FAQs

What options do I have to study abroad at Valencia?

Presently, Valencia offers three options for students to study abroad:

Student Exchange Programs : Study for a semester in a foreign country of your choice.
Faculty-led Programs : Enroll in a Valencia summer class that has a study abroad component.
Service-Learning Programs: Volunteer to work on a specific project in a foreign country.

Where can I go?
You can study in over 45 countries around the world, plus the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

It is important to ask yourself at least four personal questions before making any decisions about where to study abroad. The more careful you are about complementing your personal characteristics and goals with a study abroad experience, the more likely you are to have a positive and enjoyable tour. Knowing yourself is imperative.

• Why do I want to study abroad? (ex. personal growth, academic enrichment)
• Where am I interested in going? (ex. Australia, Spain, Africa)
• What do I hope to accomplish? (ex. improve foreign language skills, learn about another culture)
• Would I prefer a special type of environment and/or atmosphere? (ex. small city, mountains, beach)

Can I only study abroad for one semester?
The answer to this question depends on how many academic credits you can get for studying abroad and when you plan to graduate. Also, check Valencia's residency requirement to see if you have to earn a certain number of credits on campus. Students at community colleges usually study abroad for only a semester since they want to graduate on time.

Can I study abroad for my own enrichment rather than for academic credit?
Absolutely! But you will have to pay for the entire trip since scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in courses for academic credit.

Do I need to speak a second language?
No! You'll find many programs in non-English speaking countries that are taught in English. In addition, a variety of programs are in English-speaking countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

However, as the world becomes an increasingly global community, it is important to learn another language. Whatever your current proficiency, we encourage you to pursue language studies while at Valencia. Also, scholarships are available to students who intend on studying a critical need language such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian and others.

Am I eligible?
In the Semester Program, requirements differ depending on the program. In general, the minimum grade point average is 2.5. Some programs have language requirements. We look for students who are mature, flexible, and have strong personal commitment to studying abroad. Students are selected after careful review of an application, personal essay, letters of recommendation and transcripts.

What if I am an international student?
You can still study abroad, but make an appointment to meet with the international student advisor to make sure it is okay to leave the country and that you meet all Valencia’s requirements while away. For example, many international students are required to maintain full-time status or else they could lose their visa to study in the United States.   You will also need to contact the consulate of the country where you plan to go to find out their visa requirements for getting a visa to go to another country from another country (the U.S.).

Will I need a passport and/or a student visa?
In all countries you are required to possess an up-to-date passport. Apply early for a U.S. passport. Processing an application takes four to six weeks---even longer during the peak travel season.

A visa is written permission to visit a country granted by the government of that country. If you plan to study in a country for an extended period, you may need a special student visa. Information relating to visas may be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate of the country concerned. Some embassies and consulates process visa requests quickly, but many do not.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

What does it cost?
Costs vary depending upon the program location and length. Semester, summer, and spring break programs are available.

The good news: Most forms of financial aid can be used for study abroad, and there are a number of programs that offer scholarships.

See "Determining Your Budget"

Are there countries where I am not allowed to study?
Yes, Valencia will not send you to countries where there are travel warnings. Check the Department of State website for a list of countries that have Travel Warnings.

May I use my financial aid to study abroad?

Recent changes in federal law have made it possible for students to use some or all of their federal financial aid for study abroad. Here are some facts you should know:
Financial aid may be used for study abroad. Both direct costs (instructional costs abroad, room and board) and airfare, departure taxes, estimated ground transportation costs, and personal spending of a study abroad program are included to calculate a student's financial aid package. Once the amount of need and the student's own contribution is determined, some students may receive federal grants or loans equal to or even greater than they receive while studying at their home institutions.

There are many forms of aid. Check with your financial aid office about federal forms of aid, including grants and loans, as well as forms of state or institutional aid that may also be available for study abroad.

Seek approval for your participation in a study abroad program from your advisor or other appropriate faculty member or administrator on campus. Once your home institution has granted approval for participation in a study abroad program, and if you are otherwise eligible to receive financial aid, then federal forms of financial aid must be applied toward the cost of the study abroad program.

You must apply through your home institution to receive financial aid for any study abroad program you choose; once your aid package is awarded, you are responsible for making certain that all funds are forwarded to the appropriate U.S. institution which sponsors the study abroad program.

Financial aid can be used to support summer study, as long as you are enrolled for academic credit and you meet all other requirements.

It is a good idea to apply early . Early application allows your financial aid office to complete the review of your eligibility for financial aid and to get all of the paperwork done. Be sure to apply no later than fifteen weeks prior to your departure .

Will I get credit?
It is important to plan ahead in your college career for studying abroad to make sure that the credits and program fit with your academic plan. Once you have chosen the program and courses, make an appointment with your Dean to get written approval for the courses you plan to take.

What kind of documentation do I need to have a course approved?
For your course work to be approved, you may need to present some or all of the following documents:

• The number of contact hours of the program: hours spent in lectures, labs, field worked, etc.
• The course format
• Course syllabus and reading list
• Information on the level of the course
• The academic credentials of the teaching faculty
• Method of course assessment (exams, essays, projects, etc.)
• The grading system (ABCDEF, numerical scale etc.) and the lowest passing grade
• After you return, you may be asked to furnish your course notes, exams, papers, etc., before credit is granted or a course is certified as meeting a particular graduation requirement.
  

Who issues the transcript?
The U.S. university that sponsors the program? A foreign university? You need to know this. The same information will be needed if you are considering a program sponsored by an agency.

Is the program abroad offered by a U.S. accredited institution?
Is the institution accredited to offer academic degrees in its own country? Valencia requires U.S. accreditation in order for credit to be accepted.

For additional questions and consultation, make an appointment with Thera Woodard, Coordinator of Study Abroad and Global Exchange on the East Campus in building 5-220A. 407-582-2521.