#  Proposal Development 

 



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For proposed academic programs in all countries and regions, the Harvard College Office of International Education is available to provide consultation on the design of term-time study abroad programs. The OIE can be reached at (617-496-2722, <oie@fas.harvard.edu>). Faculty developing academic programs for the summer months should consult with the Harvard Summer School. Please contact Matilda West, Director of Summer Study Abroad Programs ([matilda\_west@harvard.edu](mailto:matilda_west@harvard.edu), 617-998-8593) for more information.

In addition, applicants are encouraged to consult Harvard's international and area studies centers and institutes for guidance on region/country-specific issues. [These centers/institutes](/launching-international-programs#international-area-studies-centers) may be able to provide in-country contacts and other useful information.



 

##  Requirements 

**Key Requirements for All Proposals:**

1. The duration of the students’ residence abroad should ordinarily be eight weeks (unless the proposed program is an on-campus supplement to an international experience). Shorter program proposals will be considered, but those lasting eight or more weeks will be given priority.
2. The program must have a faculty leader or P.I. who meets one of the following criteria: Holds a 'ladder faculty' appointment (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) at any School other than Harvard Medical School or Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    - Holds a 'Quad-Based Appointment' as Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor at Harvard Medical School or Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    - Holds the title Professor of the Practice or Professor in Residence
    - Holds a multi-year appointment as a Senior Preceptor
    - Holds a multi-year appointment as a Lecturer in any School and must be 'On Quad' if at HMS or HSDM
    - Holds the title Adjunct Assistant or Adjunct Associate at the Graduate School of Design
3. The faculty leader or P.I. must be on site at the international location for some portion of the program.
4. The program must be administered by a Harvard unit with sufficient administrative capacity to adequately support the program. This might include a department, international or area studies center, the Harvard Summer School, or other entity.

 

 [ View a complete list of PIFIE Policies and Requirements arrow\_circle\_right ](https://pifie.fas.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum9031/files/2025-09/PIFIE%2025-26%20Policies.pdf) 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Approved Expenses 

Allowable expenses include:

- Site visits to the targeted country;
- Support for teaching assistants or local staff members who would serve as on-site "resident advisers" or supervisors for Harvard College students participating in a Harvard overseas activity;
- The development of course materials for a course with an international experience component;
- Overhead support for the administrative unit supporting the program;
- Faculty salaries\*,
- Other investments required to establish a sustainable activity outside the United States.

\*Faculty compensation cannot exceed 1/9th of the faculty member's salary and applicants must give permission to the PIFIE committee to verify salary level with his/her School's Finance Dean.

The cost of student participation in the program, including fees, travel, and accommodation, will not be funded by this award. There are significant programs that fund student travel abroad, including the David Rockefeller International Experience Grants and [other grants administered by the Mignone Center for Career Success](https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/channels/find-apply-for-funding/), individual centers, and departments.

PIFIE grants should be considered seed money rather than continuing support. However, award recipients may apply for renewal funding in subsequent years. If an awarded program will take place in the upcoming calendar year, funds should be expended in that time. If the program will take place in the following calendar year, the funds should be expended by the end of that year.