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Application / Selection

Educational Component

General Questions

About Finances

Other Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Application/Selection

I am interested in studying abroad. When do you suggest I should begin the application process?

In general, students should begin the application process at least six months before they intend to study abroad. So, if you are hoping to study abroad in the fall term, you should start the application process in late March or early April.

What is the application process like?

For most programs, the application consists of the following: a completed application form, two references (from an academic advisor or faculty member), official transcripts from all previously attended institutions (including PSU), a statement of purpose, and a non-refundable application fee. After the completed application has been submitted, you will have an interview with a study abroad advisor. You will then be notified if you are accepted into the program.

How competitive is the selection for study abroad programs?

It really depends on the program. Some programs have a maximum number of students that can be accepted while others do not. In most cases, students with a good academic record, strong references and a solid statement of purpose will be successful candidates for selection into the desired study abroad program.

Educational Component

What types of courses can I take while overseas?

Courses will vary depending upon the program you select. Some programs allow students to direct-enroll at a University and in this case, the selection will be quite varied. Other programs are more limited in nature and students will have a somewhat narrow selection to choose from. Most programs list the available courses in their program brochure and on-line. Many students will study language, culture, and other social sciences. Increasingly, science and business majors have been able to take related courses overseas.

How do my credits transfer?

Credits will transfer back to PSU after your program is completed. The credits earned overseas will appear on your transcript as PSU credit. If you plan on having courses taken overseas fulfill certain PSU requirements, you will need to arrange this with someone in the respective academic department in advance.

Do I have to know a foreign language?

Not all study abroad programs require students to have foreign language skills. For example, there are many programs in Great Britain, Australia, or South Africa where English is the official language. In addition, there are programs where English is the language of instruction, such as programs in Denmark, Jordan, Italy, and many others. However, if you are hoping to develop strong language skills, many study abroad programs can provide you with experiences where this goal can be achieved.

General Questions

How can I find more information about study abroad?

The Education Abroad office hosts weekly information sessions for all students who are interested in study abroad or international internships. These information sessions are held every Thursday in East Hall #223 at 12pm. We recommend attending an information session prior to meeting individually with an education abroad advisor.

When do most students study abroad?

There is no set time for students to study abroad. However, students are not eligible to study abroad during the Freshman year. In general, students should work with their academic advisor to plan for the study abroad experience. Depending on your academic goals and timeline, students can study abroad during the Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year.

I'd like to do an internship overseas. Is this possible?

Yes. Through the IE3 Program, junior, senior, and graduate students can participate in an international internship. See the following website for details: http://ie3global.oregonstate.edu/ie3/

How long can I study abroad?

Program lengths vary. Some programs last an entire calendar year. On the other hand, short-term study abroad programs lasting 2-3 weeks also exist. Some students study abroad for one term, while others go for the full academic year. Summer programs are also offered - from 2 weeks to 8 weeks in duration.

Can I work overseas while participating in a study abroad program?

Whether you can work or not will depend on what type of visa you are issued. In most cases, it will be illegal to work while overseas and you should not attempt to work "under the table" or engage in anything that will be considered to be illegal by local authorities. Ask a study abroad advisor for further clarification if you still have questions. If you are interested in going overseas to work, consider an international internship.

Do I have to live with a host family?

Most programs offer at least two options for living arrangements. These include: apartment living, dormitory living, and host family living. However, there are some programs which only offer a host family living situation. You can find out what type of living arrangements are offered by your program through searching in the program brochure or looking on-line at their program website.

What sorts of vaccinations are required before studying abroad?

This varies on your destination. Please see the following website for specific requirements: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

I don't have a passport. How do I obtain one?

See the following website for information on how to obtain a passport. Necessary forms can be obtained via this website. http://www.state.gov/travel/

About Finances

Are there scholarships for study abroad programs?

Yes. There are many scholarships that can be used for study abroad programs. In fact, some scholarships are specifically designed for study abroad participants. See our scholarship page on this website for more information and links to scholarships. In order to be considered for most scholarships, students should have a competitive GPA (i.e. higher than 3.0 GPA).

How much more is the cost of an overseas program compared to staying in Portland?

The cost of study abroad programs vary depending on length of stay, program site, living arrangements, etc. Because each program is unique, it is important to check the program website or brochure to see the current program cost. When figuring the actual program expenses, you should accurately compare all costs of living in Portland (tuition, housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, entertainment, etc.) with the costs stated on-line or in the brochure of the particular program of interest.

Can I pay my program bill with a credit card?

You can use a credit card for payment via the web. You may also fill out a credit/debit card authorization with your study abroad adviser BEFORE you leave for your program. Your study abroad adviser will then be able to charge your debit/credit card while you are abroad.

Can I pay my program bill in monthly installments?

Yes, you may pay in monthly installments, if you prefer dividing up your bill. However, be aware that you will be charged interest and that each term's bill should be paid in full (or very close to it) before the next term's installment is due.

I have a tuition/fee remission and/or another PSU-based scholarship. Can I use that for my program?

Yes. For example, the Laurels, Diversity, and Presidential Scholarship can be applied to the cost of your program. The only scholarship that is NOT applicable to your study abroad program is WUE.

Can I use my financial aid to study abroad?

Yes. If you are participating in a PSU approved study abroad program, you should be able to use your financial aid.

Other Questions

I'm a post-bac student. Can I still study abroad?

Post-bac and Masters students can study abroad on certain programs; however, in most case, they earn undergraduate credit. International Internships are an additional opportunity for Post-bac and Masters level students. Graduate level or post-bac students can earn graduate level credit for their international internship.

Can I take dependents with me?

There are some programs which allow students to take dependents with them during the study abroad experience. If you are interested in taking dependents with you, you should contact a study abroad advisor.

I am an older student, can I still study abroad?

Yes. We have had many non-traditional students study overseas. Older students can have a wonderful experience while completing a study abroad program. Some students choose to live in an apartment or dormitory situation, while others feel like a homestay experience will be more worthwhile.

What if I have dietary restrictions? Can I still study abroad?

Many students with dietary restrictions study abroad. It is important that you clearly note this on your pre-departure forms and on your application, if asked. On-site coordinators will then be aware of your dietary needs and will try to make necessary accommodations.