Study Abroad Information for Students

Plan Ahead

With proper planning, you may be able to fulfill major, minor, or general education requirements while abroad.

• Consult your department: For approval to study off-campus, talk to your academic advisor about your plans and your department chairperson.
• Complete a degree planner: Academic Advising has several useful tools, including the Four-Year Degree Planner
• Know what requirements you will fulfill abroad and what you’ll need to complete upon return in order to graduate.

Transfer of Credits

Flagler Approved Semester and Summer Programs

The courses you take abroad will appear on your Flagler transcript as either Flagler courses or as transfer credits, depending on the exact course and program, and factor into your grade point average (GPA). View the specific program’s academic details for exact information about how the credits will appear for each program. Courses must be taken for a grade.

For Faculty-Led Programs

The courses are taught by Flagler faculty and are considered Flagler courses. They will appear on your Flagler transcript as letter grades and factor into your Flagler GPA (unless it is a credit/no credit course).

For Non-Flagler Programs

Courses will need to be approved as transfer credits.

Participating in a Program During Your Final Semester

Although students may seek special permission to study abroad during their final semester, the Office of Study Abroad strongly suggests students do NOT study abroad on a semester program during their last term at Flagler.

Grades from abroad can be delayed, which can cause difficulties with graduation; semester programs do not necessarily follow the Flagler College academic calendar, and students must plan extremely carefully to be certain all requirements will be met.

Student Safety

Flagler College considers the safety of its students a top priority. We require every student who studies abroad, regardless of the program type and sponsor, to attend a pre-departure orientation in which health, safety, legal, and cultural issues are discussed.

Useful Websites

The following government websites have valuable tips and information to help ensure that the study abroad experience is safe. We encourage all students and parents to review carefully:

U.S. State Department Safety Abroad Publication
U.S. State Department Travel Warnings & Consular Information
U.S. State Department Information for Students Traveling Abroad
U.S. State Department Country Information
CDC Travelers' Health Information

Travel Registration With U.S. Embassies Abroad

Travel registration is a free service the U.S. Government provides to U.S. citizens traveling to or living in a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

When an emergency happens, or if a natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. U.S. consular officers assist Americans with serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. They also offer non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms.

By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.

To Register

• Go to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Click the "Create an Account" link and follow the instructions to create an account. 
• Once you have created an account, you will view your profile and add trips or overseas residences to register with a specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Click on the "Add Trip" button or "Add Overseas Residence" buttons to add this information.
• You will receive a confirmation email to ensure that you are registered correctly.

Health Insurance

It would be unwise to study abroad without being certain that you have health insurance that provides protection for any place you travel. All Flagler students participating in study abroad, regardless of program type or sponsor, should be covered by health insurance during their time abroad.

Generally, when using health insurance internationally, students must pay out of pocket for all costs and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Ensure you have gathered all the relevant information for your insurance policy. That includes contact information, website, I.D., policy and group numbers, claim procedures, etc. That's so you are prepared for any medical emergencies or needs abroad.

Health Insurance Information

Passports

Apply for a passport as soon as you know you want to study abroad. It can take up to 12 weeks to get one.

Already have a passport? Check the expiration date. If it’s going to expire within six months of your return date, you should renew your passport by mail. International students should check the expiration of their re-entry visa and verify their visa status on the consulate website for the host country.

Your passport is your most important legal document while you are abroad. You will need it when traveling within your host country or moving between countries, so be prepared when immigration officials or hotels/hostels ask for it, and most importantly, keep it safe.

We recommend you make at least two copies of the photo and information page before you leave to give one to a family member and take one with you. Some countries may require that you carry your passport at all times, so consult with your program director about the requirements and expectations in your host country.

U.S. Passport Website

Visas

A visa is typically a sticker or stamp inserted into a page on your passport, allowing you to enter a country. Visas are issued in various categories, including visitor, work, and student.

To find out whether you need to apply for a visa and what type, check before you plan to depart. Contact our office, your host program, or university, or visit the website of the consulate in the U.S. for the country where your program is based.

In most countries, students generally cannot start the visa application process until 90 days before departure. If you will be issued a visa upon arrival (a stamp in your passport), you must carry documents related to your program. Students should always confirm specific procedures with each relevant consulate.

If you’re an international student, you may have a slightly different process for your visa application. Students who are not U.S. citizens must verify their visa status on the consulate website for the country where their program is based.

You’ll also need to get (and check the expiration) of your re-entry visa. Sometimes, international students can apply for a visa from the U.S. In other cases, it’s better to apply from their home country. In both cases, it depends on the timing—i.e., when you are leaving the U.S. at the end of the semester and when you will need your visa to study abroad.

Start researching early so that you can make an informed decision.

How Do I Start the Visa Process?

• The best visa resource is the website of the relevant embassy or consulate. Before beginning the visa process, ensure you fully understand the requirements and avoid any obstacles.
• The visa process could differ from consulate to consulate. For example, the Italian Consulate in Miami may ask for different forms than the consulate in NYC.
  • Review the specific consulate website, and don’t depend on what your friend has to do, as they may be applying to a different consulate.
  • Find out if you need to apply in the jurisdiction where you go to school or where your permanent residence is located.

For example, if you are applying for a Spanish visa and attend school in Florida but live in Georgia and are going home for the summer, you must be prepared to drive, fly, or take a bus or train to Miami. We cannot ask them to make any exceptions for you.

What Might I Need for My Visa?

• Requirements vary, so make sure you look on the consulate’s website. In general, you can expect to provide the following when applying for a visa:
  • Demographic information of yourself and your parents, including dates and places of birth
  • Your passport
  • Your round-trip plane ticket
  • An acceptance letter to your study abroad program and host institution
  • Enrollment verification letter
  • Detailed financial information, notarized (e.g., bank statements for the family and student, financial aid letter, etc.)
  • Proof of health insurance coverage while abroad

Additional information may be required depending on visa type and destination country.

More Visa Application Tips:

• Please submit any requested information exactly as asked, or you risk not getting your visa.
• Remember that you must surrender your physical passport with your application materials when applying for a visa, whether in person or via mail.

How Long is the Visa Process Going to Take?

• Depending on the visa regulations for your program’s country, you may not be able to apply for a visa until 60-90 days before the program start date.
• Research the average time it takes to process a visa. It may take as little as two weeks or up to 12 weeks. We advise our students not to make plans to travel internationally before the start of your program.

I Know What Documents I Need. What's Next?

• Most visas will require an appointment with the consulate. Book your appointment well in advance! Appointments fill up fast, and you are not likely to be able to book an appointment only one to two weeks in advance. If no appointment is required, arrive as early in the morning as possible and be prepared to stay in line until your turn. Once you meet with someone, it usually only takes a short time for them to review your documents.
• Ensure you constantly monitor your e-mail so you do not miss any necessary information for obtaining your visa. Sometimes, a consular officer may contact you for updated or additional information you can fax, scan, or mail to them.
• Most countries require that students appear in person to obtain their visa. However, it may be possible to use a visa processing service/agent that acts as a stand-in for the student. Please be aware there is often an additional cost for using this visa processing service/agent.

General Preparations

Academic Policies

Make sure you understand the Academic Policies regarding course approvals and transfer credit. You must seek approvals from the relevant departments for major and minor requirements. You must work with your advisor and the Registrar's Office for general education requirements and transfer credit approvals.

Financial Aid

Consult with the Financial Aid Office as early as possible if you regularly receive aid to determine how your aid might apply to your semester abroad.

Health & Safety

Review the information on Health and Safety and make any necessary preparations. For example, you must review your health insurance options and decide on coverage.

Supplemental Materials

After you are accepted, there is a deadline for all supplemental materials, so please start them immediately. If you have questions about any of the supplemental materials, the Study Abroad Office will help in the process.

Orientation

All students studying abroad, regardless of program type and sponsor, must attend the on-campus orientation during which health, safety, legal, and cultural issues are discussed.

Useful Websites

You can also find valuable tips and information on the following government websites. We encourage all students and parents to review their information carefully.

U.S. State Department Safety Abroad Publication
U.S. State Department Travel Warnings & Consular Information
U.S. State Department Information for Students Traveling Abroad
U.S. State Department Country Information

CDC Travelers' Health Information

Program Evaluation

If you are on a program with Flagler faculty, you will be asked to complete an evaluation during the last stage of your trip or course. On other programs, you will most likely be asked to complete an evaluation towards the end of your program. Your evaluation of the program you attended is important and helps us provide the highest quality experiences for students by making program recommendations.

Transcripts, Grades, and Credits

Transcripts from abroad may soon begin to arrive. Ensure you've done everything you need for a smooth process. Ensure you understand the policies regarding transferring grades and credits from abroad. The policies are different for different types of programs.

Ensure you have talked to the right offices and advisors and have done the necessary legwork to make your grades count. If you have reviewed the information online and still have questions about how grades or credits work, contact the Registrar's Office at 904-819-6204 or registrar@flagler.edu.

*Be aware that getting grades from abroad can take up to three months.

Counseling and Psychological Services

If you find adjusting to life at Flagler College hard, consider contacting Counseling and Psychological Services. You can meet with one of their counselors or take advantage of their print and online resources and the health programs offered during the semester.

Flagler College has a wide range of scholarships to offer its students.

There are several Flagler College-specific scholarships and many sources of non-institutional funding. Please look through the opportunities below to find your best fit.

Flagler College Scholarships

The college offers the following scholarships.

Diane Sheeran Cassidy Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad

This scholarship was established in 2012 by family and friends as a memorial to Diane Sheeran Cassidy '12. The second eldest of nine siblings, Diane majored in Elementary Education.

Her adventurous spirit was demonstrated by the international trips she took with her father, including those to various parts of Africa. Through this scholarship, Flagler College students can participate in traveling experiences, which Diane so much enjoyed throughout her lifetime.

James W. Babcock and B. Teri Ludwick-Babcock Endowed Scholarship For Study Abroad

This scholarship was established in 2012 by James W. Babcock and B. Teri Ludwick-Babcock. To qualify, a student must have sophomore standing with the completion of at least 45 credit hours (except Flagler College faculty-led programs, which require 24 attempted credit hours), have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, and be a degree-seeking student.

Further, the student must have a declared major in Coastal Environmental Science. The scholarship will be awarded based on merit; however, consideration will be given to students with demonstrated financial need.

Janie Dickson Memorial Scholarship

The Janie Dickson Memorial Scholarship supports Flagler College students who share the dedication to learning, cultural exchange, and community service that Flagler College alumna Janie Dickson (1974-2001) adeptly and enthusiastically exemplified.

To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an interest in participating in an enrichment activity, such as a conference, study abroad, or volunteer mission. To apply, students should contact the Dean of Counseling.

Unger Family Scholarship For Study Abroad

This scholarship was established in 2008 by the Unger Family, including Rachel Unger Branch '06. The intent is to recognize a student's pursuit of excellence by broadening his or her educational and life experiences beyond borders. The Unger Family has had the opportunity to develop "the richness of life" through their experiences with various cultures and norms during their many domestic and international moves.

They also believe that today's world embraces multilingual, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural challenges, and our future leaders must have an appreciation and style of leadership that can thrive in the global marketplace.

To qualify, a student must apply for a faculty-led study abroad OR a direct exchange program with one of our partner institutions. Make sure to indicate that you would like to apply for the Unger Scholarship on your application. You must also attach a statement of intent explaining why you would like to receive this scholarship, plus a faculty member's letter of reference.

Outside Scholarships

There are opportunities for funding beyond what Flagler College offers. Here are several opportunities for which you may qualify.

Allianz Global Assistance SscholarTrips

Allianz ScholarTrips is a scholarship program that awards creativity and the desire to travel. Since the scholarship's launch in 2004, Allianz has awarded over $90,000 to young scholars across the United States—enabling them to explore the world.
Find out more

Ambassador Marilyn Mcafee Scholarship Program

The McAfee Scholarship presents a $2,000 scholarship award and a $1,000 scholarship award to undergraduate and graduate students with outstanding academic performance and career aspirations in international business, public administration, foreign affairs, or military service.

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to apply for this scholarship. For more details on the application process and eligibility requirements, please get in touch with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville office at 904-280-8162 or uli@worldaffairscounciljax.org

Boren Scholarships

Boren Scholarships provide funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. 

Those regions include:

• Africa
• Asia
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Eurasia
• Latin America
• The Middle East.

Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand countries are excluded.

Boren Scholars represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
Find out more

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.

The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Find out more

Bridging Scholarships For Study Abroad In Japan

The Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Funding from private foundations and major U.S. corporations, through donations to the nonprofit US-Japan Bridging Foundation, makes it possible to award about 100 scholarships each year to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year.

Applications are accepted twice a year for Bridging Scholarships. Bridging Scholarship recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for students in semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students in academic year programs). Students studying in Japan in summer programs are not eligible to apply.
Find out more

The British Transatlantic Exchange Association (Butex)

BUTEX offers £500 scholarships to undergraduate students studying abroad in the United Kingdom at participating U.K. universities.
Find out more

DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service

Highly qualified undergraduate students are invited to apply for scholarships that provide funding for study abroad, senior thesis research, and internships in Germany. This program aims to support students studying abroad in Germany for four to 10 months.

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €650 plus additional funds to help defray other expenses.
Find out more

Education Ireland And Go Overseas Scholarship For Students Studying In Ireland

Go Overseas and Education Ireland have teamed up to offer $15,000 scholarships for students studying abroad in Ireland.
Apply online

Education New Zealand And Go Overseas Scholarship For Study In New Zealand

Go Overseas has partnered with Education New Zealand to give one U.S. student a full scholarship ($15,000) to study abroad in New Zealand.
Apply online

Freeman-Asia Scholarships

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia are designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need planning to study overseas in East or Southeast Asia. The program aims to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures.
Find out more

Fulbright Summer Institutes in the U.K.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for U.S. citizens to come to the U.K.

These summer programs allow U.S. rising sophomores and juniors to come to the U.K. on a three-, four-, five-, or six-week academic and cultural summer program. The Summer Institutes will cover the majority of participant costs. This includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. to the U.K., tuition and fees at the host university/institution, accommodation and meals, and, sometimes, a small daily allowance.
Find out more

Fund for Education Abroad

The Fund for Education Abroad supports students interested in pursuing education programs abroad.

Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
Find out more

Generation Study Abroad Scholarships For New Zealand

Education New Zealand Study Abroad Travel Awards (ENZTA) offer $2,000 to help students fund their flight to New Zealand. Generation Study Abroad New Zealand Universities Excellence Awards (NZUEA) offer $500 for study at one of the eight New Zealand universities.

Find out more

Go Overseas Scholarships

Go Overseas supports international education through scholarships available to students participating in study abroad programs. Scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship is awarded based on the creativity and analytical thinking displayed through writing and video submissions. The award for each scholarship is $1,000.
Find out more

Jasso Scholarships For International Students In Japan

The Japanese Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides scholarships for students studying abroad in Japan.
Find out more

Killam Fellowships Program

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country.

Students may participate in the program either as a direct exchange (registering at their home university, paying their home fees, and attending the host university as an exchange visitor) or as self-placed visiting students (applying for and registering at the host university and paying host tuition fees).

The Killam Fellowships Program offers a cash award of $10,000 ($5,000 US per semester) and an allowance of up to $500 in the host country's currency.
Find out more

MASA Grants and Scholarship to Israel

MASA provides funding opportunities for Jewish students without Israeli citizenship to study in Israel.
Find out more 

National Italian American Foundation Scholarship

The National Italian-American Foundation (NIAF) annually awards scholarships to outstanding students in the summer for use during the following academic year. The awards will be made based on academic merit and divided between two groups of students.
Find out more

Research and Post-Graduate Scholarships

Opportunities are also available for research and post-graduate students.

Flagler College Internal Student Research Funding

Grants up to $500 to encourage undergraduate students from all disciplines to participate in independent research and creative projects in collaboration with Flagler College faculty.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX)

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) is a fellowship funded by the German Bundestag and the U.S. Congress that annually provides 75 American and 75 German Young Professionals the opportunity to spend one year in each other's countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts in a cultural immersion program.

The program is open to candidates interested in a year of cultural exchange in all career fields.

CBYX for Young Professionals is open to candidates in all career fields, and applicants from a broad range of backgrounds are selected for the program each year. Candidates in business, vocational, scientific, engineering, technical, and agricultural fields are especially encouraged to apply. Prior German language knowledge is not required but is strongly preferred.

Participants must be between the ages of 18-24 and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Find out more

Michel David-Weil Scholarship For Sciences Po Paris (France)

The Michel David-Weil Scholarship is an $80,000 fellowship that covers all expenses for an exceptional American student to pursue his/her graduate education at Sciences Po.

Sciences Po offers graduate programs in political science & international relations, economics, history, law, and sociology. Nearly all graduate degree programs provide French and English tracks, so applicants are not required to speak French.
Find out more