FAQs 

Do I have to speak another language to study abroad?
No. None of the Emory Abroad courses require a foreign language. Additionally, many semester and summer programs do not require previous language study and even offer courses in English. However, foreign language immersion is available through some program organizations.  Check out the Semster/Year Abroad or the Summer Abroad pages for links to these organizations.

Do I need to have a certain GPA to study abroad?
Emory & Henry College requires students to have at least a 2.75 GPA to study abroad.  However, some programs may require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Check the program's website for specific information. 

When should I study abroad?
Most students who spend a semester or year abroad go during their junior year. Discuss your plans to study abroad with your academic advisor as soon as possible; this will allow you to arrange your travels around graduation requirements.

What should I do to begin planning a summer, semester, or year abroad?
• Discuss your intentions with your academic advisor and create a plan to meet your graduation requirements while incorporating time abroad.
• Read through the E&H Study Abroad website to explore possibilities for your time abroad.
• Contact the Director of International Education or the Assistant to the Director of International Education for deadlines and more details.
• Complete the Intent to Study Abroad form and turn it in to the Office of International Education by February 15.
• Complete the E&H Application to Study Abroad and submit it to the Director of International Education by March 15.
• Complete all applications for your program.  These deadlines and forms will be posted on the provider's website.
• Get a passport as soon as possible. You may also need a visa.

Will courses I take abroad transfer to E&H?
Yes, but you must plan ahead. Once you and your E&H academic advisor have decided which courses you will take during your time abroad, fill out the approval of transfer credit form and get the necessary signatures.

What will my living arrangement be when I am abroad?
Depending on the program, you will stay with a local family, live in a dorm, or rent an apartment near the university. Be sure to look at the living arrangements when exploring programs to find the arrangement that best suits you. Room and board is included in some, but not all, program fees.

What courses can I take?
Courses are available in practically every discipline, depending on your program. Most programs offer a variety of courses as well as language classes.  Check out the Semester/Year Abroad or the Summer Abroad pages for links to these programs.

Can I volunteer abroad?
Yes! Many summer and semester/year programs incorporate service learning, immersing you in the local culture. The Alternative Spring Break trip to Costa Rica is a full week of volunteer work.If you receive a Bonner scholarship, you will be able to complete your service hours abroad in a variety of ways. However, AmeriCorps recipients cannot count service abroad toward their service hours, as service is restricted to domestic work.

How much will it cost?
For a semester/year abroad, you pay normal E&H tuition and may still receive federal, state, and college financial aid (though work-study cannot be awarded.) Any of the program costs beyond regular tuition are your responsibility. Airfare is not included in most semester/year abroad program fees. Additionally, some program fees do not include meals.

For summer study abroad, you are responsible for the entire cost of the program, although you may apply for student loans.  There are outside scholarships available for summer study.  Check out the Scholarship page for more information.

For Emory Abroad courses, you are responsible for an additional fee of $3,000 to $4,000 to cover travel expenses. Provided that you take 17.5 or fewer credits during the semester, there is no additional tuition fee for spring or fall courses with a study abroad component.

For the Alternative Spring Break in Costa Rica, you are responsible for travel costs, although fund-raising and support from community churches often substantially lowers this cost.

Are there scholarships for studying abroad?
Yes! Click here for more information about scholarship for studying abroad.

What is the deadline for applying?
E&H requires every student planning to study abroad to complete two forms.  These forms are due the spring semester before the academic year in which the student is planning to study abroad.  These applications in the Intent to Study Abroad and the Application to Study Abroad.

If you have missed this deadline, contact the Director of International Education.

Additionally, each program has its own application deadlines. Check the information for the program you are interested in.

What documents do I need to study abroad?
• Passport: You will need a passport to leave the country. Apply as soon as possible; currently, it takes approximately 10-12 weeks to receive a passport after completing the application, and you cannot apply for a visa until you have a passport. You can apply at most post offices and other government offices. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's Passport website. In the Emory area, you can apply for a passport at the Abingdon and Chilhowie post offices. You can get passport photos at CVS, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens.
• Visa: If you will be studying in a country for more that 90 days, you will likely need a student visa. Once you are accepted, your study abroad program will let you know the specific requirements for your destination. You can also check the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets for this information. Getting a visa can take a long time, since you may be required to go in person to the consulate that serves your state of residence. Make sure you have all of the documents required to apply for your visa, which may include proof of acceptance from the foreign university and proof of insurance.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC): While this card may not be required by your program, it is can be very useful. Your ISIC will provide basic insurance as well as proof of student status required for student discounts around the world. For more information and to purchase your ISIC, visit the ISIC website.
• Insurance: E&H requires every student studying abroad to hold an insurance policy from HTH. The Business Office will include this charge on your bill. Your program may also include additional insurance.

For more detailed information about obtaining travel documents, see the Guide to Planning Your Time Abroad.