Independent Study Programs
There are many options for pursuing an independent study abroad. On this page you will find information about the process and planning for an independent study program.
Getting Started
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:
- Service learning programs
- Independent study courses
- Research projects
- Internship and work abroad
- Volunteer abroad
- Student Teaching (COST Program)
- 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:
- 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.
- Schedule an appointment with the independent study program coordinator via [email protected]. Make sure that you bring all information about your independent study to this meeting. Also remember to bring faculty form(s) signed by your advisor(s), as well as a course syllabus. This meeting is required for all students pursuing Independent Study abroad. It serves to ensure the validity of your chosen program as well as verify proper documentation for GVSU approval of your course of study.
- Complete an independent study application in the GVSU study abroad application portal. Your application will be reviewed but acceptance is not guaranteed.
Application Tips:
- If there is not a host university involved with your independent study, list the title of your specific project or program
- If the provider you are using doesn’t not appear on the dropdown list, please contact [email protected]
- Review the Independent Study Checklist for a timeline of when to complete materials
Pre-Departure Timeline
|
Next Steps |
Fall Deadlines |
Winter Deadlines |
Summer Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Apply for a passport if you have not already done so. Passport applications are available at the Padnos International Center, major post offices, and online at: https://travel.state.gov/. Passports take many weeks to process, so apply now. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return to the U.S. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please apply for a passport through the embassy of your country of citizenship. |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
|
Begin making arrangements for a GVSU professor to supervise your independent study and issue credits. Either your current academic adviser and/or department head is a good place to start making inquiries. After arrangements have been made, you may register for the appropriate independent study course. The GVSU supervisor will usually ask to see our independent study description and information on your placement site. Arrange to meet earlier so that you can discuss your plans, arrange for coursework and credits, or find another supervisor if necessary. |
May |
October |
By March 15 |
|
Schedule an appointment with the independent study coordinator. Make sure that you bring all information about your independent study to this meeting. Also remember to bring faculty form(s) signed by your advisor(s), as well as a course syllabus. This meeting is required and serves to ensure the validity of your chosen program, as well as verify proper documentation for GVSU approval of your course of study. |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
As soon as possible |
|
Login to the GVSU study abroad application portal to complete the application. |
By June 1 |
By October 1 |
By March 1 |
|
Complete application through host university/organization, if applicable. Most students will first apply to GVSU and will then be invited to apply to their host university for final approval. |
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File a FAFSA: You MUST file a FAFSA and complete the summer application for financial aid if you wish to be considered for aid during the spring/summer. This is available through the Financial Aid Office’s website. Alternative loans may be available to you. For further inquiries regarding your Financial Aid, email [email protected]. |
By March 15 |
October |
Early February |
|
Apply for your visa (if you need one), to be allowed entry into your host country. Check with the embassy of your host country to verify the timeline for visa applications. |
June/July |
October/November |
March |
|
Complete the Expense form and Financial Aid Agreement: All students using financial aid for a program abroad must complete the Study Abroad Budget and the Financial Aid Agreement. |
By June 1 |
By November 1 |
By April 1 |
|
Attend pre-departure meetings organized by the Padnos International Center. This meeting is required and will be scheduled by working with your independent study coordinator. |
Ongoing |
Ongoing |
Ongoing |
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Practical Information
- Review the Independent Study Checklist for important information
- What to know about conducting research abroad
- 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
Finances
- How to fund your 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
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
- 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
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Additional Resources
- 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
