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:

1. Service learning programs
2. Independent study courses
3. Research projects
4. Some internship and work abroad
5. Volunteer abroad
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. Schedule an appointment with the independent study program coordinator by emailing [email protected]. Make sure that you bring all information about your independent study to this meeting, the more information the better. This meeting is required for all students pursuing Independent Study abroad. It serves to ensure the legitimacy of your chosen program as well as verify proper documentation for GVSU approval of your course of study.
3. Complete an independent study application in the GVSU study abroad application portal once it can be opened up to you by the independent study coordinator. Your application will be reviewed but acceptance is not guaranteed.

APPLY NOW

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

This section provides pre-departure resources and practical tips you'll need to know and things you'll need to do before you go and while you are 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.

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

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

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.

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.

• 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

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

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

• Find resources for students returning from study abroad.

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 through the COST Program

If you have questions, you can reach out to Sherie Klee [email protected]