How to Apply to Study Abroad

Before you apply:

  1. Visit the Center for International Education (CIE) Office and pick up a brochure.

  2. Attend a Study Abroad Information Session which are generally scheduled for Friday afternoons or attend a Study Abroad Fair to collect information for various programs.

  3. Narrow your focus to two or three programs. Choose a program in consultation with the study abroad advisor, your academic advisor and, if appropriate, your parents.

  4. Complete a class audit with your advisor to determine which courses should be completed overseas. It is recommended that you save general electives and GEP courses to take overseas.

Once you decide on a study abroad program:

Start Application to Participate in Study Abroad

  1. You will also have to arrange for a letter of reference in support of your application to be sent to CIE.

    *** Please note *** The application requires a one page statement of your goals for the specific study abroad program to which you intend to apply.

  2. Apply to the specific study abroad program. This may be to an FSU coordinator, another university, or one of our affiliated programs. Deadlines and application materials differ. Most study abroad programs require a non-refundable application fee, so you may wish to delay your application until you have been approved to participate in Study Abroad. Bring your forms to the CIE office and CIE will mail them for you.

  3. If interested, then apply for Study Abroad scholarships through the CIE Office, your department, or another organization.

  4. Visit the Financial Aid Office in Pullen Hall to determine whether you will be able to use your financial aid package overseas. Fill out financial aid forms as early as possible and return them to the CIE for signing. These forms are provided in your acceptance packet and will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office upon completion.

Once your acceptance to a study abroad program is official:

  1. Do not assume that just because you submit an application form you will automatically be accepted. Please wait for your official letter of acceptance to arrive. This letter will contain information explaining the steps you will need to follow and forms you need to complete.

  2. You will be required to promptly pay the $150 Study Abroad fee. You will also need to purchase a passport (if you do not already have one), CISI travel insurance, and your airline ticket. These three steps will need to be done fairly early, and you will be given instructions for how to do this and how to make payments.

  3. The Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) travel insurance provides adequate health insurance for study abroad students. You may also need to visit your doctor for various immunizations.

  4. The CIE will register you with the Registrar's Office for the semester you will be away. This will be done whether you will be making payments to FSU or to an overseas institution.

  5. You may need to make arrangements with the Registrar's Office, the Financial Aid Office and the Residence Life Office regarding your return from overseas. They will need to know whether you plan to continue at FSU, who will be responsible for signing papers in your absence, and whether you plan to live on campus when you return. If you are planning to graduate soon, you will need to apply for graduation. The CIE office will help with these matters.

  6. Finally, you will be required to attend one or more pre-departure orientation sessions. These informative sessions are designed to prepare you for your trip and to provide information about travel arrangements, overseas housing, academic systems abroad, and some of the customs you are likely to encounter overseas. We also provide information about health and safety, international regulations, and laws with which you will need to be familiar.

Additional Tips:

  • Remember to start planning well in advance for a study abroad experience. If you want to study abroad in the Fall, you should start planning during the previous Fall semester. Study abroad involves some paperwork and preparation, but once you get there, it's worth it!

  • It is recommended that you study abroad during your sophomore or junior years, although you may study abroad during your senior year as well. However, seniors should carefully review their Study Abroad plans to be certain all degree requirements will be completed.

  • Students who study abroad must:

    • be in good academic standing.
    • maintain that standing the entire time prior to departure (2.5 GPA minimum).
    • have completed 24 credits.

  • You may study abroad for a semester, a summer session, an intersession, or the entire academic year. Currently financial aid packages only cover students abroad during the Fall and Spring semesters (with some exceptions). Remember that if you study in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South America or South Africa) the academic year begins in February and ends in November.

  • There are many different types of programs. Here is a basic breakdown of types:

    • Study Abroad Exchanges - You exchange a place with a student overseas, and you pay your normal tuition (and sometimes room and board) and fees to FSU.
    • FSU Faculty-led Programs - FSU students travel overseas with an FSU faculty member and enroll in an FSU course or courses.
    • Direct Enrollment or Affiliated Providers - You enroll in a program overseas directly or through FSU or another organization, such as AIFS, GlobaLinks, CEA, GLS, or SIT.
    • Service Learning - Study abroad that is combined with either volunteer or paid part-time employment which is relevant to your studies.
    • Internship Abroad / Work Abroad - There are a number of ways to work overseas. You may volunteer through organizations such as the Peace Corps, take up a placement in a local service agency, or take part in an overseas internship. In order to receive payment for work overseas you must make arrangements for a work permit well in advance.
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