Developing a SAGE Proposal

Here you will find all the information you need to develop and submit a proposal to direct a Study Abroad for General Education (SAGE) program. If you are interested in more details about what goes into a strong SAGE proposal, see the information provided here.

1. Inform the SAGE Committee that you are interested in developing a program. You can do this by filling out this interest form or emailing the SAGE Committee at gened@byu.edu. You can see what locations are seeking programs here, or you can propose a program to a new location. (The SAGE committee is especially interested in SAGE programs going to locations outside of Europe.) Once we know you are interested, we can help you connect with potential co-directors, put you in touch with a SAGE committee member, answer questions, and help get you on the right track.
2. Attend the SAGE orientation. In this 45-minute training, the SAGE committee trains faculty on SAGE program design to help them understand how to develop a strong proposal.
3. Complete the SAGE program proposal form. Applications for programs to be run in 2027 and 2028 are due 3 November 2025. Decisions about SAGE applications are made by 15 December 2025. Read more about the criteria used to evaluate SAGE programs here.
4. Once you have been informed that your proposal is accepted, you work with your assigned International Studies Program (ISP) coordinator to develop a budget. While developing the budget, continue work with a SAGE committee member to make final determinations about the program curriculum, experience design, and itinerary. Submit the final program details to the SAGE committee before finalizing the program poster and advertising with the ISP office.
5. Recruit students. Starting about ten months before your program departure, recruit students to apply for your program. ISP organizes large event study abroad fairs, but take the opportunity to visit classes or interest clubs where you think you will find students interested in your program.
6. Within one year of teaching your program preparation course, fill out the ecclesiastical clearance office application. (Details for this step will be provided at the time you need to apply.)
7. Participate in SAGE training. The SAGE committee offers training for prospective directors and opportunities to meet with former directors to learn about best practices.
8. In the second half of the last full semester before your program starts, teach a 1-credit preparation course to students going on the program. This is a great opportunity to establish your relationship with the students, help prepare them for their experience, and set expectations.
9. Direct your SAGE program!
10. Submit a follow up report to SAGE committee about your experience.