Get Started

First steps to get you started with Study Abroad

1. Attend a pre-advising session
   These are held by the Global Education Office (GEO). In these sessions you will learn how to best utilize the resources in the study abroad library and how to find the program that's exactly what your looking for. They provide you with a packet of information, including the "Study Abroad Student Handbook" which provides you with a lot of practical information.

2. Select a program/Meet with an advisor
   When selecting a program meet with an Advisor in the GEO so they can inform you on what kind of options you have and meet with an academic advisor in the Undergraduate Program Office to discuss how your coursework fits in with your IPS.

3. Apply for a program
   Fill out the correct form on the GEO website that correlates to your study abroad experience, as well as prepare letters of recommendation and transcripts if necessary.

4. Once accepted register with GEO
   You are required to register with GEO. Let the GEO know that you are studying abroad and fill out the correct forms so the appropriate departments know you are still attending the university.

5. Get credits approved
   If you are traveling on a Business Program or studying business abroad get your credits pre-approved. You can do this in the Undergraduate Business Office with an academic advisor, or through the registrar.

Are there requirements to study abroad?

Students must have academic good standing and maintain full student status (minimum of 12 credits) to study abroad. Students are also required to register with the Global Education Office, so the university can notify the correct departments that the student is abroad.

When should I start planning to study abroad?

As soon as your freshmen year. Start early! It is very important to work studying abroad into your Individual Program of Studies (IPS) to ensure you graduate on time. At the very minimum you should start planning one full semester before studying abroad.

When do I study abroad?

First choice, spring of your sophomore year. It won't interrupt your business curriculum classes and you may be able to get early admission into the Mason Undergraduate Business Program.

Second choice, spring of your junior year. You still will be able to graduate on time but we would you rather not interrupt your business curriculum classes.

Third choice, breaks. Trips during summer or winter breaks are a good time to study abroad but are shorter then the semester trips.

Where have business students studied abroad this past year?

Here are just a few of the places where our student have gone:

Can I talk to someone who has studied abroad?

Visit the Undergraduate Program Office to get contact information on a student who has studied abroad in a location you are considering or planning to study at.

Is my financial aid transferable?

Most likely! Most financial aid is transferable to other institutions, but you should check with the Reeves Center or Financial Aid Office to be certain.

Are scholarships available for study abroad?

Yes! In the forms section of the Global Education Office website you can find the appropriate scholarship application for your time abroad.

How do I get credits approved?

Business credits are approved through the Undergraduate Program Office. You must earn the equivalent of a C or better in the class for it to count as transfer credit. Transfer credit does not typically count in your GPA. There are exceptions with faculty led programs that count as on-campus and students get a GPA.