About
Non-credit groups can be coordinated by Texas A&M departments, units, or student organizations, are not tied to a required course, and usually do not offer academic credit. Instead, they focus on experiences such as cultural enrichment, conference attendance, capstone projects, and opportunities for internships, research, or volunteer work.
Determining Type of Non-Credit Group
Student Organization Groups
- Must be coordinated by a recognized student organization with active status through Student Activities.
Non-Academic Groups
- Typically not associated with a course.
- Coordinated by a department, unit, or organization that is not registered with Student Activities.
Student Organization Proposal Process
It is vital to ensure your chosen destination(s) are not on the Texas A&M University System International Travel Advisory List. Any travel planned to and/or through extreme-risk and/or high-risk regions included on this list will require additional travel authorization approval.
If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next step.
If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next step.
If wishing to lead a student organization group abroad, review the Student Organization Group FAQs and the checklist for student organization group leaders and reach out to your organization’s staff advisor.
Note that with the implementation of new requirements and processes, we encourage department staff to contact Education Abroad in advance to discuss the steps, resources, and protocols in place. Education Abroad can provide a list of program providers to deliver logistical support in the foreign location by contacting abroad@tamu.edu
Once the program leader/coordinator has developed the program and worked on a budget with their business office, submit the International Student Organization Group Proposal. You will click on the gold “Apply” button and log in with your NetID and Password. It should then redirect you to the proposal application.
You will be asked to include the tentative itinerary, course information, provider information, budget, and other details. The more information provided up front, the better.
**We do not recommend making any payments or reservations for the program prior to receiving approval from Education Abroad.
You will be asked to include the tentative itinerary, course information, provider information, budget, and other details. The more information provided up front, the better.
**We do not recommend making any payments or reservations for the program prior to receiving approval from Education Abroad.
| Time Abroad | Proposal Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter Break/Spring/Spring Break | July 1st |
| May/Summer/August/Fall | Priority Deadline - December 1st Late Deadline – February 1st |
Upon receipt of the Student Organization Group Program proposal, a designated Education Abroad advisor will contact and work with the program leader/coordinator on the next steps, including opening the program application in the Education Abroad Portal.
The Education Abroad advisor will work with the program leader/coordinator and student participants to complete training and preparation.
Note: that the service fee of $200 for risk mitigation and response, international insurance (for duration under two weeks), as well as additional services, will be assessed for each participant. Visit the FAQ’s information for details.
Program leaders traveling with the group will be required to attend a Program Leader briefing prior to departure
The Education Abroad advisor will work with the program leader/coordinator and student participants to complete training and preparation.
Note: that the service fee of $200 for risk mitigation and response, international insurance (for duration under two weeks), as well as additional services, will be assessed for each participant. Visit the FAQ’s information for details.
Program leaders traveling with the group will be required to attend a Program Leader briefing prior to departure
Student Group FAQs
Who should complete the International Student Organization Group Proposal?
The person listed as the primary program leader on the form should complete it.
Who should be the primary program leader?
The primary program leader is usually the student program leader, the student organization advisor, or the faculty/staff member accompanying the program. However, this person does not have to be going on the program. The primary program leader is responsible for completing the Proposal and communicating with Education Abroad.
What should be included in the In-country Partner’s Proposal/correspondence section of the proposal?
You should attach the in-country partner’s proposal, quote or correspondence you have at this time. Items these documents should include are: per person costs, what those costs include, your itinerary, COVID-19 policy and the provider’s cancellation/withdrawal policy.
The person listed as the primary program leader on the form should complete it.
Who should be the primary program leader?
The primary program leader is usually the student program leader, the student organization advisor, or the faculty/staff member accompanying the program. However, this person does not have to be going on the program. The primary program leader is responsible for completing the Proposal and communicating with Education Abroad.
What should be included in the In-country Partner’s Proposal/correspondence section of the proposal?
You should attach the in-country partner’s proposal, quote or correspondence you have at this time. Items these documents should include are: per person costs, what those costs include, your itinerary, COVID-19 policy and the provider’s cancellation/withdrawal policy.
How do we ensure the chosen destination(s) will be approved for Travel?
It is important to ensure your chosen destination(s) are not on the Texas A&M University System International Travel Advisory List. Any travel planned to and/or through extreme-risk and/or high-risk regions included on this list will require additional travel authorization approval. If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next items.
Where is the link to submit the Proposal? The Proposal: Student Organization Group Programs can be found on our portal. You will click on the gold “Apply” button and log in with your NetID and Password. It should then redirect you to the proposal application. You will be asked to include the tentative itinerary, course information, provider information, budget, and other details.
Is there an individual student application? Yes. Once the proposal has been received, reviewed, and approved, an Education Abroad (EA) Advisor will send the leader the link to access the individual student applications. The program leader should then send this application link to all participants.
If the primary program leader is a student, does this student need to submit the individual program application? If the primary program leader is a student and is going on the trip – yes, this student needs to submit an individual application. If the primary program leader is a student and is not going on the trip – no, this student only needs to submit the proposal.
If the primary program leader is a faculty/staff member, does this faculty/staff leader need to submit an individual program application?
No. If the primary program leader is a faculty/staff member, the individual application for the specific program abroad is only for students. We will collect any information needed from the faculty/staff leader on an as needed basis.
Do all program leaders need to attend the Program Leader Briefing?
Yes. All student, faculty and staff program leaders must attend a Program Leader Briefing.
It is important to ensure your chosen destination(s) are not on the Texas A&M University System International Travel Advisory List. Any travel planned to and/or through extreme-risk and/or high-risk regions included on this list will require additional travel authorization approval. If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next items.
Where is the link to submit the Proposal? The Proposal: Student Organization Group Programs can be found on our portal. You will click on the gold “Apply” button and log in with your NetID and Password. It should then redirect you to the proposal application. You will be asked to include the tentative itinerary, course information, provider information, budget, and other details.
Is there an individual student application? Yes. Once the proposal has been received, reviewed, and approved, an Education Abroad (EA) Advisor will send the leader the link to access the individual student applications. The program leader should then send this application link to all participants.
If the primary program leader is a student, does this student need to submit the individual program application? If the primary program leader is a student and is going on the trip – yes, this student needs to submit an individual application. If the primary program leader is a student and is not going on the trip – no, this student only needs to submit the proposal.
If the primary program leader is a faculty/staff member, does this faculty/staff leader need to submit an individual program application?
No. If the primary program leader is a faculty/staff member, the individual application for the specific program abroad is only for students. We will collect any information needed from the faculty/staff leader on an as needed basis.
Do all program leaders need to attend the Program Leader Briefing?
Yes. All student, faculty and staff program leaders must attend a Program Leader Briefing.
What are the TAMU eligibility requirements for students to participate in a student organization group program abroad?
Texas A&M University requires students to have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in education abroad programs, as well as be in good academic standing and good conduct standing. The student organization coordinating the program might have additional requirements.
Can students who have graduated participate in a Student Organization Group program abroad?
If your organization’s constitution allows student participation in an international program after graduation, it is possible for a student that graduates in the same term as the program to apply to participate. This means a May graduate could attend a May program abroad, an August graduate could attend an August program abroad, and a December graduate could attend a December/January program abroad. However, if a student graduates in December and plans to go on the program in May, they will not be eligible to participate in the program as a student of A&M and as part of the student organization.
Texas A&M University requires students to have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in education abroad programs, as well as be in good academic standing and good conduct standing. The student organization coordinating the program might have additional requirements.
Can students who have graduated participate in a Student Organization Group program abroad?
If your organization’s constitution allows student participation in an international program after graduation, it is possible for a student that graduates in the same term as the program to apply to participate. This means a May graduate could attend a May program abroad, an August graduate could attend an August program abroad, and a December graduate could attend a December/January program abroad. However, if a student graduates in December and plans to go on the program in May, they will not be eligible to participate in the program as a student of A&M and as part of the student organization.
How many program leaders must each group have identified?
The requirement of two program leaders remains in place. These could be Texas A&M faculty, graduate assistants, staff, or student leaders. In some cases, the second leader may be in the in-country program partner.
How much is the Education Abroad Service Fee for International Student Organization Group programs?
$200 per student. Read more about program fees associated with studying abroad.
How is the Education Abroad Fee billed to the students?
The fee can be billed in one of two ways:
When will the Education Abroad Fee be billed?
Approximately one month prior to the group’s program departure date.
The requirement of two program leaders remains in place. These could be Texas A&M faculty, graduate assistants, staff, or student leaders. In some cases, the second leader may be in the in-country program partner.
How much is the Education Abroad Service Fee for International Student Organization Group programs?
$200 per student. Read more about program fees associated with studying abroad.
How is the Education Abroad Fee billed to the students?
The fee can be billed in one of two ways:
- Directly to individual students’ TAMU account through Student Business Services, or
- To the organization/department on campus coordinating the trip through an Interdepartmental Transfer (IDT) of funds.
When will the Education Abroad Fee be billed?
Approximately one month prior to the group’s program departure date.
Is the CISI health insurance included in the $200 Education Abroad Fee?
For programs under a two-week duration, the $200 service fee includes international medical and evacuation insurance coverage through CISI. For programs exceeding two weeks, please contact Education Abroad to verify the current daily CISI rate to budget per student participant.
Are Texas A&M program leaders enrolled in the CISI health insurance?
Yes, any Texas A&M faculty/staff/student joining the group abroad will be enrolled in the CISI group coverage.
How and when are participants enrolled in the CISI health insurance policy?
Participants are enrolled in the CISI policy by an EA Advisor approximately 1 month prior to the group’s departure date, once the final list of student/faculty/staff participants is confirmed. Each participant will receive an email directly from CISI with their insurance card, a copy of the policy, and directions for how to log into their online portal.
What does the CISI coverage include?
The coverage provided by CISI for medical insurance and emergency assistance is very comprehensive. The latest CISI policy can be found on the Health and Safety webpage.
For programs under a two-week duration, the $200 service fee includes international medical and evacuation insurance coverage through CISI. For programs exceeding two weeks, please contact Education Abroad to verify the current daily CISI rate to budget per student participant.
Are Texas A&M program leaders enrolled in the CISI health insurance?
Yes, any Texas A&M faculty/staff/student joining the group abroad will be enrolled in the CISI group coverage.
How and when are participants enrolled in the CISI health insurance policy?
Participants are enrolled in the CISI policy by an EA Advisor approximately 1 month prior to the group’s departure date, once the final list of student/faculty/staff participants is confirmed. Each participant will receive an email directly from CISI with their insurance card, a copy of the policy, and directions for how to log into their online portal.
What does the CISI coverage include?
The coverage provided by CISI for medical insurance and emergency assistance is very comprehensive. The latest CISI policy can be found on the Health and Safety webpage.
Non-Academic Group Proposal Process
It is vital to ensure your chosen destination(s) are not on the Texas A&M University System International Travel Advisory List. Any travel planned to and/or through extreme-risk and/or high-risk regions included on this list, will require additional travel authorization approval.
If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next step.
If your destination(s) are on the list, please email abroad@tamu.edu to obtain recommendations for consideration. If your destination(s) are not on the list, please proceed to the next step.
If wishing to propose and lead a non-academic group, please meet with the appropriate administrator within your entity to discuss your program and obtain approval. Departments/colleges may have an internal deadline and additional documents required.
Note that with the implementation of these requirements and processes, we encourage department staff to contact Education Abroad in advance to discuss planning steps, resources, and protocols in place. Education Abroad can provide a list of program providers for consideration to deliver logistical support by contacting abroad@tamu.edu.
Note that with the implementation of these requirements and processes, we encourage department staff to contact Education Abroad in advance to discuss planning steps, resources, and protocols in place. Education Abroad can provide a list of program providers for consideration to deliver logistical support by contacting abroad@tamu.edu.
Once the program leader/coordinator has developed the program and worked on a budget with their business office, submit the Non-Academic Group Proposal. You will click on the gold “Apply” button and log in with your NetID and Password. It should then redirect you to the proposal application.
Within the proposal, you will be asked to include the preliminary itinerary, preliminary risk assessment, provider information, budget, and other details. The more information provided up front, the better.
**We do not recommend making any payments or reservations for the program prior to receiving approval to proceed with planning from Education Abroad.
*Note: if the group experience is tied to a required course and involves an accompanying leader, please contact our office to further discuss the program structure and appropriate proposal process to use.
| Time Abroad | Proposal Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter Break/Spring/Spring Break | July 1st |
| May/Summer/August/Fall | Priority Deadline - December 1st Late Deadline – February 1st |
If your department will pay for your program expenses or students will pay the provider directly, you may skip this step.
However, if your department plans to collect funds from the students to pay for the program logistics, please contact your business office to verify related protocols.
However, if your department plans to collect funds from the students to pay for the program logistics, please contact your business office to verify related protocols.
Upon receipt of the Non-Academic Group Program proposal, a designated Education Abroad advisor will contact and work with the program leader/coordinator with next steps, including opening the program application in the Education Abroad Portal to streamline the pre-selected student participants' registration, and required program leader trainings.
Budgeting and Financial Considerations
As Texas A&M administrators and departments work with their assigned business office to budget, make payments, and charge student fees (if applicable), please ensure that the following costs are included in the budget:
- Education Abroad service fee per student participant: This fee includes international health insurance and is determined by the level of services provided to the specific program. Please reference our fee structure for details.
- International medical and evacuation insurance coverage through CISI (if applicable).Please contact Education Abroad to verify the current daily CISI rate to budget for programs exceeding two weeks.