below for details). The Fee varies depending on the location of the program and is payable on the following schedule:

  • November 30, 2022: $250 or $500 non-refundable deposit due for all accepted students (if you apply after the priority deadline of November 11, the deposit is due upon acceptance)
  • January 13, 2023: $750 payment due (Spring Break programs may have an earlier payment due date. Details are still being finalized.)
  • February 6, 2023: Final payment due*

* Final payment amount will vary by program selected, according to a student’s remaining balance. Contact CGE if you are unsure about your payment amount.

FLEAP courses appear on your Fall or Spring semester schedule, so tuition for them is covered by your Spring ‘23 tuition payment (if taking between 12-18 credits, including the FLEAP course).

CGE Scholarship Competition

CGE offers competitive scholarships that give select students $500 to be applied toward the total Program Fee for a 2023 FLEAP. In order to be eligible, you must submit an application, original essay, and a letter of reference by December 9, 2022.

Prepare for Travel

All participating students are required to review all pre-departure information and attend one of the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientations held on February 22, 2023 (for Spring Break programs) or April 12-13, 2023 (for May programs).

FAQ

What is included in the Program Fee for my FLEAP? How much money should I bring along with me?

Your Program Fee includes: airfare, housing, some meals, mandatory excursions (for example, museum fees, company visits, historical sites), and supplementary travel insurance.

The Fee does not include: personal spending money, elective (free time) excursions, passport fees, and overweight baggage fees.

Most students spend less than $500 of their own money during travel, but the total will depend on the location of your program. CGE and your faculty leader will discuss this with you prior to departure. 

I’m an international student. Can I participate?

We welcome international students to participate in a FLEAP! However, these students should be advised that, depending on the destination country, they may be required to apply for visas or produce additional documentation in order to enter. Contact CGE as soon as possible to discuss what you’ll need to travel!

How do I apply for/renew a passport?

See this great US State Department webpage for all things passport-related!

Are scholarships available?

See above for details on the CGE FLEAP Scholarship competition! Some schools and organizations offer funds to students who enroll in study abroad programs. Get in touch with CGE to hear about your options!

Students who receive a Pell Grant are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship (deadline March 7, 2023). Contact the CGE for more information about how to apply.

What if my application is declined or I am put on a wait list?

Many programs may fill quickly so don’t panic! If your application is declined or you are put on a wait list, you may have the opportunity to enroll in another open program. Reach out to us to talk about your options.

When will I get more information about my course/program?

CGE will confirm your acceptance to a program in November and send periodic updates regarding payment deadlines, your on-campus orientation session, and any additional preparatory sessions for your program. You will hear from your instructor prior to the start of your course in the Spring semester.

When will I receive a travel schedule and flight information?

You can expect travel information to be provided to you 2-3 weeks prior to departure. 

Can I meet up with my class at a connecting airport / fly home to a different airport / stay at our destination after the conclusion of the program?

For the safety and security of students, university policy states that all students must depart from and return to Pittsburgh International Airport with their travel group.