A customized or faculty-led freestanding program is a single course or compilation of courses related to a theme or topic, where the Penn State faculty/program leaders deliver all or nearly all academic content during the course of a global experience. Such programs almost always occur during summer since the length of the education abroad experience typically lasts 2-8 weeks (and typically 3-9 credits). 

A customized freestanding program can enhance the international offerings within a particular academic department, can support internationalization strategic goals of a college, and can allow for students from a variety of disciplines and majors to study engaging topics together in an international context. The program leader assumes a great deal of responsibility for the development, proposal, implementation, and execution of the program - including the academic content, travel logistics, international site visits and activities, budgeting and record keeping, and the health and safety of program participants. This may seem like an overwhelming list of responsibilities, but there are a number of support resources to help the program leader throughout the entire process.