FAQ

• How can I put my study abroad experience in my resume?

In order to add your study abroad experience to your resume, we encourage you to visit the Career Services office to guide you throughout the process.

• How do I know which courses to take while abroad?

Before you go abroad, you are required to fill out a pre-course approval form signed by your academic advisor. This form lists all the classes you will be taking while you are abroad. It also ensures the transfer of your credits to A-State after.

• Is there a GPA requirement to study abroad?

Yes, the GPA requirement to study abroad is a 2.5/4.0 GPA.

• When is the best time to study abroad?

Our study abroad programs our offered in the spring, summer, fall and winter sessions. Any term that works best for you to have a study abroad experience, we will help organize.

• Can I fulfill my general education requirements abroad?

Yes, you can. Please be sure to meet with your academic advisor for approval in regards to what courses you will take while abroad.

• How do I manage my finances abroad?

Creating a travel budget before you study abroad is always recommended as it will give you an idea on what you will be spending while abroad. We also encourage you to meet with the financial aid and treasurer’s office to ensure that payment plans are set up and nothing else is required while you are abroad. 

• How do I pay my tuition and fees abroad?

While you are abroad, you will pay your tuition and fees through A-State in your MyBill account.

• What payment method should I use while studying abroad?

While you are abroad, we encourage you to check with your bank to see if your debit and/or credit card will charge you international fees while you are abroad. Having an international card will assist you in saving money during your study abroad program when purchasing items in that country.

• Can I visit other places and countries while studying abroad?

Yes! We encourage our students to travel and explore while they are abroad. Please be mindful of where and when you travel to other countries or cities. Certain programs provide different excursions for students to travel to different places within the country through their institution.

• When should I book my flights for going abroad?

We suggest you book your flight when you are finished with the application process and upon receiving your admission packet. We advise you to arrive at least a day or two before for the in-site orientation of your host institution. 

• What can I do after I have returned from abroad?

After you have returned, we encourage you to share your global experiences here at A-State. You can apply as a Study Abroad Ambassador to guide future study abroad students. Check our Study Abroad Ambassador page here.

•  I am living in a residence hall/on-campus apartment right now, what do I do with that when I am going abroad?

Depending on which study abroad program you choose, you may have the option to pay A-State for a housing and meal plan even though you will not be here at A-State as part of the agreement with the partner. When you are abroad on one of these partnerships, your housing and meal plan charges will be waived off at the partner institution. While you are away, you may be expected to clean out and empty your A-State room so that others will have access to that room. All arrangements regarding residing on campus should be brought to the attention of University Housing before you go abroad. Before you return to A-State, you may need to confirm your housing arrangement for the new term, again working with University Housing.

• How do I get a passport?

To get a passport in Jonesboro, you will need to go to the United States Postal Service. They will provide you a list of requirements that you will need to fulfill before they are able to ship off the forms to create your passport. It could take 4-6 weeks to get your passport so it is recommended to prepare. 

• How do I apply for my visa?

Visa requirements are different for each country. Make sure that you submit all the requirements to be issued a visa from your host country. Refer to the resources here

• What should I do if I have a prescription drug or receiving ongoing treatment?

Before you go abroad, we encourage you to meet with your doctor in regards to receiving additional prescriptions for you to have with you while you are abroad. It is important that you have a doctor’s note with you while carrying your medication with you on the flights and to present at security checkpoints if needed.

• Do I need to be vaccinated to go abroad?

We encourage you to get the proper vaccinations according to which country you want to study abroad in. Please be sure to check the CDC website to find your country of interest to share this information with your doctor. They will then provide you guidance on what vaccinations would be recommended for your time abroad. 

• Are there prerequisites for applying to study abroad programs?

Depending on the program selected, there could pre-requisites needed for you to study abroad. Different institutions abroad require certain courses to be taken depending on the department, course, and/or degree.

• Can I apply to multiple programs?

You are only able to apply for one study abroad program at a time. For example, if you would like to study abroad in two different locations in two different terms, that will be fine with the proper approval and planning. You are unable to apply for multiple programs for the same term.

• Is it possible to study abroad outside of A-State and other affiliate partners?

You are free to apply to non-A-State programs. However, it may be difficult to earn course credit for the program if you did not go through A-State’s study abroad programs and process.

• When should I start applying for programs?

You are advised to apply as soon as you decide on where and when you wish to go abroad. Applying one or two semesters before the actual program starts will give you enough time to make plans for the trip.

• How can I study abroad as an international student?

As any other student, you are able to study abroad through the same process. When applying for your visa for the foreign institution, we highly suggest that you contact your embassy to see if it would be best for you to travel back to your home country to get your visa issued or if you are able to get it here in the United States.

•  As an international student, how long do I have to study at A-State before I can study abroad?

International students, according to immigration, does not have to be at A-State for one full academic year before participating in study abroad.

• Can I study abroad even as a transfer student?

Yes, after attending the A-State Jonesboro campus for one full semester, you will be eligible to apply to A-State study abroad programs.

• Can my friends and I study in the same institution?

Depending on the study abroad program, you and your friends can study at the same institution abroad.

• Can I study abroad as a graduate student?

Yes, you are able to study abroad during your graduate studies with the approval from your department.

• Can I study abroad during my senior year?

Yes, you are able to study abroad during your senior year with the approval from your department.