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So you want to study abroad? Congratulations! You are about to embark on an experience that will strongly impact your college career. Use this to guide you through the steps to get started on your overseas academic adventure. There are a few steps to take to help clarify the process, and find the best study abroad program for you.
Attend a General Information Session (GIS)
Research program options
Schedule an appointment with an adviser in the Education Abroad Office
Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser
Apply to your program
Get your courses approved
Register your program with Education Abroad
Attend the pre-departure orientation
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Attend a General Information Session (GIS)
If you are only applying to a VCU Faculty-led Summer Program you do not need to attend the general information session. If you are interested in a non-VCU summer program or a semester or year-long program you are required to attend one GIS. There we will discuss the four ways you can study abroad. After you have attended one of these sessions you will schedule an appointment with an adviser based on the geographical location to which you are applying. Then we will discuss in greater detail what you want out of your program.
General information session schedule.
Research program options
After attending a GIS you will be responsible for researching your own program. Start by asking yourself how long you want to study abroad, and go through four different ways to study abroad at VCU.
The four different options for studying abroad include VCU faculty-led programs, international student exchange program (ISEP), partnership university exchanges and non-VCU programs. Non-VCU program options include studying through a program with another U.S. university, directly enrolling in a foreign university, or participating in a study abroad program provider. Great search engines for finding independent programs are www.studyabroad.com and www.iiepassport.org. Please be aware a Study Abroad adviser must approve all non-VCU programs, as many study abroad programs are not acceptable for transfer credit.
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Schedule an appointment with an adviser in the Education Abroad Office
After you have done your research on your own and you have chosen three to five programs that interest you, schedule an appointment with one of our advisers, who will be assigned based on the geographical location where you would like to study. We will help you decide whether the program you have chosen fits your academic and personal preferences. You must verify that your study abroad program is recognized by VCU as a legitimate program. All programs must issue a transcript from an accredited university. We will discuss how to register your program with VCU. If you are going on a VCU Faculty-Led Summer program, you do not need to schedule an appointment with an adviser.
Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser
Be sure to meet with your academic adviser to ensure that you can academically afford to study abroad. Sometimes departments have different requirements about studying abroad. Additionally, you must have a good understanding of where you are situated academically and what classes you need to graduate. It is best to discuss these things before you even apply, as some programs have non-refundable registration fees.
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Apply to your program
Once you have met with your study abroad and academic advisers it is time to apply to your program. Each program is different so be sure to research the different deadlines and requirements.
Get your courses approved
To ensure that you receive credit for your study abroad you must meet with your academic adviser, where you will discuss VCU equivalents for the classes that you will take abroad. Bring the course approval form with you so your adviser can approve the courses and sign off with his/her signature.
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Register your program with Education Abroad
Once you have been accepted to your program you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork to maintain your student status at VCU and to transfer your grades. Please schedule a time to meet with your Education Abroad adviser to discuss this information. Additionally, we will discuss financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Attend the pre-departure orientation
All students who have been accepted to a study abroad program must attend a pre-departure orientation. Topics covered during orientation include money, support services, academics, health and safety, and more. These are invaluable sessions that will give you the insight to living and studying overseas. We will contact you about orientation dates, times and locations.
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