Study Abroad

All Central State students are encouraged to study abroad. Study abroad is an enriching, life-changing experience and a student’s interest in studying abroad demonstrates a highly desirable trait: intellectual curiosity. Spending time abroad opens a window to a world of opportunity for deepening students’ understanding and knowledge of political, international, economic, and global issues. Apart from the academic enhancement and personal growth, students who have studied abroad possess skills that are valued in today’s competitive workplace – a global perspective, second-language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability to new environments.

How to Choose a Study Abroad Program

• Deciding to study abroad is a major commitment and requires careful consideration of and research into the various options at least several months in advance.
• Discuss the options with a study abroad adviser at the Center for International Education. Review the study abroad information on the Internet.
• Talk with your family and professors for their advice and support.
• Meet with your academic adviser to discuss how study abroad fits into your major or other academic interests. Speak with language professors and/or professors who are familiar with the world region in which you are interested.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What area of the world appeals to me?
• How long would I like to study abroad and during what time of the year?
• Should I look for a program directly related to my major or a "general" program?
• Do I have any electives I may take overseas?
• Should I look for a program that is taught in English or a foreign language?
• Should I further my study of a foreign language abroad?
• How much money can I afford for my overseas education?
• To look for a program, visit any of these sites, in this order (Note that iiepassport also offers $$): iiepassport.com, StudyAbroad.com, OR GoAbroad.com

Choose a destination under Country/Region
Choose a Subject
Choose a Program Type (summer/semester/year)

After choosing a study abroad program, there are a few steps you need to take to complete the application. These may include verification and approval by your academic department and other offices on campus such as Financial Aid. The process is straightforward, and the Center for International Education will be there to assist you.

This application process is to be used for all study abroad programs sponsored jointly by Central State and cooperation institutions.

• Please print neatly all information on this application and attach additional sheets, if necessary. Be sure to sign the forms in the places indicated.
• Remember to provide ALL the requested information and signatures before submitting your Study Abroad Application to the Center for International Education.
• The majority of education abroad opportunities are open to students who have completed the minimum credit hours (30) associated with a sophomore in good academic standing at the time of application.
• Each applicant must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average to participate in any study abroad program, unless with the approval of the student’s dean.

Instructions to Applicants

• Apply for a passport http://travel.state.gov.
• Complete a Study Abroad Information Sheet. [required]
• Obtain and complete the application for the program of interest (third-party program provider).
• Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss course selection.
• Complete the Course Approval Form and have Academic Advisor sign the form. [required]
• Complete a Budget Worksheet and discuss it with a Financial Aid Counselor. [required]
• Have a Study Abroad Clearance Form signed by these offices: Registration, Student Affairs, Cash Management, Financial Aid, Residence Life, Student Health Services, and International Education. [required]
• Complete a Participant Health Statement and Emergency Contact Form (CSU program only).
• Complete an Authorization for Release of Medical and Education Records (CSU program only).
• Complete a Liability and Participant Agreement (CSU program only).|
• Complete an International Travel Registry (shortly before departure).
• Complete any other necessary forms required by your program.

Pre-departure checklist

4-6 months prior

• Obtain/renew your Passport. Make sure it is signed and valid for at least 6 months after your return.
• Complete a Budget Planning Sheet and discuss it with International Education staff and the Office of Financial Aid before choosing a program.
• Apply to a study abroad program.
• Meet with your academic advisor and department chairperson to discuss your course selection and have them approve your selection.
• Research the country and city in which you will be living. Know the local weather for the timeframe you’ll be living abroad. Read books on the culture/general area.
• Schedule a doctor’s appointment or physical prior to departure. The Student Health Clinic can conduct physicals and sign-off on any paperwork containing your health condition.

3 months prior

• Apply for your visa (if necessary). All programs and country requirements vary.
• Book your flight, after verifying specifics with the representative whom you are working with. Make sure you are arriving at the designated airport on the correct date and time. Also, consider signing up for any frequent flier miles now.
• Talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can be found in the country you will be studying in. Consider options for generics.
• Make necessary housing arrangements at Central State for your return.
• Make sure all forms have been completed, signed, and returned to the CGE office (copies will be given to students). Click to download these forms: Study Abroad Information Sheet, Study Abroad Course Approval Form, Budget Worksheet, Study Abroad Clearance Form, and Liability and Participant Agreement (CSU programs only).

1 month prior

• Register with the Department of State.
• Develop a communication plan with your family and friends. Consider setting up a skype account and practicing with your family prior to your departure.
• Determine whether your cell phone will work if you plan on using it while abroad.
• Start a packing list. Check your airline for any baggage restrictions.
• Purchase voltage converters or adapters, if needed.
• Print and make a copy of your insurance card.
• Verify payment for tuition and fees for Study Abroad. Full payment for the program is due by the on-campus tuition dates or prior to departure, whichever comes first.
• Put together a budget for your time abroad of estimated and fixed expenses.

2 weeks prior

• Inform your credit card company and bank that you will be out of the country and making transactions from abroad (give the name of the country or countries being visited).
• Gather phone numbers and email addresses for all necessary onsite staff at Central State.
• Pack efficiently. Be sure to bring clothes that layer well, wash well, and are season-appropriate.
• For spring semester participants, if you worked at any time during the previous year, come up with a plan • with family members about how you will file taxes.
• Invest in a phrasebook to brush up on some basic vocabulary. Purchase an app or guidebook.
• Make photocopies of important items to take with you and keep at home (passport, visa, credit cards, insurance card, and itineraries).