Preparations
Preparations
1. Learn about your options for study abroad. Attend an information session in the International Center, make an appointment with a study abroad adviser and talk to students and faculty who have studied abroad.
2. Talk to your academic adviser and the Financial Aid Office about your plans to study abroad.
3. Apply to the study abroad or exchange program.
To guarantee your spot, apply in advance of the deadline, submitting the required deposit and any other required items, e.g., photos.
4. Apply for study abroad scholarships and financial aid by the deadlines.
Apply for the Virginia D. Weir, Guy H. Wells, Wellington or other study abroad scholarships at studyabroad.gcsu.edu.
5. Apply early for passport, apply for visa and make airline reservations (if necessary).
Passport applications are available at the Baldwin County Court House (Room 209) or at the Department of State Web site. Check visa requirements online via the country's Embassy Web site (for a list of sites visit the Department of State Visa Information. For some students participating in faculty-led programs, you will not need to apply for a visa or make airline reservations.
6. Make sure you are registered at Georgia College for the courses you will be taking abroad.
The study abroad advisers will register you for your study abroad courses, but it is your responsibility to ensure those are the correct courses you would like to take on your study abroad program.
7. Make all study abroad program payments to the International Center by the deadline and pay Georgia College tuition in the Business Office.
Study abroad students don't pay student fees required for on-campus courses, except the Technology and Institutional Fee.
8. Attend the required study abroad orientation.
9. Submit a signed Georgia College Waiver of Liability and a Student Information Sheet to the International Education Center
Forms should be submitted at orientation: Waiver (.pdf) ; and the Info Sheet (.pdf). You may want to get a physical and dental check-up, obtain required inoculations, and take with you abroad extra glasses or contact lenses and all prescribed medications. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site and the Department of State Web site.
10. Make arrangements for adequate health insurance coverage.
All Georgia College summer programs include the required comprehensive accident and health insurance for illness and injury, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. If your non-GC program does not already include the required insurance, you will need to obtain study abroad insurance through the International Education Center.
11. Prepare for your departure.
Review the study abroad student handbook for tips on international travel.
