Did You Know?

International students at Georgia Tech represent 104 different countries

Preparation for Study Abroad Programs

Please choose the relevant topic below to obtain more information:

Study Abroad Meetings/Orientations

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Financial Planning

The cost of study abroad programs varies widely depending on which expenses are included in the program fees. Be sure that you read program literature carefully and understand what expenses are included in the program fees that you will pay to the sponsor of the program. You will need to estimate those expenses that are not included so that you are sure to have adequate funds available for the duration of your program. You should also include a contingency fund, which can be used in case of an emergency, in your estimates. You can use the attached budget worksheet to help you plan how much money you'll need to have available for your trip.

If you currently have financial aid, you should know that most aid and/or scholarships can be used for participation in a GT program, provided you are still eligible for that aid at the time you study abroad.  For more information about using GT Financial Aid while studying abroad, please download the Financial Aid Information for GT Study Abroad Programs. For more specific financial aid questions visit www.finaid.gatech.edu.

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Passport and Visa Info

DON’T PUT IT OFF!!!! IT TAKES 12+ WEEKS TO OBTAIN A PASSPORT.

U.S. PASSPORT INFO:
The U.S. Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports.

Application for a U.S. Passport:
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You'll need to apply in person IF:

  • you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time;
  • your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession;
  • your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago;
  • your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.

    For more information on getting a new passport, please go to http://studentsabroad.state.gov/

Renewal of a U.S. Passport:
You can renew by mail IF:

  • your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged;
  • you received the passport within the past 15 years;
  • you were over age 16 when it was issued;
  • you still have the same name, or you can legally document your name change.

    If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.

    For more information on how to renew a passport, please go to: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/

U.S. CITIZEN VISA INFO
Information on visa requirements for U.S. citizens is available online: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/. If you are participating in a GT Summer Program or the Pacific Study Abroad Program, your Program Director/Coordinator will provide you with information on visa requirements, if any are required.

NON-U.S. CITIZENS
Because passport and visa requirements vary according to the country of citizenship, Non-U.S. citizens are required to contact the foreign embassy directly to get information on visas. Furthermore, non-U.S. citizens are responsible for applying for the required visas on their own. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1270.html for foreign embassy contact information.

Failure to obtain the proper visas is grounds for dismissal from GT programs, and therefore, students who do not acquire visas are not entitled to any refunds of program fees. GT International Students should make an appointment with an International Student Advisor in the OIE to ensure that they maintain their F-1/J-1 visa status in the U.S. while participating in GT study abroad; please e-mail info@oie.gatech.edu to schedule an appointment.

ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT VISA REQUIREMENTS MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME. YOU MUST ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH YOUR PASSPORT WHEN CROSSING BORDERS, THIS INCLUDES ALL COUNTRIES IN THE E.U.

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Registration

Students Participating in GT Summer Group Programs | the Pacific Program | GTL Undergrad programs | Arch Senior Year in Paris

In order to register for courses offered as part of a study abroad program, the OIE must send the Registrar confirmation that you are a study abroad participant.

You will be able to register during normal registration periods, as outlined in the GT Oscar.

You can get the course descriptions, course numbers, etc. from the Program Director of your particular study abroad program.

Transients/Special Students have different procedures than regular degree-seeking GT students. Transient students will only be allowed to register during late registration (Phase II). They will be assigned a time ticket through GT's online registration system. Further details will be emailed after acceptance.

Students Participating in GT Exchange and Study/Work Abroad Programs

Participants in Semester/Exchange or Study/Work Abroad programs must register for either Foreign Studies (FS) 4000 (undergraduates) or Foreign Studies (FS) 6000 (graduate students).

FS 4000 and FS 6000 are special courses created to keep you in the computer system (so that your GT e-mail account will not be cancelled; so that you can continue to receive financial aid; so your GT Box is not given to someone else, etc.) during your participation in a GT Exchange or Study/Work Abroad program. During your semester abroad, you may ONLY be registered for an FS course; you may not register for any other GT course.

In order to register for either Foreign Studies course, you must be given a permit. The Office of International Education will request the appropriate permit for you for each semester that you are abroad.

You will be able to register during normal registration periods, as outlined in the GT Oscar.

Students Participating in Non-GT Programs

Students who choose to participate in programs offered by other universities or organizations DO NOT register for any course at GT while abroad. Students participating in non-GT programs should contact the administrator of the program for registration information.

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Payment Information


All payments for deposits, program fees, and tuition are handled through the GT Bursar.
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Insurance

Download PDF Version Insurance Information for Students Participating in GT Summer Group Programs, the Pacific Program, GTL, Arch Senior Year in Paris or Exchange/Semester Programs

Insurance Information for Students Participating in Non-GT Programs
If you participate in a non-GT program, you should check with the university or other entity administering the program to find out whether or not health, evacuation, and repatriation insurance are included in the program. If the program does not provide what you consider to be adequate insurance coverage. Click here for further information.

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Safety

 International Safety Numbers
Download PDF Version Download Safety Guide
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International Student/Teacher Identity Card

Benefits of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC):

Your regular GT student ID may not be accepted as proof of student status while you are abroad, so you may want to purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). ISIC is internationally recognized proof of student status. Benefits of ISIC vary widely from country to country, but may include discounts on airfares and other transportation, accommodation, and admission fees to museums, cultural events, and concerts. ISIC also provides basic medical and accident insurance for as long as your ISIC is valid. Benefits for the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) are similar to those of ISIC.

The ISIC (approx. $22) is valid from September 1 through the following December 31. So, an ISIC purchased on October 1, 2003 would be valid until December 31, 2003; an ISIC purchased on August 25, 2003 would only be valid until December 31, 2003.

There is no age limit for purchasing ISIC, but age restrictions may apply to some discounts. A handbook free to all ISIC/ITIC purchasers provides detailed information on insurance, emergency assistance for travelers, student airfares, and cardholder discounts in the United States and abroad.

For detailed information on the ISIC and its benefits, as well as information on locations where you can purchase the ISIC or ITIC, go to the website of STA Travel.

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Scholarships

GT Study Abroad Scholarships Blog!

Please see the scholarship booklet for information on some of the scholarships available for study abroad. This booklet lists many scholarships for which Georgia Tech students may apply. This list is not exhaustive, however, and we encourage you to research other scholarship opportunities, if these don't suit your needs.

Online Search Engines

 

OIE Scholarships

Study abroad scholarships offered through the Office of International Education:
Funding for Working Abroad

Please visit the GT Work Abroad Office's tutorial on funding for work or research internships abroad:

 

Program-specific Scholarships

Some of GT’s Exchange partners offer scholarships to incoming students. For more information, please visit the “Costs” section of the links below:

Australia

Denmark

England

France

    • GT Lorraine: Ten, $2000 scholarships for Spring 2010 and $500 scholarships available for any Spring or Fall term

Germany

Hong Kong

Japan

Korea

Switzerland


National Scholarships

Some national scholarships require a campus review. Therefore the GT campus deadline is earlier than the national deadline. After researching some of the opportunities, we encourage you to meet with the Campus Representative for national scholarships in the Office of International Education to discuss how to submit a competitive application.

Links to national scholarships and deadlines:

Scholarship Study Period Official Application Deadline GT Application Deadline
GT-Sponosored Scholarships Fall 09 + AY 09-10 n/a June 3, 2009
(ACCIAC/Presidents/Alumni) Spring 10 n/a September 9, 2009
Summer 10 n/a January 27, 2010
ASF Awards for Study in Scandinavia Summer 10 - Spring 11 November 1, 2009 n/a
Bobby Jones Fellowship AY 10-11 December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009
Bridging Scholarships  Spring 10 October 6, 2009 n/a
for study in Japan Fall 10 April 6, 2010 n/a
Butex Scholarship (Study in UK) Fall 09 - Summer 10 August 1, 2009 n/a
Campoamor Scholarships Summer 10 - Spring 11 n/a April 1, 2009
Critical Language Scholarships Summer 10 December 18, 2009 n/a
DAAD Germany Fall 10 - Summer 11 January 31, 2010 n/a
George J. Mitchell Scholarship - Ireland AY 10-11 October 5, 2009 n/a
Gilman Scholarship Spring 10 October 7, 2009 September 23, 2009
Fall 10 or AY 10-11 April 6, 2010 March 24, 2010
IREX n/a various grants n/a
JASSO (Japan) n/a various scholarships n/a
Jerusalem Fellowships n/a various fellowships n/a
Boren Scholarship (Undergrad) Summer 10 - Spring 11 February 11, 2010 January 27, 2010
Boren Fellowship (Graduate) Summer 10 - Spring 11 January 28, 2010 January 13, 2010
NSF  n/a various grants n/a
Norwegian Marshall Fund AY 10 - 11 March 23, 2010 n/a
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships AY 11 - 12 June 1, 2010 n/a