Professors Without Borders is a non-governmental organisation that specialises in running summer school programmes in emerging countries. Rather than sending students abroad to learn, we bring professors to them.

We began in the United Kingdom in 2016 and ran our first programme that year in Freetown and Bo, Sierra Leone. In 2024 we expanded into Luxembourg, founding Professeurs Sans Frontières.

Today the name describes the shared work of both organisations. The question below explains how they differ.

Two separate legal entities carry the work. The UK charity is registered under the same name as the collaboration — Professors Without Borders (1189091) — which is why we shorten it to Prowibo when we need to be precise. The Luxembourg organisation is Professeurs Sans Frontières, or PSF, an a.s.b.l. registered as F14440.

The two share the same vision, mission and values, and most of the same people. Prowibo leads our global programmes; PSF is our Luxembourg chapter and takes the lead on Luxembourg-based events, partners and fundraising. Our programmes may be delivered jointly or independently, and we will always say which.

We are currently funded through grants and corporate donations. Our largest donor is Carrier, the luxury travel specialist, which has supported us since 2018.

That partnership fits the way we work. Because we bring professors to the students rather than sending students abroad, travel is one of our biggest costs. Carrier funds the flights for professors taking part in our programmes and coordinates the travel arrangements for our volunteer teachers, which means more of every other donation reaches the classroom.

See Donors & Sponsors for the full list, including the trusts and foundations that fund individual programmes.

In 2016 we hosted our pilot programme in Freetown and Bo, Sierra Leone. We have since taught short courses in:

• Sierra Leone
• Uganda
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Senegal
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• India
• Nepal
• Ghana

We are always looking for new partners and can teach anywhere in the world. See Partners if you are interested.

Programmes begin with an invitation from a host institution. We work closely with our host to develop a subject-agnostic, skills-focused programme that suits and benefits their students, following the LSE Summer School model. Programmes typically last between one and two weeks, and consist of several short courses and workshops.

We do not focus on specific subjects. Instead we work closely with the host institution to develop a programme that suits and benefits their students. No prior knowledge is required, and subjects are developed to be appropriate to the local context.

We also hold workshops that train students in soft skills such as entrepreneurship, communications and personal branding. See our Programmes for more information.

Courses are taught in a small classroom setting of no more than 25 students, which leaves time and space for personal feedback. Discussion groups are formed and group work is presented, which builds the core skills we want to convey: teamwork, confidence, critical thinking and presentation.

Each student spends four to six hours a day in class, with up to two hours of homework each night. All students receive a custom-made textbook containing the course readings, along with a pen and notebook.

Our professors are experienced in teaching university-level courses, and programmes are typically aimed at university students. No prior knowledge is assumed in any course: our teachers adapt to the level of the students, and the class dynamic shapes the content and pace.

All of our programmes, academic conferences and online lecture services are provided free of charge, and host institutions are not permitted to charge students or anyone else who attends. Prowibo covers travel and accommodation for our volunteer lecturers, who teach pro bono.

We want our education experiences to be as accessible as possible. Short courses allow full immersion in a subject while respecting the often busy schedules of our students and volunteer lecturers.

Our courses are taught by academics and professionals who are experts in their fields. Every professor goes through a thorough selection process, so we bring only the best and most inspiring people to our students. Many have come from leading international organisations, companies and academic institutions, including SOAS, the London School of Economics, IED Barcelona, ESPM, Richmond University, the New York Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge and Regent’s University London.

If you would like to volunteer to teach a short course, see Teach Abroad or contact us directly.

The host institution selects up to 25 students for each course. Our workshops are open to the general public, subject to the host university’s policies and capacity: some invite parents, lecturers and members of the public, while others prefer to keep them for students only. If you are interested in attending a particular programme in your area, please reach out to the host institution.

Prowibo offers volunteer opportunities for people at any stage of their career.

Lecturers and experts are encouraged to apply to teach on one of our programmes via Teach Abroad. Students and recent graduates are welcome to enquire about internships through Contact Us.

Open volunteer positions are also advertised on LinkedIn. Donations to our programmes are always welcome.

We are always looking for new partners to deliver short course programmes, and we are happy to work with public or private universities, provided our courses are available to students free of charge.

If you are interested in partnering with us, send us your details through Contact Us.

No. Prowibo does not facilitate student exchanges — we bring professors to the students rather than the other way round.