NSU Spartans Abroad 101: Your First Step to study abroad
Getting Started
Welcome to NSU Spartans Abroad 101!
The NSU Office of Global Learning & International Programs provides support to and guidance on international programs for students pursuing education abroad.
Progress through the each section of NSU Spartans Abroad 101.
Once you have completed NSU Spartans Abroad 101, you should schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad advisor to discuss your plans to study abroad.
Begin to explore what opportunities are available for you abroad and discover how you would like to shape your experience. In addition to taking classes abroad, you can consider an internship, service learning, or even research.
NSU Spartans Abroad 101 will help you understand program options, how to select a program, funding options, how to earn credit abroad and your next steps.
Don’t forget to check out the FAQs section of NSU Spartans Abroad 101 for answers to commonly asked questions. Here we go!
Choosing a Program
The NSU Office of Global Learning & International Programs website is a key resource in all stages of your study abroad journey. Let’s talk through the first stage: program exploration. There are several short-term options, as well as options for a semester or academic year abroad.
You can look at our most up to date program catalogue here through NSU Global's VIA TRM Program Page Site
When selecting a program destination, familiarize yourself with NSUs travel restrictions.
Short-term (Direct enroll, NSU Faculty Led Programs)
Short-term programs at NSU can be divided into two categories:
Direct Enroll- NSU offers programs to participate with international summer institutes, where you enroll in courses at foreign universities or programs. This is a popular, affordable option for Spartans to spend summers abroad with other Spartans at a foreign partner university. These programs are run in conjunction with contracted, authorized program providers.
NSU Faculty Led Programs- NSU offers faculty-led programs in locations across the globe that focus on an area of study. Many faculty-led programs are open to all majors. These programs will have a NSU faculty member teaching a course that you can enroll in too. Programs will vary in price point and length of time abroad. This option provides you with the most support as you are guided by NSU faculty and go abroad with peers. There are NSU faculty-led programs offered during spring break and summer.
Semester Programs (Direct Enroll)
Going abroad during the semester or academic year is done through external programs outside of NSU. Students may study for a semester or year at an extrenal program (whose provider is contracted with NSU). External programs could be through third-party study abroad organizations or program providers, other U.S. institutions, or by applying directly to a foreign university on your own.
Study Abroad Application Process
Students intending to go abroad must follow these steps:
1) Schedule a meeting with a study abroad advisor by reaching out to studyabroad@nsu.edu
2) Select a program from NSU's program page and apply by submitting the official NSU application through that portal first.
3) Pay the 250 study abroad fee.
4) If your NSU application is accepted:
Faculty Led- Reach our to the faculty leader and be sure to enroll in their course at the appropriate time.
Direct Enroll- Fill out the program specific application and receive the appropriate enrollment information for your host school/program. Fill out the course approval packet with your advisor
(and other NSU staff) in order to ensure credits are transferred over.
Funding
It is important to spend some time thinking about the logistics of studying abroad. You may have options using financial aid and other sources of existing funding, like pre-paid tuition plans or military assistance, to help pay for your education abroad experience.
Be sure to explore the many scholarship options available listed in the Resources section to learn how you can find the funds to support your education abroad experience. Your study abroad program may also offer scholarships. Financial aid, whether need-based or merit-based, can travel with you abroad as long as you maintain full-time enrollment while overseas.
The NSU Office of Financial Aid is a good place to start if you have questions about your financial aid. If you receive a federal Pell Grant, you should apply for an external scholarship called the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
Certain NSU scholarships may also travel with you. If you use VA prepaid tuition or military benefits, you should talk to a Study Abroad Advisor to go through the steps for using those sources of funding abroad.
Get creative! Many NSU Spartans create Go-Fund Me campaigns for an easy way to share your goal and ask friends and family to support your academic pursuits.
Studying abroad can be affordable! Chat with a Study Abroad Advisor for guidance on making study abroad affordable for you.
Getting Credit
Careful planning of your education abroad experience should keep you on track to graduate, or maybe even help you get ahead! So let’s look at the credit transfer process for studying abroad.
Students studying for a semester can anticipate taking between 12-15 credits and those studying during the summer typically take between 3-6 credits.
Faculty led programs offer NSU credit directly, whereas direct-enroll programs provide transfer credit, which you’ll need to get pre-approval for.
Be sure to discuss with your NSU Academic Advisor your plans to study abroad and what courses you’ll need to take for your degree requirements. You will need to submit a course approval request form for every course you’d like to take while abroad.
See the credit transfer process section of the NSU Study Abroad website for more information.
Next Steps
Meet your Study Abroad Advisor
Completing NSU Spartans Abroad 101 puts you closer to your goal of studying abroad! So what’s next?
Speak with your academic advisor about your plans to study abroad. You also want to schedule a time to meet with your NSU Study Abroad Advisor. Please feel free to schedule an appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor about where you are most interested in going. The NSU Study Abroad team is here to help you through the process so you can meet your study abroad goals. We look forward to helping you pursue a rewarding & life changing opportunity abroad!