FAQs
Table of Contents
General FAQs
What types of study abroad programs are offered? Which one is best for me?
Please review our webpage, "Type of Programs and How to Choose" to see the full list of programs types offered as well as recommendations for each program.Students can search for all offered or sponsored programs here on the Global Portal.
When researching programs, it's important to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I need to complete coursework for my major, my minor, or do I have electives to complete?
- Does the program offer enough coursework in the fields or areas I need to complete?
- Do I need all coursework to be taught in English?
- Am I proficient enough in a second language to complete coursework not being taught in English?
- Do I feel prepared to be away from home for a few weeks or a few months?
- What is my realistic budget or price limit?
- What are my personal goals for participating on a program?
For advice on what program type may work best for you, please schedule a meeting with an OGE adviser by emailing globalengagement@georgiasouthern.edu
Am I eligible to study abroad?
Eligibility requirements depend on the program. Some program have requirements such as being a specific major or have pre-requisite classes so it is important to check on the program page.
For most Georgia Southern Summer/Short term Programs, students must have:
- 2.5 Institutional GPA (some programs will accept a cumulative GPA)
- No active disciplinary record
- Fully admitted to Institution and be at least 18 years of age by the program start date.
- Can begin as early as summer following Freshman year
- Completed 45 credit hours
- Have an institutional GPA of 2.5
If you have concerns about your eligibility, feel free to contact OGE at globalengagement@georgiasouthern.edu
How much will it cost?
Program costs vary depending on the type of program, length of stay, location, excursions included, and more. Each program page in the Global Portal should have a "Budget" tab that will list estimated costs.Keep in mind that most Summer/Short term programs have a program cost in addition to tuition and fees, but exchange programs do not have an additional program cost. For exchange programs, you pay your tuition and fees as though you were still attending Georgia Southern, but your classes would be abroad. You would usually pay your accommodations to your host university and any meals separately, similar to how you would in the states. Exchange students are also responsible for their own airfare.
Some 3rd party/external programs have additional fees, like application fees, housing fees, etc - so it is important to discuss your program with OGE before committing to make sure you know everything your program will include.
How do I apply?
Students can apply to programs on the Global Portal by clicking the "Apply Now" button the program page, and completing all of the required application materials.
If you are doing a 3rd party/external program, you would apply through the 3rd party provider website, and complete OGE's 3rd Party/External Program Registration form.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting an application, an OGE adviser will review your application and either accept or deny it, based on whether you meet the criteria.
If you are applying for a long term exchange program, you may be asked to come in for an in-person interview to evaluate your readiness for the program.
If you are accepted, you will begin completing the steps needed before leaving the US (Getting a passport/visa if necessary, signing up for health insurance, etc). Instructions will be included on the Global Portal when you reach that stage.
What happens if I need to withdraw from my program?
Coming Soon!
What happens if my program is cancelled?
If a program is cancelled, all students will be immediately notified and deposits will be refunded the way in which they were paid. Remember that georgia Southern will not be able to reimburse payments made on any 3rd party or external programs.
Programs can be cancelled for multiple reasons, including low enrollment, and for health and safety concerns. It is possible, but extremely rare, that a program may be cancelled while a student is abroad (Example: COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020). In these cases, students may be asked to return home immediately. In the case that a student chooses to refuse guidance on returning home, they will be required to give weekly updates to OGE about their situation and status.
I am a graduate student. Can I study abroad?
Yes. Please see our webpage, Graduate & Transient Students, for more information.
I am not a Georgia Southern student but I am interested in a Georgia Southern study abroad program. How can I participate?
Please see our webpage, Graduate & Transient Students, for more information.
I want to apply for a 3rd party/external study abroad program that is not offered through the Global Portal. Am I supposed to notify OGE about my program?
Absolutely. All Georgia Southern students who wish to apply to a program offered by a provider other than Georgia Southern must inform OGE of any international travel with academic component.
All students that wish to participate in a 3rd party/external program must complete the 3rd Party/External Program Registration forms.
Students will be responsible for completing paperwork required by all parties, including their 3rd party provider and Georgia Southern University. Students should read make sure they understand the requirements, services, costs, credits, and amenities offered by their chosen program. Consulting with IOGE for feedback about the accreditation, validity, or security of a particular program is highly encouraged. OGE reserves the right to withhold permission for participating in programs that operate in countries with travel warnings.
Students should understand that attending a non-Georgia Southern sponsored program may impact the availability of their financial aid and the OGE can make no guarantee that financial aid may be applied. Students with these concerns should consult with their financial aid counselor.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Can I use my financial aid while abroad?
As long as the courses you take during your study abroad program fit within your program of study, you will still be eligible to receive your financial aid. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment to speak with their financial aid counselor around a year prior to their travel to ensure they understand how their financial aid award may apply to their projected study abroad course tuition and any funds that may be available to apply to travel and living expenses while abroad.
For more info, please review our page, Scholarships and Financial Aid.
How do study abroad programs affect scholarships like HOPE & Zell Miller?
You must be verified into your class before receiving HOPE, Zell Miller, etc, which means you will not receive your financial aid until after classes begin and your enrollment is verified. This means that you may have to make some out of pocket fees first and be reimbursed later (For example: Airfare).
Additionally, scholarships like HOPE & Zell Miller only cover tuition and fees, they do not cover any "Program Fees" or "Program Costs". Thus, if you are doing a study abroad program with a "program fee" in addition to your tuition and fees, you must either find additional scholarships to cover those costs or pay out of pocket.
Remember that exchange programs with our partner universities do not have a program fee. You would pay tuition and fees as though you were attending Georgia Southern, and HOPE/Zell Miller will cover your tuition costs based on however many credit hours you are enrolled in. Again, remember that your courses must fit within your program of study and be approved by OGE and Financial Aid before receiving any aid.
For more info, please review our page, Scholarships and Financial Aid.
What kind of scholarships are available?
You can see a list of scholarships offered through Georgia Southern on our page, Scholarships and Financial Aid, along with guidance on other funding opportunities.
Academic Program/Graduation
Do study abroad program courses count toward graduation?
Yes, as long as the study abroad courses you take fit within your program of study. It is always a good idea to talk to your adviser before going abroad to discuss your anticipated courses and make sure they will fit within your program.
How many credits can I earn?
Summer or short term programs can give anywhere up to 3-6 credit hours depending on the program. Exchange or semester programs will allow you to take anywhere from 9-18 credit hours. Remember in most cases, you must still be considered "full time enrolled" in order to receive your full financial aid package.
Can I take online classes while I'm abroad?
Yes, you may take online classes will abroad. If you are abroad for a semester, and you need another required class that your host university does not offer, his may be a good idea to help create your full-time load in order to receive your full financial aid package. Please let your OGE adviser know if you decide to do this so they are aware of it as they register you for your classes.Keep in mind the type of program you will be on and if you will able and ready to take on another class online. Consider your travel time as well as your study abroad coursework you will have.
How do I register for my study abroad courses in WINGS?
This short answer is that you don't. All students are registered for their study abroad courses by an OGE adviser. Feel free to contact OGE if you have any questions about this.
Is it possible to go on a study abroad program during my last semester before I graduate?
Yes, however, you need approval from OGE, your adviser, and the dean of your college prior to acceptance.
Keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that you would return in time for graduation commencement ceremonies. It may be possible, however, to attend a future ceremony. For example, if you study abroad in the Spring semester that you are supposed to graduate and your term runs from February to June, it's possible that you could attend the commencement ceremony in Summer (July). However, you will need prior approval before deciding to do this as well.
Again, it is possible, but not always recommended. Please discuss this option with OGE if you are still interested.
If I do a program that is not through Georgia Southern, how can I get my credits to transfer?
You must complete a Transfer Credit Approval Form (TCAF). This form is REQUIRED in order to receive any credit for any program that does not contain Georgia Southern classes. This form is also required before financial aid can be disbursed, as well as correctly enrolling you in study abroad courses.
This form is signed by OGE, your department chair as well as your adviser to let you know before you travel whether your anticipated courses will fit within your program of study.
This is required for both exchange programs as well as 3rd party/External programs. You will receive access to the form in the Global Portal after acceptance or approval for your exchange program or 3rd party/external programs.
Can I do an internship abroad?
Coming soon!
Passport/Visa Information
Do I need a passport or visa, and if so, how do I get one?
Every single student that studies abroad needs a passport, but not every single student needs a visa. Please review our page, Passports and Visas, to learn more about how to go about getting each of these and what the process is.
Health and Safety Abroad
Will I need vaccinations and immunizations?
Some locations require special immunizations before entering the country. It is your, the student's, responsibility to ensure that your are complying with all immunization requirements before departure.
Make sure you check the CDC website to research which immunizations are needed for different international locations.
Students may also contact Health Services on campus to see if they will be able to provide the required immunizations, if necessary.
For more information, review our webpage about Health Insurance & Medical Information.
What kind of insurance will I be enrolled in?
All students participating in a Georgia Southern study abroad or exchange program are automatically enrolled in the required International Health Insurance Plan through CISI. The CISI International Health Insurance Plan is required by the University System of Georgia and is not able to be waived.
For more information, review our webpage about Health Insurance & Medical Information.
I take prescription medication. Can I take it with me abroad?
If you take prescription medications regularly, consult with your physician before you depart. If possible, you should bring a supply of your medication to last throughout your time abroad
Keep in mind, however, that many countries have strict drug laws so shipping or even bringing certain medications may not be possible and may lead to legal trouble.
For more specific information regarding how to travel with prescriptions and types of restricted medication, please visit our webpage about Health Insurance & Medical Information.
What do I do if I get sick abroad?
Coming soon!
Is it safe to study abroad?
Coming soon!
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
Coming soon
Summer/Short Term Programs
What does the program cost include?
What will classes be like?
It depends on your program. Some courses may be a lecture style, while others may have more "experiential learning" components. Discuss with your program director about what the layout of the classes will be.
How much free time will I have on the program?
It depends on your program.
If you are doing a short term, faculty-led program (like over the summer), you would have less free time than if you were to spend an entire semester abroad. Consult with your program director about what your itinerary will look like and what opportunities you have to spend in your free time.
Who is in charge?
While abroad, the program director is your first and primary point of contact and is considered "in charge" of your program.
Can I do independent travel while on my short-term program?
Additionally, if you decide to take any side trips or do independent travel, it is REQUIRED that you inform OGE of your travel plans. You will have a form in the Global Portal after you apply that will let you register your side-trip information, if any.
It is also your responsibility to obtain any visas, required documents if you decide to travel out of the country for whatever reason. It is also your responsibility to research what the laws are in the locations that you visit, and to follow them appropriately. Finally, it is your responsibility to use common sense and research safety procedures in order to maintain your personal safety while traveling.
Exchange Programs
How do I know if my host university offered courses in my major?
Each exchange program page in the Global Portal has a tab called "Academics". Under this tab, there is a list of recommended majors that the university offered courses for.
There are also instructions on how to search for courses and compile your anticipated course list. Every university is different so it's important to read the instructions as well as descriptions for the courses.
How do I approve courses to be included in my course of study?
You must complete a Transfer Credit Approval Form (TCAF). This form is REQUIRED in order to receive any credit for any courses taken on an exchange program. This form is also required before financial aid can be disbursed, as well as correctly enrolling you in study abroad courses.
This form is signed by OGE, your department chair as well as your adviser to let you know before you travel whether your anticipated courses will fit within your program of study.
You will receive and submit the form in the Global Portal after acceptance to your exchange program.
When do I receive my financial aid?
You will only receive your financial aid after you have arrived on-campus at your host-university and begin attending classes. You will complete a form that will confirm your course enrollment, and you will turn that in to be reviewed by OGE and Financial before your funds will be disbursed.
Can I do independent travel while on my exchange program?
Yes, however, if you decide to take any side trips or do independent travel, it is REQUIRED that you inform OGE of your travel plans. You will have a form in the Global Portal after you apply that will let you register your side-trip information.
It is also your responsibility to obtain any visas, required documents if you decide to travel out of the country (For example: you spend a semester in Korea and want to go to Japan for a holiday break). It is also your responsibility to research what the laws are in the locations that you visit, and to follow them appropriately. Finally, it is your responsibility to use common sense and research safety procedures in order to maintain your personal safety while traveling.
What will my living/housing situation be like?
It depends on your host university. Some housing situations are in dorms, like at Georgia Southern, and others offer apartments or flats. Sometimes the housing is not coordinated through the university directly but a closely situated off-campus complex (Like the off-campus complexes at Georgia Southern).
You can research more about your university's housing situation by going to their program page in the Global Portal.