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.

2025 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.

However, you do not register yourself for the FLEAP course. Instead, make sure that the course fits into your schedule: you meet the prerequisites for the FLEAP course, you stay between 12-18 credits including FLEAP course(s) and you do not have a class conflict with the scheduled meeting time. After all students submit their deposits, the CGE will register you for the course. This typically happens in mid-December.

2025 FLEAP Programs

Apply

  • Send us a complete application on Revolution. The 2025 FLEAP Student Application can be found here. Make sure to log into Revolution  in order to see the application!
  • Application Deadlines:
    • November 17, 2024: Deadline for Spring Break FLEAP applications. Priority deadline for May FLEAP applications.
    • December 2, 2024: Final deadline for May FLEAP applications. Some May programs may fill after the priority deadline (November 10th), so interested students are encouraged to apply early.
  • 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

If you apply by November 10th, you should expect a decision by email regarding your application within 1-2 weeks after the deadline. Students who apply after November 10th 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 $500 deposit 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 2025 schedule. CGE will put the FLEAP course on your Spring 2025 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:

Spring Break FLEAPs

  • Thursday, November 21, 2024: $500 non-refundable deposit (Payment 1) Monday
  • Monday, December 2, 2024: $1,000 Payment 2
  • Thursday, December 12, 2024:  $1,000 Payment 3
  • Thursday, January 21, 2025: Final Payment (Payment 4) due*

May FLEAPs

  • Monday, December 2, 2024 (or ASAP if applicable later): $500 non-refundable deposit (Payment 1)
  • Thursday, December 14, 2024: $1,000 Payment 2
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025: $1,000 Payment 3
  • Monday, February 10, 2025: $1,000 Payment 4
  • Monday, March 10, 2025: Final Payment (Payment 5) 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 2025 tuition payment (if taking between 12-18 credits, including the FLEAP course).

Prepare for Travel

All participating students are required to review all pre-departure information and attend one of the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientations held during the Spring 2025 semester. Participants will receive an email with more information when the orientations are scheduled.

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: airfare, 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.

Wait. Airfare isn't included this year?

For Spring 2025 FLEAPs (with the exception of Ecuador!), student flights are not included in the FLEAP program fee. Students will be able to purchase their own flights, and be able to use family airline miles or credit card points. Plus, this will allow you to add on upgrades (like seat selection) or to select a special meal to your dietary preferences.

After the program roster is finalized (by accepted students paying their deposits), the CGE will determine a designated flight for the program and send guidance to deposited students for how to purchase the designated flight. We will also hold workshops for anyone who would like more hands-on assistance with purchasing their flight.

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?

Students who receive a Pell Grant and are participating in a May FLEAP are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship (deadline March 6, 2025). Contact the CGE for more information about how to apply.

Occasionally, the CGE Will also hear about other scholarship opportunities. When we do, we will share the application information with all eligible students.

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

Some programs may fill quickly, but 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 late November or early December and send periodic updates regarding payment deadlines, flight purchasing guidelines, 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 program itinerary?

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