Exploration Seminar Proposal Guide
Getting started
- The best first step is to peruse this website to get a sense of the types of programs we have offered in the past. Take note of the types of subjects, destinations,
and program descriptions reflected in our current and past programs.
- Read our Program Director Job Description to learn more about what is involved in developing and leading programs, and to determine if you are the right woman or man for the job!
Initial Questions to Answer
- Where: Where will your program take place? Why are you selecting this destination? It should ideally be a place where you have some on the ground experience and contacts, knowledge of the culture and language, and a place that lends itself well to experiential, out-of-the-classroom learning. We strongly encourage proposals to destinations not commonly reached by Exploration Seminars or other study abroad opportunities at the UW.
- Why: What is the academic and experiential reason for going there? What are you going to study, and how will you take advantage of the site to offer an engaging, dynamic, safe and fun learning and travel experience. How does this topic relate to your department's major/minor and students course of study? Can you offer departmental credit that counts for major or general education requirements (a big plus!)?
- What:
What are you going to do with your students for 4 weeks? Think about how you will take advatange of the site and its resources to offer interesting and exciting learning opportunities by using the unique people and places that this location will offer you.
- Who: Who is your program designed for? Majors in your department? Students from varied disciplines? You will need to recruit a minimum of 15 students and so its important to think about who your target audience wil be, and how you can design and market a program that will appeal to enough of the right students.
- How: How will you, as director, put this program together? Remember: you will be the designer and developer of your Exploration Seminar, and so the in-country planning and logistics are up to you. Its a big, but fun and rewarding job. Think about the local contacts and resources you have, and those that you'll need in order to put together a great program.
- How much? We want to make these programs as accessible to students as possible and the #1 way to do that is by keeping costs down. How will you structure the program to include the activities you want, and keep the cost down? Program costs range from under $2000 to over $3000, and cost can play a crucial role in yor ability to recruit students - a requirement to make your program fly
Next Steps
Here are some next steps to consider:
- Program name/Course title: Your program needs a catchy and telling name to get the attention of students. Look at the titles of our former programs to get some ideas. Dont be long-winded, vague, or multi-syllabic!
- Program description: Take a look at some former program brochures and websites to see the ways and the kind of information that needs to be part of a good program description.
- Draft a budget: Drafting a budget is a great way to develop an outline of your program activities and needs, and to get a sense of your program cost. You can use our ExpoSem budget template to help you think through some of the costs, and to draft some initial numbers.
- Gauge Interest: Start bouncing your idea off your colleagues and students to see how people respond to the idea, and to get a sense of the interest your program might muster. This is also a great way to find contacts and resources you may want to use in developing your program.
- Get buy-in: Part of the proposal process is showing that you have support from your chair or department/unit head, so when the time is right, make sure they will support your proposal!
Questions?
Please contact Max Savishinsky, Exploration Seminar Program Director to learn more or for specific questions.
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