How to Apply to Study Abroad

STEPS TO START A STUDY ABROAD APPLICATION:

1. Click on 'Apply/Log In' from the main navigation at gvsu.edu/studyabroad 

2. Login to the portal using your GVSU username and password 

3. Complete your Profile information. If you want some guidance on program suggestions, complete the Program Match quiz.

4. Click 'Explore Programs'

4. Select the program you wish to apply for and click 'Apply Now'

5. Complete the Study Abroad Application (Steps listed below)

6. Click the "SUBMIT" button to finalize your application. Please note, when you click the submit button, your application is not considered fully complete until one of two faculty recommendation forms have been submitted. Check your application often to see if they are complete. If you have any issues with these, please reach out to [email protected] with your questions.

 

THE APPLICATION:

  • Essay Questions: Your essays will be read by PIC staff and in some cases the program faculty director. Sample Essay Questions.
  • Release of Information: You will be asked if you would like to give PIC permission to speak with a parent or other contact person(s). If you provide a contact person, we will be happy to speak with that individual if questions arise. Due to confidentiality laws, there is limited information that can be provided to your family without this written consent.
  • Faculty Recommendations: You will list 1 or 2 GVSU faculty members' names and email addresses. An email will be sent to each faculty member with a link to an online recommendation form. PLEASE NOTE : FACULTY ARE NOT ASKED TO SUBMIT A FORMAL LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, BUT INSTEAD TO FILL OUT A SMALL ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE. Faculty Recommendation Example Form
  • $50 Application Fee: All study abroad applicants pay a $50 application fee at the time of application.
  • Commitment Fee (FACULTY-LED)  Faculty-led applicants will pay a $500 commitment fee for their program. If you follow through with your plans for study abroad, this money goes towards your overall program costs. 
  • Commitment Deposit (EXCHANGE, INTERNSHIP or PROVIDER) Exchange, internship or provider applicants will pay a $100 deposit for their program. If you follow through with your plans for study abroad and complete application materials by posted deadline, the deposit will be refunded to you. This deposit is non-refundable if you withdraw after acceptance. 
  • Integration with myBanner: Via profiles and applications are integrated with myBanner. There have been issues with information syncing between these platforms. If you are noticing that the information is not correct within your application, do not worry about this. The application reviewer is taking the extra step to check information in student's myBanner accounts. We are hoping this issue will be resolved quickly.

 

FOR PROVIDER PROGRAMS:

When GVSU students participate in a Provider program they also need to submit an application to the provider. Submitting both the Provider application and the GVSU application is necessary and mandatory. If you have applied to a provider program and do not see your specific program in our application system EMAIL US ASAP!

This and any other questions about Provider applications can be directed to [email protected].

FOR FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS:

Once you are officially accepted into your program by Padnos International Center, you will have two weeks to complete the Program Commitment Form and pay the $500 deposit.

This and any other questions about Faculty-led applications can be directed to [email protected]

WITHDRAWING FROM A PROGRAM:

*To withdraw from a program, navigate to your 'My Programs' dashboard and simply select 'View Details' on your program. Once there you will see the option to withdraw below the program photo and term timing. Click 'Withdraw' and select your reasoning. If requests are taking more than two weeks, please email [email protected] to inquire about the status of your withdrawal.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

 

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

View Application Deadlines for the study abroad application



Page last modified December 2, 2024