Academic Advice

• The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
• Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and Issues requirements abroad
• The Geography department is especially partial to programs that get students into regular classes at a host university, and programs where students can be out of the classroom and into the community. On the other hand, courses that are essentially guided tours may not be recommended in the major.
• Study abroad can provide an opportunity for students to pursue unique fieldwork experiences. With the consultation of their capstone project adviser and/or Department Chair, students can use this research as the basis for their senior project.
• Students may be able to pursue independent research, research through an internship or volunteer opportunity, or research through their study program that could be used for their senior project.
• Look for programs that offer significant cultural integration. Deep involvement in the host culture leads to personal growth and instills the cross-cultural skills that are so important to success in the workplace and community.
• Encountering a very different culture will provide new insights into your own culture. The department encourages students to consider study in countries outside of Western Europe.
• Learn about other traditions and perspectives in geography.
• See how geographers in another country view their discipline; students should choose a program where their professors are from the host country. Look for opportunities to study how the geography of an area has affected its culture, environment, economy, and politics.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please visit our Course Approval page. 

Once you have selected a program, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your plans.