Frequently Asked Questions about Study Abroad

Studying abroad provides students with a global perspective. It is a great way to strengthen a resume and experience more of the world. For a more in-depth look at study abroad benefits, please explore the links below.

• Academic, personal, and professional  reasons
• Globalization reasons

• View all of our programs in the Program Directory
• Check out our study abroad guidebook for detailed exchange school information.
• Learn more about past student experiences on our Blogs, Photos, and Videos page. 
• There are three types of programs. 

• Is there a minimum required GPA? 
  
  • • Students must have a 2.5 GPA to be eligible for short-term programs and a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for semester exchange programs. 
• Can a student from another university study abroad through SUU? 
  
  • • Yes! Please reach out to our office for more information. 
• When can I study abroad? 
  
  • Students can take part in short-term programs at any point during their time at SUU.  Students may even take part in a summer short-term program the summer after they graduate if they would like to. 
  • We typically ask that students not take part in semester exchanges during their first year at SUU. Students may spend a semester abroad at any other point in their college career. Students may even spend their last semester of school studying abroad. 

Questions to ask: 

• How long would I like to be abroad? 
• Is there a specific place or region I would like to go to? 
• Will I be fulfilling general education requirements? Is there a specific topic I would like to study while abroad? Does the program I’m considering offer the courses I need, or fun elective courses? 
• Do I have any family or friend connections in a particular location? 
• Would I like to live in a small town or a city?
• What is my study abroad budget? What might the cost of living look like in each location? What does on-campus housing cost? Am I looking at an area or school that might offer additional scholarships? 
• Is there a foreign language that I would like to practice while abroad?
• Is this the kind of program or university environment that appeals to me? 
• Is the school AACSB accredited? (for business students)

After the application deadline has passed (or the application has been processed), the $300 application fee is non-refundable. 

For short-term programs, the full program fee is charged to the student's SUU account upon acceptance. If a student withdraws after the application deadline, their application fee will not be refunded. Additionally, they will be responsible for paying whatever the program has already spent on their behalf. This means that whatever has been spent on their behalf will remain charged to their SUU account. For this reason, it is important for students to notify Program  Directors of their withdrawal as soon as possible. 

In the event that a short-term program is canceled by SUU or the Office of Learning Abroad, students will receive a full refund of program fees (including the application fee). 

Yes! Other people may accompany you on your study abroad.

For short-term programs, non-student participants must receive permission from Program Directors in order to join. Non-students taking part in short-term programs must pay the entire program fee, as well as a $200 non-student administration fee, and submit all needed travel documents. Non-student participants may not earn course credits, but are otherwise treated as a student and should anticipate taking part in all activities. 

Those going on semester programs should review housing requirements. Schools that require exchange students to live on-campus may have their own policies regarding spouses and children. 

• • Go to the SUU Office of Learning Abroad website.
  • Click the “Program Director” button.
  • Find your desired program using the dropdown features.
  • Select the program and scroll to the bottom of the provided description.
  • Click the “Apply for…” button. 
  • Complete the application. 
    • If your first choice program isn't available, the Office of Learning Abroad will then transfer your application to your second or third choice of programs if they are listed.
    • The application includes several short (200 words) essays about why you would like to be involved in the study abroad program and requests the emails of three recommender's.
      • Students should not collect letters of references. Recommender's are automatically emailed an invitation to digitally submit their reference. 
  • Pay the $300 application fee/down payment when it is charged to your account. 
    • Exchange programs require an application fee while short-term programs require a down payment towards the overall program fee. 
  • Wait to hear from the Office of Learning Abroad or the Program Director 
  • Please note the application for all National Student Exchange Programs  (Canada, U.S., U.S. territories) is separate.
    

Yes! Exchange students can earn 12-15 credits while abroad. All exchange students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits at their host university. Credits are transferred back to SUU through the Learning Agreement students fill out prior to departure. Credits can be used to help students toward their major or minor requirements, or simply as electives. 

Short-term students can earn 3-6 credits while abroad. Course offerings, and the way the courses are structured, will vary depending on the program and Program Director(s). Credit hours earned through short-term programs are not eligible for financial aid, such as FAFSA, and cannot be used to help students reach full-time student status. Students going on short-term programs have the option to not receive any course credit. Deciding not to receive course credit on a short-term program will not impact the cost of the program, but it will exempt the student from any related coursework. Those going on a Cultural Immersion program will not receive any course credit. 

Those taking part in outside language learning programs may be able to earn up to 12 foreign language course credits through the FLATS (Foreign Language Achievement Testing Services) testing available through BYU. Students should check with their advisors first. 

AACSB stands for Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is a type of accreditation, which means that the business school in question has met the standards and criteria laid out by AACSB. SUU may require business students to attend an AACSB accredited university to ensure that classes match the rigor and standards they expect. 

• List of AACSB accredited partner schools: (https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools) 
  • EM Normandie (France)
  • ESC Rennes School of Business (France)
  • Excelia School of Business (France)
  • ISC Paris School of Management (France)
  • University of Mannheim (Germany)
  • John Cabot University (Italy)
  • Dublin City University (Ireland)
  • University of Monterrey (Mexico) 
  • Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand)
  • Lisbon School of Economics and Management (Portugal) 
  • Chung Ang University (South Korea)
  • Jönköping University (Sweden)
  • NW Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
  • National Taipei University (Taiwan)
  • American University of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) 
  • Robert Gordon University (United Kingdom)
  • University of Oulu (Finland)
• All short-term study abroad programs are through SUU and are therefore also AACSB accredited. 

Yes. The Office of Learning Abroad recommends that travelers purchase the insurance policy from CISI that has been negotiated for SUU travelers. Those taking part in a short-term program through the OLA do not need to purchase international insurance personally as the cost of international insurance is included in the advertised program fee. 

• Review flyers for how to get a new passport, how to renew your passport, passport photo requirements, and how international students can travel abroad 
• How to Apply for a Passport
• Do I need a visa? 
• Passport and Visa Requirements
• Worldwide Travel Visa Guide
• Visa Information by Country: incomplete list of Embassy links for reference

• Study Abroad Scholarships
• Use the Short-Term Study Abroad Cost Estimator as a tool to financially prepare to study abroad. 
• Cost of Living 
• Currency Converter
• Foreign Transaction Fees
• Miscellaneous study abroad costs may include: 
  • Airfare
  • Textbooks 
  • Host university student fees 
  • Visa and passport application fees
  • Meals
  • Lodging (exchange programs only)

• BYO jet - Student Universe 
• JustFly
• Kayak
• Cheap Flights
• Expedia
• FlightsFrom.com
• Orbitz
• Priceline
• Travelocity
• Ryan Air 
• Rome 2 Rio

• If you're going on one of our short-term programs abroad, you don't need to! Lodging is provided by the program.
• If you're an exchange student, you can ask your host university. On-campus housing is typically the best option, but universities can sometimes help you find off-campus housing too. If not, check out these resources:
  • • Accommodation Engine
    • Erasmus Housing
    • Hostel World
    • Housinganywhere.com
    • Roomi
    • Study Abroad Apartments
    • Uniplaces

This list is not exhaustive and packing essentials will vary by country. When packing, remember that many airlines have luggage weight limits. If your luggage is over the limit, you could be charged hefty fees. Try not to over pack and make sure you leave room for souvenirs. Pack your carry-on bag with things you will not be able to live without (medication, change of clothes, etc). This way, even if your main luggage gets lost, you will be able to survive for a few days.

• Documents
  • Passport (and visa, if necessary)
  • International insurance card
  • Airline tickets
  • Credit card, debit card, cash
  • Personal identification 
  • List of emergency numbers
• Clothing
  • Shirts
  • Sweater or jacket
  • Pants 
  • Underwear and socks
  • Shoes (at least two comfortable pairs for daily walking)
  • Flip-flops or sandals 
  • Swimsuit
  • Watch
  • Hat
• Electronics
  • Cell phone
  • Cell phone charger cord
  • Outlet adaptor or converter 
• Health and Toiletries (please note that many toiletries can be purchased in the host country upon arrival)
  • An adequate supply of any prescription medications, plus written copies of the prescriptions
  • Band-Aids/small first aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Extra glasses/contacts/contact solution
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and soap 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Cosmetics
• School Supplies
  • Pens/pencils
  • Foreign language dictionary
  • Folders, notebooks, paper
  • Knapsack, book bag, or backpack

• Enroll in the STEP program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Through STEP, you will receive important messages about your destination that will help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Travel Advisories (gives travel and safety information)
• Travel Restrictions - Airlines 
• Locate a U.S. Consulate or Embassy
• U.S. Department of State Student Site
• VPNs 
• Mobile Devices Abroad
• Safety Tips 
• CDC Travel Guidelines

• Cross Cultural Conversions (time, money, temperature, etc.)
• Power Converters 
• Guide to Culture Shock

• If you can find another program you’d be interested in taking part in, let the Office of Learning Abroad know about it! We’ll do our best to work with you. Some other possible program providers are listed below: 
  • Volunteer or Intern Abroad 
  • Go Abroad
  • Go Overseas
  • International Studies Abroad
  • Knowledge Exchange Institute
  • Let's Go
  • Semester at Sea
  • StudyAbroad.com

• It can be difficult to return from a study abroad experience. Reverse culture shock is a real thing! Here are a few tips and resources for re-adjusting to life after returning from a study abroad.
• There are also opportunities to build upon your study abroad experience once you return!
  • Build your resume
  • Submit to The Global Review for the chance to be published
  • Join the Global Ambassadors to get more involved in the study abroad programs and engage with incoming international exchange students
  • Add to your degree! The Global Studies minor and International Business certificate require students to take part in a study abroad, so you're halfway there already!
  • Look into other study abroad programs
  • Now what?
• Exchange Students
  • Once an exchange student returns from abroad, the Office of Learning Abroad waits for their host school to send their transcript. Once the transcript has been sent to OLA, OLA will send the transcript and the learning agreement, completed prior to student departure, to the Registrar's Office. Course credits will then be transferred over.
• Short-term Students
  • Short-term students should finish any remaining schoolwork they may have upon their return from abroad. Once all of that work has been completed, Program Directors will finalize and submit student grades for the study abroad courses.

There is no limit!