IMPORTANT NOTICES:
1) In order to receive credit for studies abroad, Georgia College & State University students are required to follow and complete the GCSU Study Abroad application process - and be approved by Georgia College - before applying to external (non-GCSU) programs and studying abroad. See "Getting Started" below for more information and to begin the process. It's easy!
2) Starting in 2025 for entry into Europe, U.S. citizens - and many others - will be required to obtain an ETIAS entry permit prior to departure from the United States. The process (Not yet open) is easy, fast, inexpensive, and can be done online with a credit card.
3) PASSPORTS: A valid passport book is required to travel to most countries outside the United States and to apply online for the European ETIAS above.
- Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
If you are planning on studying abroad and do not currently have a passport - or it will need to be renewed - apply today.
- Passport Information (U.S. Department of State)
4) Ukraine/Middle East: Georgia College & State University continues to monitor the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East very closely and reviews guidance from the the U.S. State Department and other sources, including the University System of Georgia (USG) regarding any potential impact to study abroad programs.
! Important Notice: Passport Processing Times
From the U.S. State Department website: Processing times only include the time your application is at one of the department's passport agencies or centers.
- Mailing times are not included in processing times.
- The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is printed.
- Processing times as of March 24, 2023:
- Regular processing takes 10 to 13 weeks (plus to and from mailing time, as above).
- Expedited (extra, additional, fee) takes 7 to 9 weeks - plus mailing as above.
- Find a passport application acceptance facility by zip code.
- Complete passport Information (U.S. Department of State).
Start Here!
GCSU Faculty-Led Programs
- Be sure to check out Front Page articles below about recent GCSU programs!
Other Noteworthy Opportunities Abroad
Looking for a "different" - impactful - Study Abroad opportunity? Consider these:
- School for International Training (SIT) SIT specializes in the cross-disciplinary study of contemporary global issues through programs offered in non-traditional locations throughout the world. With deep roots in multicultural understanding and international education dating back to 1932, SIT provides students exceptional opportunities to examine a range of critical global issues through multiple prisms—including climate change, global health, human rights and more - in more than 40 countries.
- SIT video introduction
- School for Field Studies (SFS). Genuinely terrific one-of-a-kind on-site studies and field work through the pioneering program (1980) in Study Abroad field studies. Outstanding STEM and Environment-related areas/interests in genuinely amazing locations. From Amazon studies in Peru, to endangered wildlife on the African plains in Tanzania, and elephants in Cambodia, they cover it all.
- SFS YouTube channel with program videos
- Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA). Founded in 1988, IFSA is a not-for-profit provider whose mission is to "create global learning environments that help students foster the critical perspectives, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive — now and in the future." Additionally, they are committed to student success in four areas—inclusive excellence, individualized learning, intercultural agility, and enduring impact. They're different. Check them out.
You can...
- Study - or intern - almost anywhere in the world for academic credit
- Earn academic credit in core or major courses
- Add an international internship to your GCSU transcript - and to your resume'
- Use financial aid and scholarships to assist with the cost
- Study abroad in English, use a language you are currently studying - or learn an entirely new language
- Gain a deeper understanding of international political, economic and cultural issues
- Gain important "soft" skills such as cross-cultural competence and intercultural communication, plus the flexibility and adaptability that employers value
- Definitely have the greatest adventure of your life!
Read About Some Recent GCSU Programs
Georgia College Nursing Students Serve In Honduras Clinic
Georgia College Safety Statement for Education Abroad
Safety considerations are a key component of each education abroad program. Georgia College adheres to the professional standards of safety and risk management in education abroad. Georgia College is a member of the Forum for Education Abroad, which sets the national standard of good practices. The International Education Center implements the Forum’s Standard 8 on safety abroad and risk assessment. In addition, the International Education Center monitors world events through a variety of government-based resources, including the Overseas Security and Advisory Council (OSAC), the U.S. Department of State, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and other foreign-based resources, including but not limited to: the British Foreign Service and Commonwealth Office and the Canadian Foreign Travel Advice websites.
The International Education Center is vigilant in its pursuit of safety and security as our students travel abroad. We monitor and distribute information and advice from the US State Department, the Center for Disease Control, the University System of Georgia, and our in-country partners.
For more safety, health, and security information on your study abroad destination and the coronavirus, we encourage you to regularly visit the US State Department’s travel advice and the website of the CDC.
For full details on Georgia College's safety abroad information, please see our Health & Safety page.