January and Summer Study Abroad Programs Frequently Asked Questions:
What is included in all January and Summer study abroad programs?
General Inclusions - Program fees
- Accommodation
- All academic teaching and lectures as outlined in your program profile
- All in-country field trips and travel associated with your chosen program as outlined in your program profile
- Meals as outlined in your program profile
- Friendly and efficient service throughout program
- Health Insurance
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC) provides discounts abroad, extra travel insurance, plus lost/delayed baggage and trip delay protection
Scholarship and Financial Assistance - Information on available scholarships
- Financial advising and resources
- Customized billing options to ease the use of financial aid
Academic Support - Because academic planning and focus are always #1 for us, personal counseling will be available to help determine the best short-term program for you
- Credit transfer assistance and course approval by your home university
Pre-Departure Support and Orientation - Visa assistance
- Complete enrollment process support and processing
- Online Participant Guide, including extensive program and pre-departure information
- Informative online pre-departure webinars
- Pre-departure package
- Health and safety guidelines and resources
- Regular communication with advisors at your home university
- Counseling and support for parents and family
Support Upon Arrival - Orientation
- Airport pick-up
Support During Program - Emergency support 24 hours a day
- Continued correspondence and support from the U.S. office
- Resources and support available for minorities, GBLT, first generation students, and students with disabilities
Alumni Benefits - Official transcripts or certificate from the sponsoring university and re-order assistance
- Professional Resume Consultant services- students are encouraged to build then submit their resumes for review
- Alumni Handbook and Newsletter, valuable resources that includes information on reverse culture shock, incorporating study abroad into their career search, ideas for sharing their experience, and ideas for how to go abroad again
- enCompass Alumni Program, offering a variety of activities to help you share your adventures and advice with others and make the most of your abroad experience upon return
<Return to Top>
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Begin by checking with your study abroad office, your financial aid office, or the organization granting your scholarships to determine which awards will transfer to your study abroad program. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships from other sources like the Foundation for Global Scholars. Some January and summer study abroad programs even have their own scholarship opportunities. Details and applications will be provided once you have been accepted into your program of choice. Read more about scholarship opportunities here.
You may be able to use the current financial aid or scholarships you receive at your home university—be sure to check with your university’s financial aid and study abroad offices for their policies.
<Return to Top>
What kind of academic credit will I receive? All January and summer study abroad programs are offered for academic credit with a transcript issued from an overseas or U.S. university. Check the individual program profile for credit details.
<Return to Top> Can I extend my time overseas and travel after the program? Yes, we encourage this! The group flights have flexible return dates that you will self-select. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program’s end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.
<Return to Top>
Can I do a January or summer program before or after my semester abroad program? Yes, many of the January and summer study abroad programs can be added on to a fall or spring semester abroad. If you are thinking about a semester or year abroad, be sure to check the start and end dates of both programs to make sure they do not overlap. Then, contact us for more information.
<Return to Top>
Will I need a visa or passport? Yes, a valid passport is required for study overseas, and a valid immigration visa must be issued prior to your departure. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad will assist you in providing the immigration visa needed for your program(s). If you don’t have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible. In the U.S., you can do this through your local post office. In Canada, you can obtain the application online through Passport Canada. We will assist you with your visa during the application and enrollment process.
<Return to Top>
How will my flight and travel arrangements be made? In-country travel and transfers are usually included in the course price (international airfare is not). We work with STA Travel’s group ticket office to arrange group flights for all students participating in short-term study abroad programs. This ensures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Fares are secured at a student rate which will be shared with you once your flight is ready for booking. If you wish to stay in your host country after your program is complete, or visit other nearby destinations, STA Travel can help you arrange low-cost stopovers and can provide referrals to reputable tour companies in each country.
<Return to Top>
Is accommodation included? Yes, all January and summer programs include housing in the fees. Housing varies widely from program to program, but typically would be on-campus university dormitories, flats (apartments), motels/hotels, hostels, or some combination of each. You can feel certain that your housing is safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your program choice. Read more about specific program accommodations within each program profile.
<Return to Top>
What meals will be included? Provision of meals varies by the short-term program you choose. Some programs include all or most meals; for others, only some are included, and you will be responsible for eating on your own or with the group.
<Return to Top>
Will I have health insurance while overseas? Yes, health insurance and a Basic International Student Identity Card (ISIC) are included with all short-term programs. Students are given HTH Health Insurance included in their program fees. In addition to these insurance policies, you may want to consider taking out additional supplemental travel insurance, including extended medical, for lost baggage and trip cancelation. We can make suggestions for companies who offer this type of insurance. <Return to Top>
How do I apply to a January or summer short-term study abroad program? Learn how to apply for a January or summer short course on our "How to Apply" page. <Return to Top> After I apply, when will I find out if I'm accepted? Once your application is complete, you will learn of your acceptance within 2 weeks. The manager for the program you're applying to will call you directly regarding the acceptance decision. <Return to Top> |