Frequently Asked Questions


 

Study Abroad basics

Why should I study abroad?
There are literally hundreds of reasons why students should take advantage of the opportunity to do Study Abroad. Experiencing life in other countries and cultures, developing foreign language skills, broadening your worldview, and making lifelong friends while earning college credit are just some of them. Many students use Study Abroad to prepare for graduate school and future employment. Whereas many students prefer to study in an English-speaking country, others recognize the tremendous advantage of improving their skills in another language and opt to study where that language is spoken. In most cases, students who are not fluent in another language can complement language instruction courses with liberal arts or business courses taught in English. No matter your selection, the experience will be one that you will remember and value for the rest of your life.

Who is eligible to study abroad?
To study abroad, you must meet the minimum GPA requirement overall in the semester prior to your stay abroad. Check for GPA requirements with your study abroad coordinator. Some programs require a higher grade point average. Please check your campus for any additional requirements.

 

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How do I apply?

Step 1: Choose Your Program
Choosing to study abroad through NJSCIS allows you to find the perfect cultural experience by offering programs throughout the world. Browse our programs by selecting the "Countries" tab on the top navigation bar of the NJSCIS website. Select a particular country to learn more about each school, location, and available courses.

You can begin the application process once you have chosen a program. Be aware that the application deadline to study abroad during the spring semester is September 30, February 15 for summer and fall. Since many study abroad locations accept applications on a rolling basis you are encouraged to submit your application before the deadline if possible. Certain programs may have earlier application deadlines.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Applications must be filled out online. Creating an online application will not only allow you to complete the available online forms, but will also provide links to all forms which need to be printed, completed and returned to the Study Abroad Office. Your university's Study Abroad office may require additional forms to be filed with them directly. Contact your coordinator directly for more information. Access the NJSCIS Application here.

Step 3: Additional Forms
If your host institution is affiliated with CCIS, CEA, or ISA you will need to fill out the appropriate form below.

* For all NJSCIS Programs, you must fill out the application of your host institution in lieu of a CCIS, CEA, or ISA application.

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How much will my Study Abroad exprience cost?

The administration fee for applicants from NJSCIS members is $350. For students applying from non-member institutions, the administration fee is $550. Please refer to individual programs for additional information on tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses. Generally speaking, NJSCIS programs are less expensive than those of affiliated program providers.

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How do I pay for my Study Abroad exprience?

Most students need some form of financial aid to study abroad. Your campus Financial Aid office will consider you as eligible when you study abroad through any of the programs offered by the New Jersey State Consortium for International Studies. Check with your study abroad coordinator to find out how financial aid is handled at your home college/university. Your study abroad coordinator will cooperate with you and with the office of Financial Aid in determining your study abroad budget.

Tuition corresponding to study abroad programs is based on what NJSCIS is charged by the program or university abroad (plus the administrative fee). Tuition corresponding to student exchange programs abroad is the average cost to NJSCIS per incoming exchange student for tuition and fees at the New Jersey host institutions. Student exchange agreements are based on tuition and regular fees only. All incidental fees --such as lab or studio fees, for example-- are the responsibility of the incoming and New Jersey outgoing students. When an exchange agreement includes housing and/or meals, outgoing New Jersey students will be charged the cost of room and/or board provided to incoming exchange students in the New Jersey host institutions --prices are similar in all New Jersey colleges and universities hosting exchange students.

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Will I need international health insurance?

Every NJSCIS Study Abroad experience requires that students carry international health insurance. Some program providers include such insurance in the total cost. All ISA programs include insurance. CEA requires that international health insurance be purchased through them at an additional cost. For CCIS programs it varies with each host school. NJSCIS direct programs do not include international health insurance in the base program cost. For students whose programs do not include this insurance, it is available through your home school coordinator (or in some cases the NJSCIS office) in the form of the Premium International Student Identification Card (ISIC). Verify with your coordinator what your insurance needs will be when submitting your application for Study Abroad.

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How will I get to my host school when I arrive?

Most programs provide an airport or rail station pick-up service. Each student is supplied with explicit directions on how to get to their host institution and accommodations before departing from the United States.

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Will I be living with a family?

Available housing options vary by program. Check into the program details to see if your program offers home stays, dorms, or apartments.

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What scholarships are available?

If you wish to receive a scholarship, research and initiative are important. Click here for a list of list of scholarships that are available for Study Abroad.

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What language preparation will I need?

Most programs require no prior knowledge of a foreign language. However, foreign language study is required in some non-English speaking countries. In most programs, other course work may be done in the language of the host country or in English depending on the student's level of proficiency.

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How will my credits transfer?

All courses that you are approved to take abroad will transfer. They can transfer as major or minor credits, as free elective credits, or as general education credits. Consult with the Study Abroad coordinator on your campus regarding free elective or general education credits. Consult with your major/minor advisor(s) on required courses in your specific academic program(s) and obtain the signature of the chairperson of your department on the form indicated by your Study Abroad coordinator.

The Passport for Living and Learning Abroad website, maintained by the Institute for International Education, in cooperation with Studyabroad.com, is a useful source to consult which programs best fit your academic interests and other considerations. Check if programs or universities selected by the Passport are offered as study abroad or student exchange sites by the New Jersey State Consortium for International Studies.

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How do I prepare for my Study Abroad experience?

Travel Safety
For the most current information on travel warnings and related updates, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site. You may also visit the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) web site and the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) comprehensive travel guide. Travel safety advice is also available from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Travel Links

How do I apply for a passport?
Passport offices can be found in many county Post Offices. For a list of passport processing centers, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Will I need a special visa?
Depending on the country and the length of stay, students may need to obtain a special visa. The International Center will provide students with this information during the application process.

Will I need any vaccinations?
The need for vaccinations will vary from country to country. Students traveling to Europe, Australia, South America and Central America generally will not need any additional shots. You will receive specific information about vaccination requirements directly from your host institution after your application has been processed by NJSCIS.

Should I take my laptop or cell phone?
Whether students should bring their laptop or cell phone depends upon their own particular needs. Most schools provide computer labs where students can do their schoolwork and access the internet. Additionally, internet cafes are commonplace in most cities. If your accommodation provides internet access, then having your own laptop with you might be helpful. Just remember to keep expensive items secure when you are away. Cell phones are commonplace throughout the world and it is often practical for students who use certain carriers to take their phones with them. Others may find it easier to buy or rent a phone upon arrival at their destination.

Will I need a special power converter?
Most countries outside of the United States operate on a different voltage system. Check with your device manufacturer to see if you need to have a voltage converter, or simply an adapter to use your device in other countries. Most computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices have the power conversion built in. Always verify that you have the correct equipment for your devices before attempting to power them in a foreign country.

Should I change some money into a foreign currency before I depart?
It is not necessary to change large amounts of money before departing, but it may be helpful to have a small amount of local currency on hand upon arrival in your host country. Generally speaking, the best way to access money is by simply using a debit/check card at an ATM. Virtually any ATM worldwide will be able to process debit cards carrying the Visa or MasterCard symbol. This way, money is drawn directly from your U.S. bank account and converted automatically to local currency. You will also get the best possible exchange rate and not have to worry about carrying around large sums of money.

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