OmniUpdate

Promote International Education

 

The IIS needs your help! Many students don't know that they can participate in a study abroad program, many think they can’t study abroad in their major, or think they can only study abroad in their major, and many assume it's just too expensive to study abroad. As a faculty advisor, you are the crucial first point of contact when a student is considering studying abroad. Help students get the facts about studying abroad, and they may discover that they can include a study abroad experience as part of their education at LHU.

STUDY ABROAD BASICS for FACULTY ADVISORS

(for semester exchange programs)

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDY ABROAD:

  • 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA (with advisor support, students with a GPA close to a 2.5 may petition for permission to study abroad, consult with the IIS)
  • good academic and student life standing
  • recommended minimum: second semester sophomore standing for semester participation (with advisor support, some majors require first semester sophomore participation)
  • Limit of two semesters of study abroad (no limit on summer programs)
  • Transfer students must complete one semester at LHU before applying
  • Complete LHU application by the deadline (October 1 and March 1)
  • Complete Exchange Program application

**ADVISING NOTE**

Students need to plan ahead for study abroad. If interested, have them meet with the IIS dean or assistant director during their first year, preferably second semester.

CHOOSE A PROGRAM:

  • Over 30 exchange programs in over 20 locales
  • Programs available for all majors
  • Programs in English in non-English speaking countries, programs in LHU target languages (language courses and content courses in English), English speaking programs in English speaking countries

**ADVISING NOTE**

Most majors can study abroad; some majors need careful planning for semester-long programs (e.g., health sciences, education, music). Some students may need to opt for summer programs.

ADVICE ON COURSES TO TAKE ABROAD:

  • Major/minor requirements (students fill out the LHU Study Abroad Course Approval form as part of their application: courses are pre-approved by the department chair before the student goes abroad)
  • General education requirements: language, humanities and social science, liberal arts seminars, multicultural and external experience overlays
  • Grades ARE calculated into GPA, and are listed on the transcript as LHU courses

**ADVISING NOTE**

Please advise students who think they may study abroad to save some general education requirements to take abroad.

PAYING FOR STUDY ABROAD:

  • Students are charged LHU tuition and fees, no tuition is charged by the exchange partner
  • Student pays for room and board (billed directly by Exchange Partner), airfare, and activity fees
  • Scholarships (e.g., Board of Governors) transfer for semester programs
  • Federal and state aid (per federal guidelines) transfers for semester programs
  • Work-study does not transfer (students not on LHU campus to work)
  • PLUS loans (taken by parents) are also available to pay for study abroad
  • Summer faculty-led programs: program fees paid by student; tuition paid by student
  • Outside summer programs (sponsored by our partner universities or third party providers): all fees and tuition paid by student

**ADVISING NOTE**

Students should meet with financial aid to determine additional costs for study abroad so loans/ aid can be adjusted.

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS (View funding Opportunities)

  • Benjamin Gilman Scholarship (students must be receiving a Pell grant to be eligible)
  • Bridging Scholarship (for study in Japan)
  • NSEP Boren (for understudied languages and less traveled countries)
  • DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship (for study in Germany)
  • Rotary International (one year, any country)

**ADVISING NOTE**

Encourage students to apply for outside scholarships, someone will receive the money, why not them? The IIS offers many programs throughout the semester to promote study abroad, the Study Abroad Poster Fair, Study Abroad Information Sessions, Country Programs, and other events for students to learn about opportunities to study abroad. Please refer to the IIS calendar under Events for an up to date calendar.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PROMOTE STUDY ABROAD

Invite the IIS to give a study abroad presentation to your class

An IIS staff member can present the basics of study abroad (the who, what, where, why and how of study abroad) to your introductory class or majors seminar. The presentation can be 30 minutes to an entire class period, whatever works for you and your class. A visit from study abroad returnees can also be arranged, if the IIS is given enough notice.

Integrate study abroad into your class

Are you talking about international subject matter in the classes you teach? Remind students that they can get a first-hand glimpse of these subjects on their own by participating in an LHU study abroad program.

Share your own experiences abroad

Sometimes the idea of leaving Lock Haven for a semester seems scary or intimidating to students, many students are afraid to leave their families and friends and the familiar surroundings of LHU. Tell your own story about an experience studying, working, researching, or traveling abroad and make yourself accessible for students to ask questions.