Application Process And Requirements

Studying abroad can be enriching and enlightening - many students who travel abroad see it as a life changing experience.

Study abroad includes semester/year programs and short-term programs which take place during official breaks (i.e. faculty-led programs, service learning abroad, J-term, summer sessions or Spring Break).  If you're ready to explore study abroad or start your education abroad experience, you'll find all the necessary information here.

 

 Study Abroad Application   

 

  • Application Process

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    1. Contact the Office of International Services to discuss the application process and identify the best program for you and your academic plan.

    2. Once you have decided on a program, you must fill out the Study Abroad Application. The Study Abroad Application must be submitted to the Office of International Services at GMT 168 or via email at studyabroad@govst.edu.

    3. If you plan to attend a program that does not issue GSU credit, you must get course approval from your GSU Advisor and Dean by having him/her fill out the Study Abroad Course Approval Form, located in the application packet. If you are expecting to use Financial Aid, you must also meet with your Financial Aid Advisor to determine if you can use your aid for the program and when it will be disbursed.

    4. Upon confirmation of participation from the Study Abroad Program, students must make their first deposit and submit a copy of their passport to OIS. Some programs require a deposit at the time of application. Please note that program leaders for faculty-led programs make the final decision on the acceptance of applicants.

  • Requirements

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    All applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

    1. You are currently enrolled at GSU as a degree-seeking student (some faculty-led and service learning programs will accept alumni as non-degree seeking students).
     
    2. Undergraduates have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours of coursework at a U.S. higher education institution at the time of application. Graduates have successfully completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework at a U.S. higher education institution at the time of application.  
     
    3. Undergraduates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above (although students may apply if their GPA is above 2.0*). Graduates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Please note that some programs outside of GSU may require a higher cumulative GPA.

    In addition to the above criteria, in order to participate in a study abroad program, you must meet/demonstrate the following requirements*: 
     
    1.    Evidence of maturity, responsibility and preparation for study abroad.
    2.    Good financial standing with no holds on your GSU student account.
    3.    Good academic and community standing at time of application and up to the point of travel.
    4.    Pay all fees to the program in full.
    5.    Attend GSU’s Pre-Departure Orientation.

    *For GSU faculty-led programs, the program leaders make the final decision on applicant acceptance. 

  • Additional Requirements (if applicable)

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    *Undergraduate applicants with GPAs between 2.0-2.5 are required to:

    o    Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator to discuss academic and personal preparedness to study abroad.

    o    Ask a professor who has had them in class to submit a Letter of Recommendation.

    o    Submit an additional essay explaining why their GPA is below 2.5.

            The essay should demonstrate that:

    o    Their GPA is stable or improving.

    o    They have strong academic and/or personal interests in their study abroad location and/or courses, which are apparent in their course choices at GSU, extracurricular activities, application essays, etc.

    o    They have a compelling academic rationale for studying abroad during the term(s) indicated.