APPLICATION PROCESS

How can my student apply for an ACU study abroad program? 
Application forms are available at http://acu.edu/studyabroad, or students can pick up an application packet in the Administration Building, Room 124.

When is the application deadline? 
The deadline for each program is 120 days before departure.  However most of our semester programs fill up many months in advance of this deadline.  For example, programs for students’ sophomore year typically fill up in November of their freshman year. 

How does a student save their spot in a program?
To hold a spot in a semester program, students turn in the $200 application fee and six of the application forms: Checklist, Application, Emergency Contacts, Behavior Contract, Release and Indemnification Agreement, and the Withdrawal Policy.  Only applications that have all six forms and the application fee can hold a spot. Because we want to give professors a chance to get to know incoming freshmen, we do not accept reference forms until after November.  Beginning in November, students can turn in their three reference forms.  Once all the references are in, the application packet will be reviewed and students will be notified by mail in January of their acceptance status. Students who are accepted will get a spot in the program based on when their application packet was completed.  Once the program is full, students with later completion dates will be placed on a wait-list.

What if my student decides to back out of a program? 
If a student withdraws from a program, their application fee is non-refundable and they may also incur additional penalty charges.  Please see our Withdrawal Policy for details.  To download this form, click on the Apply tab in the left column and find the Withdrawal Policy. 

Will a semester abroad keep my student from graduating in four years? 
No, we have carefully selected classes so that a semester abroad should help ACU students graduate within their four-year goal. 



COST

What is the study abroad program fee? 
Program fees range between $3,500 and $6,000, depending on the destination and length of the program.  Semester program fees include airfare, group excursions and overseas medical insurance.  Summer program fees include airfare, group excursions, overseas medical insurance and housing.  Program fees for each program can be found on the program flyer on our website.

What else will be on my student’s ACU bill the semester they study abroad? 
In addition to the program fee, each student is charged for 16 hours of tuition, sophomore housing and a meal plan.

When will the program fee be charged to my student’s account? 
Program fees will be posted along with a student's tuition the semester or summer that they study abroad.

What other expenses should we expect? 
Students will have personal expenses such as traveling on breaks, souvenirs and laundry.  From what we have observed, most students spend between $1,000 and $2,000 on personal expenses.

Can financial aid help with study abroad expenses? 
Yes!  Students will still be able to apply their ACU financial aid package to their semester abroad.  Also, the program fee counts as an additional academic expense, so it makes some students eligible for more aid.  If a student currently receives the Pell Grant, they should ask their financial aid counselor about the Gilman Award.  For more information about financial aid, please call The Depot at 325-674-2300.


PREPARING TO STUDY ABROAD

Where can my student apply for a passport? 
Your student can download the application form from http://travel.state.gov and apply in person at a local post office, county courthouse, or some public libraries.  

Will my student need a visa? 
If your student is a US citizen traveling to one of our programs in the UK, Uruguay or Germany, they will not need a visa.  

What vaccinations will my student need? 
The Center for Disease Control does not require any vaccinations for the United Kingdom, Uruguay or Germany.  Please consult your family doctor to make sure your student is healthy enough to study abroad and ask if there are any recommended vaccinations.

When is the required orientation for study abroad programs? 
Fall programs have orientation in April and also the two days in August before they depart.  Spring programs have orientation in November and also the two days in January before they depart.  Summer programs have orientation in April.

Who makes the flight arrangements? 
The study abroad office arranges all flights to and from the study abroad destination.  Students are not able to use flyer miles on the trips to and from their destination, but they are allowed to use them within Europe/South America on their personal trips.

What are the approximate dates of a study abroad program? 
We follow the ACU academic calendar.  Our semester programs leave the Wednesday of the first week of class and return the Wednesday of finals week. 


LIVING OVERSEAS

How will students access money overseas? 
Students will use an ATM card to access money.  We recommend that they have two cards in case one is destroyed or lost. 

How will students exchange money overseas? 
Student can withdraw local currency from the ATM or exchange US dollars at a nearby bank or Bureau de Change.

What is the housing situation for study abroad students? 
All students will live in our facilities along with their professors.  Most situations involve 1-3 roommates and community bathrooms.  Bedding is provided in Oxford and Latin America.  The houses are in safe neighborhoods close to parks, bus stations and markets.

Will students have access to the Internet? 
Yes, there is wireless Internet in our facilities in Latin America and Oxford.  Students traveling to other destinations will be able to use local Internet cafes.  Many families use the Internet to keep in touch with their students through email or skype.com. 

Should students take their cell phones? 
Please consult your provider to learn more about international plans.  Most students do not take their cell phones.  Some students buy a pre-paid phone upon arrival, or share a pre-paid phone with several students in their group.

How does an ACU meal plan work in the ACU in Oxford and ACU in Latin America programs? 
In Oxford, students will receive their meal plan money in 5 installments throughout the semester.  They can then use this money to buy groceries or eat at restaurants.  In Latin America, breakfast and lunch is provided Monday through Friday, and students can cook or eat out at night and on the weekends.

What classes will students take, and who will teach them?
Students in semester programs will enroll in 16 hours of general education courses in topics such as Literature, Fine Arts, Biblical Studies and Social Science.  These courses are taught by our On Site Directors and other professors.  Also, a Visiting Faculty will travel with each group and teach courses from their area of study.  We have classrooms in our facilities, but students will also spend class time on intentionally planned field trips throughout the city, country and continent. 

What worship opportunities will be available? 
In Montevideo, the Church of Christ is next to our facility.  Students are also welcome to visit other local congregations.  Students and professors take turns leading chapel several times a week.  In Oxford, there are many opportunities to experience different styles of worship.  Most students attend and volunteer at Anglican churches near our facility.  A Church of Christ is an easy bus ride away.  Students and professors meet at 9:00 p.m. every Sunday for chapel. 

Will my student have opportunities to travel? 
Yes!  Students will take several trips with the directors as a group.  These trips will be related to their class material.  Students will also have a week off of class and several long weekends for personal travel.  Students are not allowed to travel alone. 

Should I be worried about terrorism overseas? 
Safety is one of our primary concerns.  We teach students to be alert and aware.  Of course no one can make any guarantees against terrorism in Oxford, Montevideo, Abilene, or your hometown, but we can be prepared.

How is the study abroad office prepared in the case of a medical, political or natural emergency?
Our office has emergency response plans for each of these situations.  We buy evacuation insurance for each student and we register each student with the US State Department so the local embassies can assist our students. 

Can I visit my student? 
Absolutely!  Families are welcome to visit anytime.  Usually the students find it more convenient if families visit at the end of the program after they have completed their classes and homework and are free to travel.  If a student would like to extend their stay, they need to fill out a Travel Deviation Request form so our office can change their return flight.

Where can I go for more information about studying abroad? 
If you have specific questions about our application process or programs, please email Lauren Graham at study_abroad@acu.edu.  If you would like to read more information about studying abroad, please visit the US State Department’s website - http://studentsabroad.state.gov.  If you would like more information about passports please go to http://travel.state.gov.  For general information about your student’s destination and possible travel opportunities, we suggest investing in some travel guide books.