Academics

• Learn how to get courses approved to take abroad
• Take General Education and Issues courses abroad
• Transfer credit from courses taken abroad
• How academic systems can be different abroad
• What is IS 380 and how to register
• Academic policies for students while abroad
• Policies for withdrawing and refunds
• What to know about conducting research abroad

Finances

• How to fund your study abroad program
• How to complete the Expense Form
• How to create a budget for your study abroad experience
• Guide to financial aid while abroad
• Setting up a financial aid appointment
• Learn about scholarships for study abroad
• How to manage your money while abroad
• How to defer program fees if eligible
• Receive an early refund of financial aid if eligible
• Find out the release date for your financial aid
• Complete your financial aid agreement
• Information regarding 1098T Education Tax Credit

Practical Information

• Applying for a Passport
• Packing tips for study abroad
• 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 know about your host country before going 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

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

• GVSU required health insurance information
• Information on health abroad and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Important considerations regarding COVID-19
• Taking medications abroad
• Learn about vaccines for travel
• Information on Global Epidemics
• Learn about Relationships and Sexual Health Abroad

Safety

• Learn about Being Safe Abroad
• Enroll in STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the State Department
• Inform yourself about Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Rape Abroad
• 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

Culture

• What is culture shock and how to navigate it
• Find cultural information for countries represented by GVSU programs
• Access CultureGrams country guides for extensive cultural information
• Explore the Nations Online Project for comprehensive country-specific information
• Access guides for acclimation created by the Glimpse foundation
• Check out general cultural value differences to prepare for your travel
• Utilize the Hofstede country comparison tool to compare cultural differences between countries

Additional Resources

• Access the Pre-Departure Checklist to assist in your study abroad planning
• Check out the GVSU Pre-Departure video for study abroad tips from students
• 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
• View the Students Abroad Handbook from the Center for Global Engagement

Returning to the United States

• Learn about resources for students returning from study abroad