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FIU offers a variety of study abroad options during the fall, spring, summer or academic year.  The first step in the process is finding the program that is right for you.

There are three basic types of Study Abroad Programs, each with its own set of eligibility requirements, application processes and deadlines:

• International Student Exchange Programs (full semester)
• FIU Sponsored Programs (faculty-led programs, usually short-term)
• Non-FIU Programs (those offered by other universities or program providers)

When you are looking for a program to fit your needs, you must consider many issues. Think about these questions:

• Do I have a particular country or region of interest?
• Do I want to gain language proficiency?
• How long do I want to study abroad?
• Are there any financial aid considerations I need to discuss with an advisor?
• What are my goals for studying abroad?

Once you have answered these questions, you must set your criteria for selecting the program that will best fit your needs by ranking them in order of importance to you. 

• Is the most important criterion the location of the program?
• The language of instruction?
• The courses offered?
• The cost?  (Estimate your budget.)
• A combination of two or more issues?

After you have decided (or narrowed down) where you might like to study abroad, you must determine the parameters for your time abroad by asking yourself the following questions:

• When do I want to go abroad? (Fall? Spring?  Summer?  An academic year?)*
• Am I academically qualified for the program I have chosen?
• What are the steps to apply for the program I have chosen?
• What is the deadline to apply for the program I have chosen?

*Students may spend a maximum of the equivalent of one academic year abroad.  The terms do not need to be in the same location or taken consecutively.  For example, you may spend a fall term at the University of Hull exchange, the following summer at the Study in Kyoto program, and the following spring at the European Studies in Genoa Program.

For ALL types of study abroad programs, students must have attended college for at least one (1) year, and attended FIU for at least one (1) semester. (Note:  Transfer students who have completed at least one semester prior to attending FIU, may apply for a program abroad while completing the first semester at FIU.)

For FIU International Student Exchange Programs, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Have a 3.0 GPA;
• Fluently read, write and speak the language of the country in which you’d like to study.

Application Deadlines:
Fall or Academic Year - March 1
Spring - September 15

For FIU Sponsored Programs, you must contact the individual program director to inquire about GPA requirements, language requirements or any other prerequisites for participation in their program.

Application Deadlines:
Vary by program. Contact program director for details.

For Non-FIU Programs, you must inquire with the provider about requirements for acceptance to their programs, program costs and other program information.  It is also necessary to complete the Office of Education Abroad application for Non-FIU Programs and submit it to Office of Education Abroad as soon as possible after you have applied to the program itself.  There are a few recommended sites you can use to search for Non-FIU Programs:

• http://www.iiepassport.org/
• http://www.studyabroad.com/

Application Deadlines:
Vary by program. Contact program provider for details.

The keys to success with study abroad are good planning and flexibility.  Once you know where and when you would like to go abroad, it is important to know the right sequence to move through the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and completing appropriate applications.  It is also important to understand that the process is not immediate and it can take several months from the time you decide to go abroad, to the day you get on that plane heading toward your host institution.

At least 6 months prior to take off:

• Speak with your ACADEMIC ADVISOR about studying abroad to understand what issues might limit your options;
• Speak with a STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR to get assistance in researching potential program options and locations;
• Start considering whether or not you meet the academic requirements of the programs in which you are interested.

Approximately 5 months prior to take off:

• Apply to your program (by the published deadlines)

Note:  For International Student Exchange programs, it is a two part process.  You must apply to and be accepted by Office of Education Abroad before you can apply to the host institution.

• Make sure you have a passport that is valid for 6 months past the end date of your program. If it is expired or will expire in that time frame, start the renewal process now.

Approximately 4 months prior to take off:

• Make sure you have submitted the necessary materials to complete your application.  These items will vary according to your program and will be provided to you by Office of Education Abroad or the program director or provider.

Approximately 2-3 months prior to take off:

• Work with your academic advisor and the Office of Education Abroad to obtain course approvals for the classes you will take abroad;
• Begin to apply for any required student visas;
• Begin to make housing arrangements at your host destination if you have already received your final acceptance;*
• If you live on-campus at FIU, submit a cancellation request for your housing contract for the term(s) you will be abroad;
• Begin to make airline arrangements if you have already received your final acceptance.*

*May be provided by some program providers.

Approximately 1-2 months prior to take off:

• Attend all mandatory pre-departure meetings hosted by Office of Education Abroad and/or your program director/provider;
• Submit copies of your visa and travel itinerary to the Office of Education Abroad.

As you can see, this is a long process that requires a lot of patience and good organization.  If you think you are interested in studying abroad, the time to start planning is NOW!! 

Where Can You Find Information About Program Options?

• Check the Office of Education Abroad calendar for upcoming general and program specific info sessions;
• Stop by our office in DM441 to look through our library of program information;
• Email a Study Abroad Advisor at educationabroad@fiu.edu;
• Look through the "Find a Program" section of our web site.