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.

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PWP and Summer Programs

  • Our 2025 program applications are now open. Student applications are due by March 4th, 2025.

    1. Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports -Field Research in Maya Archaeology (ANTH 450)
      1. Location: Blue Creek, Belize
      2. Led By: Eric Heller, Ph.D., erichell@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
    2. Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports –Urban Politics & Policy Through the Lens of Mexican Cities (POSC 469)
      1. Location: Mexico City, Mexico
      2. Led By: Monica Unda Gutierrez, Ph.D., monica.undagutierrez@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
      4. Information Sessions:
        1. Friday, January 31st at 1:00 PM in DMC 107
        2. Tuesday, February 11th at 1:00 PM in DMC 329
        3. Friday, February 21st at 1:00 PM in DMC 300
        4. Thursday, February 27th at 5:30 PM in DMC 201
    3. Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports -The Biology of Health from a Global Perspective (BISC 428)
      1. Locations: London & Oxford, United Kingdom
      2. Led By: Nancy Castro, Ph.D, ncastro@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
      4. Program Administrator: Natalie Waldon, waldon@usc.edu
    4. Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports –Health and Mental Health Research in Mauritius (PSYC 499)
      1. Location: Mauritius
      2. Led By: Susan Luczak, Ph.D, luczak@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
      4. Information Sessions:
        • In-person at 4:00 PM Tuesday, Feb 18 in SGM 826
        • Online at 11:00 AM Friday, Feb 21, 2025 (email Prof Luczak for the link). 
      5. Lab Website
    5. Dornsife FLP: Bookpacking London and Paris (ENGL 352g)
      1. Location: London, England and Paris, France
      2. Led By: Andrew Chater, chater@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
    6. Dornsife FLP: IR Brussels Summer Internship Program 2023 (IR 391x)
      1. Location: Brussels, Belgium
      2. Led By: Akeya Harmon, akeyahar@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
    7. Dornsife FLP: Comparative Public Policy in France and the European Union (IR 374)
      1. Location: Paris, France
      2. Led By: Akeya Harmon, akeyahar@usc.edu
      3. Application Link
    • Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports -The Biology of Health from a Global Perspective (BISC 428)
    • Dornsife FLP: Problems Without Passports -Archaeological Fieldwork in the Maya Region (ANTH 450)
    • Dornsife FLP: IR Brussels Summer Internship Program 2023 (IR 391x)
    • Dornsife FLP: Comparative Public Policy in France and the European Union (IR 374)
    • 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

Application Due Dates:

Applications Open: January 10th, 2025

Application Deadline: March 4th, 2025

Program Decision Date: March 11th, 2025

Deadline to Commit to Program: March 27th, 2025

Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs) are open to undergraduate students only. Graduate students are not eligible to apply. Progressive degree students may participate only if they are classified as undergraduates with remaining coursework at the time of program enrollment. However, progressive students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are classified as master’s students are ineligible. If you have any questions about your eligibility or the program in general, please contact our Faculty-Led Programs Office at flp@dornsife.usc.edu.

Explore Program Options: Access the Student Travel Abroad Portal to browse upcoming Dornsife FLP programs. Each program brochure details program type, location, duration, course prerequisites, program costs, and contact information for program staff.

 

Summer Highlights

Other Programs at USC Dornsife