Independent Study Programs
On this page you will find information you need to prepare for your upcoming independent study abroad program.
This guide is a reference for the questions you may have related to your upcoming experiences, whether that is planning or information you'll need while abroad.
Getting Started
An independent study is when you participate in a program abroad where you are receiving credit for a GVSU course and you do not receive an official transcript from the host organization abroad.
Independent study abroad programs may include but are not limited to the following:
- Service learning programs
- Independent study courses
- Research projects
- Internship and work abroad
- Volunteer abroad
- Practicum placements
PLEASE NOTE: If you are receiving credit from another university for your program, you will apply for an external or partner program. Students participating in an independent study will pay GVSU tuition in addition to the independent study program provider.
To gain credit for an independent study abroad, you will follow these steps:
- Identify a faculty supervisor within the department you wish to earn credit. The faculty member should agree to supervise your work during the time you are overseas, as well as formulate a method of assessment for the work you complete abroad. Either your current academic adviser and/or department head is a good place to start making inquiries. The GVSU supervisor will usually ask to see your independent study description and information on your placement site. Arrange to meet early so that you can discuss your plans, arrange for coursework and credits, or find another supervisor if necessary.
- Schedule an appointment with the independent study program coordinator via [email protected]. Make sure that you bring all information about your independent study to this meeting. Also remember to bring faculty form(s) signed by your advisor(s), as well as a course syllabus. This meeting is required for all students pursuing Independent Study abroad. It serves to ensure the validity of your chosen program as well as verify proper documentation for GVSU approval of your course of study.
- Complete an independent study application in the GVSU study abroad application portal. Your application will be reviewed but acceptance is not guaranteed.
Application Tips:
- If there is not a host university involved with your independent study, list the title of your specific project or program
- If you have questions about anything, contact Kristen Cloutier [email protected]
- Review the Independent Study Checklist for a timeline of when to complete materials
Pre-Departure Timeline
|
Next Steps |
Fall Deadlines |
Winter Deadlines |
Summer Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
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Apply for a passport if you have not already done so. Passport applications are available at the Padnos International Center, major post offices, and online at: https://travel.state.gov/. Passports take many weeks to process, so apply now. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return to the U.S. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please apply for a passport through the embassy of your country of citizenship. |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
|
Begin making arrangements for a GVSU professor to supervise your independent study and issue credits. Either your current academic adviser and/or department head is a good place to start making inquiries. After arrangements have been made, you may register for the appropriate independent study course. The GVSU supervisor will usually ask to see our independent study description and information on your placement site. Arrange to meet earlier so that you can discuss your plans, arrange for coursework and credits, or find another supervisor if necessary. |
May |
October |
By March 15 |
|
Schedule an appointment with the independent study coordinator. Make sure that you bring all information about your independent study to this meeting. Also remember to bring faculty form(s) signed by your advisor(s), as well as a course syllabus. This meeting is required and serves to ensure the validity of your chosen program, as well as verify proper documentation for GVSU approval of your course of study. |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
|
Login to the GVSU study abroad application portal to complete the application. |
By June 1 |
By October 1 |
By March 1 |
|
Complete application through host university/organization, if applicable. Most students will first apply to GVSU and will then be invited to apply to their host university for final approval. |
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File a FAFSA: You MUST file a FAFSA and complete the summer application for financial aid if you wish to be considered for aid during the spring/summer. This is available through the Financial Aid Office’s website. Alternative loans may be available to you. For further inquiries regarding your Financial Aid, email [email protected]. |
By March 15 |
October |
Early February |
|
Apply for your visa (if you need one), to be allowed entry into your host country. Check with the embassy of your host country to verify the timeline for visa applications. |
June/July |
October/November |
March |
|
Complete the Budget form and Financial Aid Agreement: All students using financial aid for a program abroad must complete the Study Abroad Budget and the Financial Aid Agreement. |
By June 1 |
By November 1 |
By April 1 |
|
Attend pre-departure meetings organized by the Padnos International Center. This meeting is required and will be scheduled by working with your independent study coordinator. |
Ongoing |
Ongoing |
Ongoing |
Practical Information
- Review the Independent Study Checklist for important information
- What to know about conducting research abroad
- Don't have a passport yet? Check out our resource for Applying for a Passport
- Packing tips for study abroad!
- Before you go, set up Multi-Factor Authentication to be able to use and access your GVSU accounts while abroad.
- Things to consider when purchasing a flight.
- Applying for a student visa for travel.
- How to get an FBI background check or apostille if required for your visa.
- How to set up a phone and communication while abroad.
- Learning about transportation while abroad.
- Using electronic devices abroad.
- Tips for living with a host family.
- Voting in an election while abroad.
- What to do about your housing in the US while you are abroad.
- How to be a good representative of the US and GVSU while abroad.
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Finances
This section is meant to help provide you resources to understand and manage the financial pieces of study abroad whether that is the planning process before you go, including financial aid, scholarshipa, and budgeting or making a plan for managing money once you're there. Take your time as you move through all of these resources and reach out to our office with questions.
- How to fund your study abroad program
- How to complete the Study Abroad Budget Form
- Learn how to budget for your personal spending during your study abroad experience.
- Check out the Financial Aid Guide. This will give you guidance on the most frequently asked questions related to financial aid.
- Resources and making an appointment with the Financial Aid Office
- Learn about scholarships for study abroad
- Money Tips and Taking Money Abroad
- How to defer program fees if eligible.
- How to receive an early refund of financial aid if eligible.
- When will my financial aid be released to me? Check out release dates for your financial aid.
- Complete your financial aid agreement
- Information regarding 1098T Education Tax Credit
Deadlines
Find out the deadlines for all paperwork and documents required by PIC to participate in a study abroad program
- Fall semester and Academic year abroad deadlines
- Winter semester abroad deadlines
- Spring and Summer abroad deadlines
Health
Your health and wellness is very important to consider when you go abroad. This section will help you understand your required international health insurance through GVSU and other logistical considerations for your health and wellness before you go and while you are abroad.
- Learn about your international Insurance - Insurance registration is required for everyone studying abroad at GVSU.
- Information on health abroad and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Taking medications abroad and preparing if you plan to take prescription medications abroad.
- Learn about vaccines for travel.
- Learn about Relationships and Sexual Health Abroad
- Learn about how to prioritize your mental health while abroad.
Safety
Your safety abroad is very important to us. A little preparation before you leave goes a long way. This section will give your resources and tips around staying safe while abroad.
- Learn about Being Safe Abroad
- Enroll in STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the State Department
- Inform yourself about Sexual Violence
- Check out the Travel Advisories for your destination
- Check out the FBI brochure on safety and security abroad
- Review the Participant Responsibilities for Health and Safety Abroad
- Learn how to Stay Safe on Public WIFI
- Identity Abroad
Culture
Immersing yourself in a new culture abroad is one of the most exciting things about studying abroad. This section will help prepare you on topics such as navigating cultural differences, culture shock, and how to stay open-minded and embrace the new culture around you.
- What is culture shock and how to navigate it
- Access CultureGrams country guides for extensive cultural information
Additional Resources
This section is full of additional resources such as the Pre-Departure Checklist and resources related to identity abroad.
- Access the Pre-Departure Checklist to assist in your study abroad planning
- Access resources and information for students of color
- Find resources and information for LGBTQIA+ students
- Access information for women studying abroad
- Learn about resources for students with disabilities
- Access information for veterans
- Find information and resources for non-traditional students
- Hear from GVSU students about their experiences abroad
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Returning to the United States
- Learn about resources for students returning from study abroad
Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching
Students who do the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching Program follow a separate process to the independent study process that is established with Sherie Klee and Padnos International Center.
Student Teaching (COST Program)