Hope College | Paul G. Fried International Center

Planning

So, you are considering studying off-campus... you might find the following steps helpful in planning your semester/year off-campus.

1. Stop by the Fried International Center in the MMC, talk with a peer study abroad advisor, and pick up an application for off-campus study.

2. Meet with your Academic Advisor and map out your four-year plan to include a semester or two off-campus and determine what program best meets your needs.

3. In selecting an off-campus program, consider....

How will this experience enhance my major/minor?
What course requirements do I need to fulfill while being off-campus?
What semester/academic year works best into my four-year plan?
What is the educational system like in the host country?
Will I be living with a host family or in student housing? Will I be in an apartment with local and/or American students?
What are the program dates and the length of the program?
What are the program requirements and am I eligible for these?
What are my language skills? Is this program appropriate for my language abilities?
Can I afford to live in this country for five to six months or for a full academic year?
What scholarship opportunities are available for off-campus study?
Should I consider an internship?
What extracurricular activities and travel does the program offer?
Do I prefer taking courses with other American students or do I prefer to direct enroll in local university course?

4. Meet with the Financial Aid Office to determine what parts of your financial aid can be applied to your semester off-campus.

5. After detemining the best time for you to study off-campus, complete the Off-Campus Study Application and submit all international applications to the Fried International Center. All domestic applications should be submitted to the on-campus program representatives (see application). Application deadlines:

Fall 2009& Academic Year 2009-10: February 1, 2009
Spring 2010: April 14, 2009

6. Once your application is complete and approved, submit the program application to the Fried International Center (or your on-campus program representative for domestic programs).

7. Plan on attending the mandatory orientation session as scheduled by the Fried International Center.

8. If participating on an international program, it's never too early to apply for a passport (or make sure it's still valid).