Get Started
If you are interested in studying abroad, you have come to the right place to learn everything you need to know. It is important for you to read through all of the information we have provided below and watch the recorded information session or participate in a live session before committing to a BGSU education abroad program.
Education Abroad Starting Out Checklist
Step One:
To begin, you should define your academic and personal objectives as the top priority. While it’s easy to imagine that the best way to begin your program search is to decide on a location, it can be helpful to consider other factors first. If you begin by first determining what you want to gain from the experience, it can help you to define the kind of program that is the best fit for you. Some factors to consider are academics, language, duration, independence, location and career.
Step Two:
Watch our recorded information session or attend a live session. This is an important step to the study abroad process in order to learn more about different program options.
Study Abroad Recorded & Live Sessions
Step Three:
Research your study abroad options. Use the BGSU program search to research your different options and view program brochures.
Understanding the Programs Available
There are many ways students can study abroad at BGSU. Some programs are just for a semester and others are offered over the entire academic year. There are also exchange partner universities, faculty-led programs and more. Understanding the differences will help you identify which program is best for you.
Browse the Program List
Once you understand the differences of the various education abroad programs we have to offer, we recommend using our program search tool to brows by program name, term, country and more. This will help you understand the programs will be hosted so you can start preparing for your study abroad journey.
Step Four:
Schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor by calling 419-372-0479 to discuss study abroad options, answer any questions and assist with the completion of the course approval process. Please note: you will be required to attend or watch the recorded information session before scheduling a meeting with the advisor.
Before your appointment, you will need to also complete the pre-advising worksheet.
Step Five:
Meet with your Academic Advisor (not to be confused with your Education Abroad Advisor) to inform them of your intent to study abroad. It is important that you also discuss your plans for your returning semester.
Step Six:
Begin the education abroad online application using your MyBGSU username and password and complete the application materials.
Step Seven:
Explore financial aid and scholarships.
- Apply for FAFSA
- Research scholarship and grant opportunities
- Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor (if necessary)
Step Eight:
Revist your education abroad application to ensure you are not missing any forms or information. If you are, you will need to complete these items at this time.
Step Nine:
Apply for a passport. If you do not have a valid passport that will not expire while you are out of the country, you need to apply for your passport as soon as possible because the process can take up to six weeks.
Step Ten:
Apply for a visa:
- Check with your Education Abroad Advisor to see if your program requires a visa
- If you do need a visa, we recommend beginning the process 90 days before departure for your program. This process may involve multiple steps so it is important to begin early
Education Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid FAQ website to find answers to your financial aid and scholarship questions.
Anyone can study abroad! Students of any class level and major or minor are eligible to go abroad.
Students can study abroad as early as their second semester during freshman year leading all the way up to senior year. It can be difficult to study abroad the semester before you graduate so remember to start planning early.
No matter what classes you take when you study abroad they will count as BGSU credits. This means you can take classes in you major, minor, electives or even BGP's. Do not feel limited to only take classes in one specific area.
This is different for every student. As part of the application process you will complete a Course Approval Form to have your courses evaluated and BG equivalents determined before you go abroad.
While most of our options are traditional study abroad programs, we also offer internships and service learning opportunities.
BGSU offers programs for as short as one to two weeks up to an entire year and you can study abroad as many times as you want!
We have a standard 2.5 GPA requirement, however some specific programs may have different requirements.
There are many opportunities to study abroad in English. Many countries offer a full program of study in English, even in non-English speaking countries.
Yes, it is possible for transfer students to study abroad! Given the tight timeframe, it is essential that transfer students plan ahead.
You can find the most recent application due dates on our Study Abroad Student Guide web page.
Yes. A student who is enrolled in an approved study abroad program for credit can be eligible for federal, state, and some institutional aid. Loans generally require a student to be enrolled for at least half time (6 hours for undergraduates and 4 hours for graduates) for their program and/or other hours in addition to. Check out the Financial Aid FAQ's for more information.
The earlier the better! Planning for study abroad takes time. It is not too early for freshman to go over their study abroad options with an advisor. Try to plan at least one year in advance for a semester program and 3-6 months in advance for a shorter program.
Updated: 09/26/2024 11:43AM