Steps to Study Abroad- For Students
Research the available Study Abroad programs and choose the one that is best for you
JSU currently offers:
Faculty-Led Study Abroad: Faculty-led programs are usually short-term programs (a few weeks or a month) and often offered in the May mini-semester. Faculty-led programs are an excellent Study Abroad experience for most students. They are shorter and less intimidating than an entire semester abroad by yourself, but they still offer all the benefits of traveling. You also get an opportunity to get to know your professor better and learn more about their research and travel interests, as well as meeting JSU students you might not have had the chance to meet before.
Direct Student Exchange: Exchange programs are more challenging but also more rewarding. They tend to last at least six weeks and are usually an entire semester. Students usually go alone, and there are no JSU faculty or staff at the other university. Exchange programs are partnerships between universities, so JSU students will not be entirely alone or without support. The exchange university you choose will be prepared for you and will have many other American students studying
there as well. You will get an amazing opportunity to live in another country and make friends from all over the world.
Meet all the prerequisites, requirements, and deadlines for the chosen program
Some programs require prerequisites, minimum GPAs, or recommendations from your professors, and some only require that you are interested in participating. Some are only for certain majors or minors, and some are open to everyone.
Check with the Office of International & House Programs, or the faculty member leading the program, or your advisor.
Once you know what you have to do and when, set deadline and due date reminders in your phone, start saving money, ask your family and friends for help, and commit to making this opportunity a reality!
Meet with your advisor and make sure you are registered for the program
Provide proof of health and/or travel insurance as required by the program
In order to participate in Study Abroad programs, you have to have health insurance that covers you while you travel. The insurance coverage must include the following listed benefits:
- Medical Coverage
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Remains
GO to the link for the information on Insurance providers https://www.nafsa.org/findresources/Default.aspx?id=8823
Provide proof of any vaccinations and/or health screenings required
For some Study Abroad programs, you’ll be entering countries where you have to have proof that you’ve been vaccinated against certain diseases. Some programs might require proof of a health screening to show that you’ll be able to complete all the activities the program requires.
Understand the local laws and social issues
Attend orientations, other assigned activities and complete JSU required forms
Your faculty leader and/or the Office of International House & Programs will have mandatory orientation meetings, assigned readings, different forms for you to sign. These meetings and activities will play a big part in how successful you are in getting everything ready for your Study Abroad program, participating in the program, and using what you learned in the program to your advantage after you return.
Get or renew your passport
You must have a passport to leave the country.
Information on Applying for/Renewing a Passport
Your passport can’t expire within 6 months of your expected return, so double check the expiration date and renew your passport if it will expire soon.
Get a visa (if required)
Visas are travel documents that go along with your passport to let you enter a country. Sometimes they are required and sometimes not. The faculty leader or the Office of International House & Programs will be able to tell you if the country you’re planning to visit requires entry documents or not.
Plan ahead for your health
Pay your fees on time
It is important that you understand the deadlines and due dates for all the fees and expenses and make sure that you plan ahead to make payment on time.
Get your finances in order
Be sure you can afford your plane tickets, hotel room, food, tuition, and fees and have a little left over to buy souvenirs or gifts. It may seem like too much, but don’t be discouraged. There are many scholarships and grants that are designed to help students study abroad. If you want help finding or applying for these, or if you want help finding ways to save up to study abroad, the Office of International House & Programs will help you.
Study Abroad opportunities are available yearly, so even if you are not able to go this year, you can start saving and preparing now for a trip next year.