Program Overview:

The Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs Office (FLP) offers a variety of Summer programs, including Problems Without Passports (PWP) courses. PWP courses combine problem-based or inquiry learning research exercises with study in different locations worldwide. These programs are open to all USC undergraduate students. However, graduate students are ineligible to apply, and progressive students must contact the FLP office (flp@dornsife.usc.edu) to determine eligibility before applying.

Summer programs typically run from the end of May to July and are attached to the Summer semester, separate from the Spring semester. Summer courses can be found in the Special Sections of the USC Catalogue and are not eligible to be included in financial aid packages. A normal academic load for undergraduate students is 12-16 units per semester, with the university recommending that undergraduates register for no more than 18 units. Permission to enroll in more than 20 units requires written approval from the student’s home department.

Students participating in Summer FLP programs will need to pay for Summer tuition and FLP program fees. These fees cover various expenses such as lodging, meals, transportation, and other program-related costs.

Our independent Faculty-Led Program (FLP) options provide exceptional opportunities for research and experiential learning off-campus, both in the United States and internationally.

pexels-emily-geibel-3772173

PWP and Summer Programs

  • Our 2025 program applications will open in early September 2024. Below is a preview of the upcoming programs.

    • Dornsife FLP: Field Research in Maya Archaeology (ANTH 450)
    • Dornsife FLP: Bookpacking New Orleans (ENGL 352g)
      • Location: New Orleans, LA
      • Led By: Andrew Chater, Ph.D., chater@usc.edu
    • Dornsife FLP: Urban Politics & Policy Through the Lens of Mexican Cities (POSC 300)
    • Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports -The Biology of Health from a Global Perspective (BISC 428)
      • Locations: London & Oxford, United Kingdom
      • Led By: Nancy Castro, Ph.D, ncastro@usc.edu
    • Dornsife FLP: Health and Mental Health Research in Mauritius (PSYC 499)
    • Dornsife FLP: Virology: Germ Theory to Molecular Methods in London, Paris and Amsterdam (BISC 499)
      • Locations: London, Paris and Amsterdam
      • Led By: Christa Bancroft, Ph.D, cbancrof@usc.edu
    • Dornsife FLP: IR Brussels Summer Internship Program 2023 (IR 391x)
    • Dornsife FLP: Field Research in Maya Archaeology (ANTH 450-PWP)
    • Dornsife FLP: Indigenous Language Revitalization in Ireland and Northern Ireland (ANTH 409- PWP)
      • Locations: Belfast, United Kingdom, Dublin, Ireland, Glencolumbkille, Ireland
      • Led By: Tok Thompson​​​​​​​, tokthomp@usc.edu
    • Dornsife FLP: IR Brussels Summer Internship Program 2023 (IR 391x)
    • Dornsife FLP: USC French Program, Summer in Dijon (FREN 300, 330, 490X, 150, 220, 250)
    • Dornsife FLP: USC Taiwan Chinese Summer Program (EALC 204, 206, 304, 306, 404, 406, or 106)
    • Dornsife FLP: Health and Mental Health Research in Mauritius (PSYC 499)

How to Apply

Dornsife FLPs is for undergraduate students only. Graduate students are ineligible to apply. Progressive students must contact the FLP office for eligibility prior to applying (flp@dornsife.usc.edu).

    1. Online Application:
      • Access the Student Travel Abroad Portal to review upcoming programs or visit our Dornsife FLP Website for a list of programs. Each program brochure provides essential details such as program type, location, duration, course prerequisites, program cost breakdown, contact information for program staff, and more.
      • Start your application by clicking the “Apply Now” button within the brochure page.
      • On your applicant homepage, you will find a checklist outlining all necessary steps.
      • Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.
      • You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.
    1. Acceptance:
      • If selected for the program, you will receive an acceptance email with instructions on how to confirm your participation.
      • Students placed on the waitlist will be reviewed until February 1st. If space becomes available, you will be notified via email and your status will change from Waitlisted to Accepted. You will then have one week to accept your spot.
    1. Commitment:
      • Consider financial aid and scholarships before confirming your commitment—refer to Travel Study Financial Aid.
      • After acceptance, you will have 7 business days to confirm your participation through the program and register for the course.
      • Failure to do so will result in your spot being reverted to the Waitlist.
      • Commitment is final and should be carefully considered; review the Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs (FLP) Withdrawal Policy.
    1. Post Acceptance:
      • Continuously monitor your study abroad portal and email for crucial updates and instructions.
      • Attend the mandatory Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation scheduled for Spring 2024. Details will be communicated via email by Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs (FLP).
      • Do not finalize flight bookings until you receive confirmation from the faculty director.

Application Due Dates:

  • The application period for Maymester, PWP, and Summer programs is now closed. Applications for the 2025 programs will open the first week of September.

Applications Open: TBA for 2025

Application Deadline:TBA for 2025

Program Decision Date:TBA for 2025

Deadline to Commit to Program:TBA for 2025

Summer Highlights

Other Programs at USC Dornsife