GCSU 2024 Study Abroad Brochure

STUDY ABROAD

Embrace new cultures and discover yourself

Contents 2 Where in the World Can I Go? 3 Program Types 4 Internships & Service Learning 5 Affiliate Programs 7 Next Steps 8 Advising 9 Accessibility 11 Scholarships & Funding 12 For Parents & Caregivers 13 Frequently Asked Questions

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Where in the World Can I Go? You can study, intern, or service-learn almost anywhere in the world, while also receiving academic, professional, and service credit!

GCSU offers international opportunities on all seven continents, with programs ranging from a few weeks to an entire academic year.

We have many students who first study abroad and later participate in international internships or Senior Capstone experiences.

STUDY ABROAD International Education Center www.gcsu.edu/studyabroad studyabroadinfo@gcsu.edu

BROCHURE DESIGN BY: Natalie Clark, Spain 2022 Ansley Hill, England 2023 & Ireland 2024 Ariana Youmans, England 2008 Sydney Zeff, England 2023 & Ireland 2024

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Program Types Choose from different program types based on country, courses, length of program, pricing, and more.

GCSU-Faculty Led

Exchange

Short-term programs led by GCSU faculty, usually two to six weeks in length, often including accommodations and excursions. Offered in many desirable locations, with a variety of academics from which to choose. A great way to satisfy GC2Y.

Primarily semester and yearlong programs; students take courses at a university abroad with the foreign university’s own faculty, while paying GCSU rates of tuition.

Language & culture immersion programs available.

Collaborative Summer programs, usually lasting two to six weeks. This category includes programs with the European Study Center (CEPA), USG Goes Global, and programs offered

by GCSU in conjunction with other universities.

Affiliate In addition to its other offerings, GCSU partners with exceptional third-party organizations to expand upon the incredible portfolio of opportunities available to its students (see pages 5 and 6 for more information).

Graduate Programs for students taking graduate-level coursework. Some graduate programs are hosted and led by GCSU faculty and others are offered by third-party providers.

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Internships & Service-Learning Internships International internships provide students with uniquely diverse professional experiences - making them highly competitive future job applicants.

Internships are offered by GCSU and its affiliated organizations, and include internships in the following fields: Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences Architecture & Urban Planning Arts & Humanities Business & Marketing Communications, Media, & PR Education Engineering Environment & Sustainability Fashion Film & TV Health

Hospitality, Events, & Tourism Information Technology & Computer Science Legal Studies & Advocacy Performing & Visual Arts Political Science Psychology & Social Work Research Science & Math Sports & Exercise Science & more!

Service-Learning Service-learning provides students with the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real-world, communitybased settings around the globe.

These programs promote experiential learning and intercultural understanding - with programs available in the areas of: Community Development Education Environment Family & Youth Development Health Human Rights

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Affiliate Programs Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) IFSA is a not-for-profit provider who is committed to inclusive excellence, individualized learning, intercultural agility, and enduring impact. They offer programs in the fall, spring, and summer with a mission to provide students with ample support and create global learning environments to help students grow their knowledge, skills, and perspectives.

Discover more about IFSA at www.ifsa-butler.org

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International Studies Abroad by World Strides (ISA & TEAN) ISA’s mission is to ignite personal growth through its 200+ educational programs in more than 30 different countries - ranging in length from an intensive month to a full academic year. They offer many opportunities - including study abroad, international internships, and servicelearning - and their programs are applicable to a wide variety of disciplines, majors, and minors.

Learn more about ISA & TEAN at www.studiesabroad.com

School for Field Studies School for International (SFS) Training (SIT) SFS is the largest environmental science study abroad program provider for undergraduate students in the U.S. Their field study programs are available in numerous interesting destinations worldwide - allowing students to understand environmental issues by actually applying science in the field, not just by talking about it in the classroom.

Learn more about SFS at www.fieldstudies.org

SIT offers honors-level programs designed around critical global issues (climate, inequality, education, social change, geopolitics, global health, peace and justice). Their 90+ undergraduate and master’s programs can be found on all seven continents, in many offthe-beaten-track locations. The interdisciplinary nature of these programs makes them perfect for various majors!

Find more about SIT at www.sit.edu

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Next Steps 1

Attend a Study Abroad Info Session Info sessions cover the basics of opportunities abroad - including, program options, earning academic credit, funding, and more. Contact us or visit our Instagram page @gcsustudyabroad for info session dates, times, and locations.

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Search for Programs Visit our website to explore available programs. Use the “Advanced Search” option to filter by semester, location, and program type.

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Schedule an Appointment

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Apply for Your Program!

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Meet with our study abroad advisor to discuss the specifics of your programs of interest. You can make an appointment online or by emailing: studyabroadinfo@gcsu.edu

Go to the online brochure for the program that you have chosen and select “Apply Now.” If applying for a program hosted by a third-party, be sure to complete their application, as well.

Advising Whether you are just getting started or have a definite program in mind, meeting with a study abroad advisor will allow you to discuss important matters concerning your study abroad experience. Your questions about studying, interning, or service-learning abroad can be answered during this time, as well. Topics covered during the advising session include: Major and minor areas of study Personal and professional interests Credit hours achieved GPA Preferred locations Language preferences Program options Scholarships opportunities & more!

To book an advising session with our study abroad advisor visit:

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Accessibility GCSU is committed to making education abroad as accessible as possible for all students! This means evaluating programs by academic integrity, duration, cost, mental health support, LGBTQ+ support, and the ability to accommodate special needs.

Discipline & Duration GCSU, with the help of its affiliates, offers programs for every major ranging in length from two weeks to a full academic year. Therefore, we have phenomenal programs for our students - no matter their major, minor, professional and personal interests, or preferred length of stay.

Cost There are numerous ways to make going abroad more affordable via GCSU. One amazing benefit is that students remain enrolled at GCSU while abroad, allowing them to use federal or state aid (HOPE, Pell, Zell, student loans, etc.) towards tuition where applicable. Additionally, students are charged in-state tuition only (even if otherwise considered an out-of-state student). There are also multiple scholarships available (see page 11 for more information)!

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Student Support Resources GCSU has taken every step to ensure that students have access to mental health resources and support while abroad! Free online counseling is available in over 100 countries (including on nights and weekends), and students can even select a therapist based on gender, language, and ethnicity preferences. Additionally, students studying on exchange may avail of mental health resources at their host university.

Additionally, we understand that traveling abroad may be of concern to students within the LGBTQ+ community.

Therefore, we have resources available to inform students about LGBTQ+ rights and laws by country.

Special Needs & Accommodations GCSU and its affiliates provide support, scholarships, and accommodations for special needs. Whether students have special needs pertaining to academics, diet, disabilities, religion, or diversity, this can be discussed with a GCSU study abroad advisor. The study abroad advisor can assist with choosing a program that suits these needs!

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Scholarships & Funding GCSU is dedicated to making study abroad as affordable and accessible to as many students as possible through financial aid, scholarships, and keeping the cost of our GCSU facultyled programs to a minimum.

New Horizons Scholarship The New Horizons Scholarship is open to any GCSU undergraduate student of under-represented populations - including minorities, students of color, students with registered disabilities, first-generation college students, as well as students with unusual or exceptional needs or circumstances - who have applied for a credit-bearing study abroad, international internship, or service-learning abroad program.

GCSU Study Abroad Scholarship This scholarship is open to any GCSU student who has applied for a credit-bearing study abroad, international internship, or service-learning abroad program. GCSU is able to award many scholarships each year (including honors scholarships), so all students going abroad are encouraged to apply!

Other Scholarships Many GCSU-affiliated study abroad partners offer scholarships or grant-matching opportunities to GCSU students who are accepted to their summer, semester, or academic-year programs - including: IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) ISA (International Studies Abroad) TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) SFS (School for Field studies) SIT (School for International Training)

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For more on scholarships & funding, visit our website:

For Parents & Caregivers

Access parent guide on our website:

Studying, interning, and service-learning abroad provide students with experiences that foster success and independence, while also preparing them to be true global citizens. By choosing an international experience via Georgia College & State University, students can explore new horizons while also being in the care and mentorship of trusted faculty, staff, and third-party providers, with the added benefits of earning academic credit and real-life, transferable skills along the way.

At the International Education Center, we have advisors who guide students through each step of the process, and we actively encourage parents and caregivers to join us for study abroad orientations. You can show your support by researching and learning about the program your student plans to attend.

This will also ensure that you and your student are equally prepared.

Thank you for supporting your student as they plan for, participate in, and return from their study abroad experience! For a comprehensive parent guide to study abroad, visit our website using the QR code at the top of this page.

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Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible to study abroad?

Degree-seeking GCSU students who are above the age of 18, in good standing (academic and disciplinary), have completed one semester at GCSU, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA are eligible for short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs. To participate in semester and academic year programs, students must have declared a major, completed at least 60 credit hours, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Note: GPA requirements can vary based on program.

How do I apply?

Start by searching for your desired program.

Use the “Apply Now” button on the program brochure in order to apply with GCSU. If it is an exchange or collaborative program or provided by an affiliate partner, you will also need to apply through their website.

When are applications due?

This will depend on the program you are applying to! Check the program brochure via our website to view application due dates.

Do I need additional insurance?

Medical insurance is required for all study abroad programs. It is included in the cost of all GCSU faculty-led study abroad programs and also most of our affiliate partner programs. If it is not included, we can advise you on how to arrange it.

What is the payment policy?

For most programs, there is a program fee listed that will be due either in installments or by a specified date. The program charge is often, but not always, separate from tuition. Information about payments for specific programs and about refunds can be found via our website.

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Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?

No! Most GCSU students who study abroad take classes in English; however, there are opportunities to take foreign language courses or participate in foreign language programs while abroad.

Can I stay abroad after my program ends?

Many programs allow students to arrange their own flights, meaning you can likely arrange to stay after the program has ended to continue your travels. Just ensure that you adhere to country and visa requirements!

How do I connect with the International Education Center?

Our address, website, and contact information is listed below! Stop by, email, or call us with any questions. Additionally, we hold many events on campus where you can get involved and learn more about opportunities abroad! We typically hold an Opportunities Abroad Fair in the fall as well as other socials and large events throughout the year.

International Education Center Address: Bone House, 141 S. Clarke St., Campus Box 49, Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: 478-445-4789 | Email: studyabroadinfo@gcsu.edu Website: www.gcsu.edu/studyabroad

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INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER Bone House, 141 S. Clarke St., Campus Box 49, Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: 478-445-4789 | Email: studyabroadinfo@gcsu.edu | Website: gcsu.edu/studyabroad