Applications will be available at the Studies Abroad office on the first day of the fall semester.  Students should make sure to turn in their complete application with four passport-sized photos and essays attached. Also, students should hand out recommendation forms after meeting with their professors, advisors, RAs or employers and remind them to turn in their forms to the Studies Abroad office.

All freshmen are in the same situation and Studies Abroad suggests that they meet individually with their Advisors/RAs/Professors and let them know what program they are interested in, why they would be a good candidate, and answer any questions they might have. This requirement is meant to encourage students to talk with their advisors.

Employees in Studies Abroad look at the application, recommendations from the Advisor/RA/Professor, interviews with student workers and Fr. Wheeler. Grades are also a major factor in determining acceptance. Each program has a specific GPA minimum and students will not be accepted into the program if they do not meet that requirement. Disciplinary checks are also made before acceptances are mailed out. If a student is on academic or disciplinary probation then his or her acceptance into a program will be at risk.

Yes, applicants are all accepted on a conditional basis. If a student goes on disciplinary probation or has a serious drop in grades, acceptance into a program can be terminated. Program refunds for being removed from a program prior to actually attending a program are determined by the contract and the director.

• How to apply: Students should go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for the complete process, requirements, frequently asked questions, and fees and to download the application for passport (DS-11). Students should plan for their passports to arrive within six weeks.
• What students need:  Four passport size photos, p roof of U.S. citizenship (such as certified birth certificate), v alid photo ID (such as a driver’s license), and Social Security Number.
• Where to go: Local post office or  passport agency. Students must apply for their passports in person.
• Photos: Passport pictures can be taken at a variety of places including Costco, Walgreens, Kinkos, Rite Aid, Sears, etc. (almost any store that has a photo center).

The majority of the students who study abroad will be able to graduate in four years. It also depends upon the program that the student participates in. If students do a summer program, then they will be able to gain core credits and will not be put behind at all. Studies Abroad employees always work with the students to set up a schedule that will allow for them to graduate on time, but this might mean taking summer school or having a heavier class load for a few semesters. Others can comfortably study abroad without having to take summer school. Again, it all varies depending on the student’s major and the program that he or she chooses to participate in.

Students can apply for an IES program and be admitted directly through the Studies Abroad office (BC 161). The initial application for IES programs is the same as the application for university programs. For non-UP programs, it will vary from program to program. Students should verify with Studies Abroad first that the program they are selecting has credits that will transfer and an acceptable program all-around. Students are requested to notify the office of their acceptance into a non-UP program so that Studies Abroad can keep a file for them of important documents while they are abroad.