St. Edward's Offers Resources to Provide Information About Study Abroad
The Study Abroad Office can answer questions that fit your specific needs.
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Explore Details About Study Abroad
Why should I consider studying abroad?
There are many benefits to studying abroad, some of which include:
- Learning a language
- Gaining more independence
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in a different culture
- Becoming more open-minded
- Making friends from across the globe
- Enriching your academic studies
When may I study abroad?
You may study abroad as early as the summer after your freshman year. Transfer students must have an established St. Edward's GPA before studying abroad. The earlier you explore your opportunities, the more study abroad experiences you can have.
May I study abroad the same semester I graduate?
It is not recommended but if it is the only opportunity you will have for an international experience, you should discuss it with your Success Coach and the Study Abroad Office.
May I study abroad more than once?
Yes, as long as you can get the credits you need and progressing in your degree plan. You should discuss these plans with your academic adviser and success coach.
What should I consider when selecting a study abroad location?
Consider what you want from your abroad experience, such as the:
- SEU courses needed and academic course offerings abroad
- Language by which you want to be surrounded
- Culture in which you want to be immersed
How do I know which program to select?
Your Study Abroad advisor will help you determine the best program given your academic goals, your language skills, your financial aid package and your preferences.
Do I have to speak a foreign language to go abroad?
No. Many programs are offered in English, even in non-English speaking countries. But, we encourage students to have a little knowledge of the host country language out of respect for the culture of the country.
What global opportunities (other than study abroad) are available?
Students may consider an internship abroad, completing a volunteer program abroad, working abroad after graduation or pursuing graduate studies abroad.
Can I apply to more than one study abroad program at a time?
You cannot apply to multiple programs for the same semester. Apply to your first choice and then designate a second choice in case your first option is not approved.
How will I know if I was accepted to a study abroad program?
You will be notified via email within 10 days of the application deadline for your program.
Is there a GPA requirement to study abroad?
Yes, we require a GPA of at least 2.75.
Can transfer students study abroad?
Yes, but not during your first semester at St. Edward’s. You must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher to study abroad.
Can international students study abroad?
Yes. Inform International Student Services of your plans. You’re responsible for acquiring any visa or travel documentation needed to participate.
All students who study abroad for a summer, semester or academic year must get pre-approval for the courses they intend to take abroad.
Step 1: Meet with your Success Coach to discuss possible courses to take abroad.
Step 2: Meet with the Study Abroad Office to discuss program options.
Step 3: Once you have decided on your study abroad program, applied and been approved, create a list of courses you may want to take while abroad and collect all the syllabi. Depending on your program, you may not register for courses until you are already abroad so it is a good idea to get pre-approval from SEU for more courses than you plan on taking, in case there are schedule conflicts or a class is full.
Step 4: Meet with your Academic Adviser to review the courses you are interested in abroad.
Step 5: Submit one (1) Study Abroad Course Approval Form for each class. Each type of credit is reviewed by different faculty so it is important to only list one course per form.
May I use financial aid to study abroad?
Financial assistance that students receive to study at SEU in Austin will apply to all approved semester study abroad programs. In general, that aid does not apply to summer study abroad.
You should meet with your financial services adviser to discuss your plans.
Interested veterans should meet with the Military and Veterans Affairs coordinator to determine program eligibility and funding.
Federal work-study is not applicable.
May I apply for scholarships to help pay for study abroad?
There are many external scholarships available for students interested in studying abroad. There is a list available on the Financial page of this website.
The SEU Fellowships Office is also a great resource for grants and scholarships that interested students should explore.
What should I budget for my study abroad experience?
Your budget depends on where you go, the type of program in which you are enrolled and the cost of living for the city in which you are studying. Studying abroad can often be more affordable than living in Austin, or it can be comparable to living on campus. In the Terra Dotta Study Abroad portal, each program has a budget sheet which lists billable costs — like tuition, technology fee and insurance — and non-billable costs like airfare, housing and personal expenses which can vary. Actual costs will vary per student.
While I’m abroad, who should I contact in an emergency?
- Your best first point of contact are staff from your program or exchange university.
- Contact the SEU Study Abroad Office staff at [+001] 512-962-4917.
What if it’s not an emergency?
If you’re not traveling with faculty or staff and it is not a medical emergency, contact:
During Business Hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.):
Study Abroad, [+001] 512-326-7013
After-hours and 24/7:
[+001] 512-962-4917
NOTE: Study Abroad does not regularly check email or voicemail over weekends or holidays. Time zones might also make it hard to receive a timely response.
Are there travel assistance programs I can use when studying abroad?
Students participating on a provider program (ISA, API, SAI, etc) should refer to the program staff and emergency information provided.
Students participating in an exchange or faculty-led program should refer to the CHUBB/AXA Travel Assistance Program information provided by the SEU Study Abroad Office.
What is Study Abroad’s sources to monitor global security?
We rely on information from:
- Program staff and international partners
- CHUBB Travel Assistance Program
- U.S. State Department
- U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council
- Travel alerts
- Local embassies and government agencies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Where can I find information about country-specific laws and regulations?
Stay informed of current health and security considerations in your proposed country of study. Refer to these resources as you determine the most appropriate program abroad, during pre-departure planning and when traveling within or outside of your study abroad location:
How can I remain vigilant while abroad?
Adopt the following strategies to help keep you safe and healthy:
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment program and update your Study Abroad portal profile with relevant contact information.
- Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times.
- Carry contact information for your program staff and the in-country 911-equivalent numbers.
- Be alert to your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Know what is culturally and legally appropriate.
- Stay informed about current events in your host country.
- When traveling, make sure program staff and family know where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.
- Avoid demonstrations and high-crime areas, and do not walk alone at night.
What are recommendations to help me maintain physical and mental health while abroad?
You’re required to get a medical examination before you go abroad. Talk with your primary care physician about how to maintain your healthcare plan and assess if any special accommodations are needed abroad. Also, disclose a physical and/or mental health condition to your program staff so that they can create a plan to assist you in managing your health. Keep in mind that healthcare in your host country may be different than what you are accustomed to. Bring health documentation such as immunization records, prescriptions, etc. If you have a disability, read about accommodations while studying abroad.
How do I get support if I’ve been harassed or assaulted while abroad?
If you’re sexually assaulted or you’ve been harassed, contact your in-country support (program director/faculty leader/international student office). They are the best first resource since they have the cultural knowledge, and can advise about next steps legally and medically in that country. St. Edward’s University resources remain available while abroad if you would like additional support and/or if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with your in-country support.
Can I arrive early to my program and stay after it has ended?
Yes, as long as you’re where you need to be for the program start and end dates.
Am I allowed to travel during free weekends or campus holidays?
If you’re on an exchange program, you’re free to travel on weekends and campus holidays. If you’re on a sponsored or faculty-led program, you’re only allowed to travel when weekend activities and excursions are not scheduled.
FACT: You can still vote in governmental elections in the U.S. even when you are abroad.
It does take some advanced planning but it is more important than ever that we all exercise our right to vote so check out the links below that will walk you through the steps.
Texas Oversees Voting Information
What do I do if I want to withdraw from my study abroad program?
Review the cancellation policy on your application for both your program and for Study Abroad. Then, let Study Abroad know in writing and meet to review the financial implications and alternative options. Be sure you understand the financial penalties for withdrawing. Study Abroad uses the first recorded communication about your intent to withdraw as the date from which penalties are assessed. When you’re certain you no longer want to participate in a program, the sooner you contact Study Abroad, the better.
What are the withdrawal fees if I withdraw after the deadline?
Withdrawal fees depend on how close your withdrawal is to the start of the program.
What support will I have as I transition back to my studies on the hilltop?
Read our guide to understand what you might experience upon return. In addition, Study Abroad hosts a re-entry workshop for returning students.
How can I celebrate my study abroad experience?
Claim your graduation regalia and display it at commencement. In addition, you can earn a Global Engagement Certificate.
Contact Us
Location
Moody Hall
Room 101
Contact
Study Abroad
studyabroad@stedwards.edu
512-448-8725