Education Abroad

Steps to Study Abroad

Determine When and Where

  1. Discuss study abroad with your Academic Advisor to determine what term(s) are most appropriate for your major of study to be abroad. If applicable, consult with the Pre-Professional Health Advising Office (Albers 105B) if you plan to attend Medical, Dental, PT, OT, or Pharmacy School after graduation.

Gather Information about Study Abroad

  1. Become familiar with the different study abroad program opportunities by attending an information session or meeting with a Peer Advisor. 

Meet with Education Abroad Staff

  1. Meet with Education Abroad staff in the CIE to obtain more information about available programs. Please come to the appointment with a general idea of preferred location and a list of courses (both major/minor and/or core) that you still need to take to complete your degree.
  2. After the appointment, research the different programs that you might be interested in and select the program that best suits your needs by reviewing the academic options offered.
  3. Once selection is narrowed, meet with your Academic Advisor to determine if your chosen program is a good academic fit (i.e. checking off boxes on your degree plan).

Obtain Passport

  1. If you do not already have a passport, it is necessary to apply for this as soon as possible if you are considering study abroad. It usually takes at least 6 weeks to receive a passport after submitting the paperwork. For more information on how to obtain a passport, please visit the US Department of State's website. If you received your passport before turning 16 years old, please verify when it will expire. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from study abroad for most countries.

Apply and Complete Forms

Applications

  1. Complete the XU Study Abroad Application through the on-line system by the indicated deadline for the term in which you wish to apply.
  2. Pay the application fee of $100.
  3. Complete the program application through the study abroad provider, partner or exchange university. You do not need to complete this step, if you are participating in a Xavier faculty-led program.

Commit to Program

  1. Submit program deposit through the Bursar's site to confirm spot on program after acceptance.

Course Transfers and Finances

  1. Complete the Study Abroad Approval (STAB) form and submit to the CIE by the appropriate deadline.
  2. Complete the Budget/Cost Worksheet and share with your family.
  3. Apply for available scholarships based on your individual situation and program: be mindful of deadlines!
  4. Meet with your Financial Aid Advisor, if applicable.
  5. Send the Education Abroad staff your acceptance letter from your program provider, partner, or exchange university. You do not need to complete this step, if you are participating in a Xavier faculty-led program.

Obtain Visa

  1. Some programs may require you to apply for a visa. Most semester programs will require a visa, because you will be in the country for more than 90 days. Please follow the instructions of your program provider, partner, or exchange university to apply for the visa.

Before Departure

Attend Orientation

  1. Attend the required Pre-Departure Orientation offered by the Center for International Education.
  2. Note: some Xavier faculty-led programs also offer mandatory program specific orientations.

Xavier University Forms

  1. All students must complete Xavier University's Risk Management Forms by the deadline to participate in their program. Every student must submit: Student Agreement, Assumption of Risk and Release, Medical Form, and copy of passport photo page. If studying in the European Union, you are also required to complete the EU GDPR Consent form. 
  2. Complete the Change in Housing Status form with Residence Life to inform them that you are studying abroad, if applicable.
  3. Notify Auxiliary Services to remove your meal plan, if applicable.

Health Insurance and Other Matters

  1. Print your international health insurance ID card provided by Xavier University or your program provider. For all Xavier faculty-led programs and semester-programs that do not provide adequate insurance while abroad, students will receive an email before departure from Cultural Insurance Services International with their health insurance card.
  2. International students must verify their status with International Student and Scholar Services staff before departure and obtain travel endorsement signature for I-20.
  3. Enroll in the STEP program with the US Department of State and review the Student Resources too.