Application Process for Southeastern Students
Deadline to Apply
February 21, 2013
Congratulations on your decision to study abroad!
On this page, you will find helpful information which is sure to make your application process simple, quick, and painless! Just follow the following steps and you'll be on your way to another country before you know it!
Please read the following information carefully and follow the links to forms and other helpful information.
Forms for Study Abroad:
Step 1: Interview with the Faculty Coordinator
Set up an interview with your program's faculty coordinator. This is the faculty member who is leading your trip overseas. At this meeting, you and your coordinator will discuss the classes and what's to be expected during your trip.
The coordinator will send a Course Approval form to the Study Abroad Office, indicating that you have his or her approval to attend based on this interview.
Step 1.5: If you are not currently enrolled at Southeastern or will be Graduating in the Spring of 2013
Anyone is welcome to participate in a Study Abroad Program. In order to do so, you must be an enrolled student at the time of the trip. File an official Southeastern application and pay the application fee. Bring copies of all necessary paper work to the Office of Records and Registration. NOTE: If you fail to complete the application process by February 21, 2013, you will not be allowed to participate in the program.
Step 2:Study Abroad Application
Print out the Study Abroad Application above, or visit the Study Abroad Office in Mead Hall, Room 103 to pick one up. Please fill out the application completely!
Bring in application to International Initiatives, along with the $100 non-refundable deposit ( check or money order only). The Study Abroad Office will only accept applications that are accompanied by this deposit and a course approval from the faculty coordinator.
Step 3: Letters of Recommendation
Give a Letter of Recommendation form to two different instructors or mentors and have them either send it directly to International Initiatives or return them to us yourself. Note: They cannot be completed by the teachers accompanying you on the trip or friends/family members.
Step 4: Passport Photos
Take passport sized photographs and submit the required number - usually 1 or 2 depending upon the program - to the International Initiatives Office. They will then be attached to your application.
Note: If you applying for a passport, be sure to get at least four passport-sized photos. This guarantees that you will have enough for your passport and for your application.
Step 5: Here are things you can do while you are waiting for your acceptance letter:
1. Apply for scholarships Including the SGA Study Abroad Scholarship, the Charles Redman Scholarship, the IGDD Scholarship, and other scholarships that may be offered by your own department. Make sure you don't miss the deadlines!
2. Visit the Financial Aid Office Confirm that your financial aid is configured for Study Abroad. After this visit, you should bring proof of financial aid for Study Abroad to the International Initiatives Office.
For scholarships and financial aid information, click here!
3. Apply for your passport It can sometimes take two or three months to come in and you don't want to wait and apply too close to the trip's departure! You can apply locally through your United States Post Office.
You must have at least six months validity on your passport at the time of travel to use it, so if you already have a passport, make sure that you meet this requirement. If your travel dates are less than six months from the expiration date of your passport, you need to get a new passport.
For passport and travel information, click here!
Special Note:Passport Deadline for Visa
If you are planning to go on the trip to China or Cuba, you will need to take care of getting a current passport as early as possible.
If you have not applied for a passport by February 28, 2013, you must apply for an expedited passport which carries a significant additional charge.
You must submit your passport to Study Abroad by April 4, 2013, so that we may obtain your visa. Your passport will be returned to you before your trip with a visa attached to it.
4. Take care of individual program requirements Some programs may require an extra form, such as a visa application, or extra passport sized photographs for foreign university ID cards.
Step 6: Acceptance Letter
You are now enrolled in Study Abroad! You will receive an electronic acceptance letter which officially welcomes you to your program. This is the point at which you are eligible for any scholarships for which you have applied.
Make sure to check your email daily, as it is the primary means of communication between you and International Initiatives!
Step 7: Payments
You may make partial or full payments at any time up to the payment deadline. You
should make all payments at the Controller's Office and make sure that they mark the
funds for your study abroad program. If you are anticipating financial aid, you
may deduct the value of your financial aid award from the total that you are paying.
Your $100 deposit counts as your first partial payment.
Please don't hesitate to call, e-mail, or visit International Initiatives with any questions or concerns.