Q. Why study abroad?
A. The experience literally expands your world.  The people you meet, the places you visit and the perspectives you gain in a foreign learning environment will change the way you think and deal with life's challenges.  Returned students feel more confident and independent.  They now see themselves and their own community in the context of the world.  Their classes gain new meaning and enrich their academic pursuits.  Global awareness and having a global perspective are qualities that will enhance employment opportunities in all professions in the 21st century.

Q. Where can I study?
A. There are thousands of study abroad programs and sites, making the choice process extremely difficult.   Before you start randomly picking a program, it is extremely important that you understand that your choices are limited.   Credit from every program is not guaranteed. The International Programs Office is the liaison between these programs and the administrative offices at FLC.  Programs must be evaluated and consortium agreements established before credit will be accepted and financial aid disbursed.  Keep in mind that the approval process takes time and that   FLC is a small school with limited resources. The credits from the programs below have been evaluated and pre-approved for either FLC credit or transfer credit.

FLC pre-approved exchange, direct & study abroad programs by country:

Argentina (Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad USAC)
Australia  (Exchange, Study Abroad/ISA, Study Abroad/USA)
Chile(Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad USAC)
China(Study Abroad/AsiaLearn, Study Abroad/USAC)
Costa Rica (Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad USAC)
Czech Republic (Direct, Study Abroad/USAC)
Denmark (Exchange, Study Abroad/USAC)
Dominican Republic (Study Abroad/ISA)
Finland (Exchange)
France (Direct, Exchange, Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad/USAC)
Germany (Exchange, Study Abroad/USAC)
Ghana (Study Abroad/SIT, Study Abroad/USAC)
India (Study Abroad/USAC)
Ireland (Study Abroad/USAC)
Israel (Study Abroad/USAC)
Italy (Study Abroad/USAC)
Japan (Direct, Exchange, Study Abroad/AsiaLearn, Study Abroad/USAC)
Malta (Study Abroad/USAC)
Mexico (Direct, Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad/USAC)
Morocco (Study Abroad/SIT, Study Abroad/ISA)
New Zealand (Direct, Study Abroad/Australearn, Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad/USAC)
Peru (Study Abroad/ISA)
Scotland (Study Abroad/USAC)
Spain (Exchange, Study Abroad with ISA, Study Abroad/USAC)
Sweden (Exchange, Study Abroad/USAC )
The Netherlands (Exchange, Study Abroad/USAC)
United Kingdom (Study Abroad/USAC)

Q. Will I need a Passport?
A. Yes, apply for a passport if you don't have one or if yours will expire while you are abroad.  More info can be found here:   http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html


Q.What are the eligibility requirements?
A. Student status: You need to be at least sophemore. 
Required Classes: GS250 and GS251
GPA:You need at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5

Students must be enrolled in GS251 the term immediately PRIOR to their expected term abroad.

• GPA of 2.5 is a minimum.  Some programs are very competitive and their GPA requirement may be higher.  Always check the individual school and/or program for their specific requirements.

• If you do not have the 2.5 GPA, but feel you will have it by the time you go abroad, you may still register into the GS 250.   Your ultimate acceptance will be contingent on producing an official transcript with proof of the 2.5 GPA by the time you complete GS 251.   It is your responsibility to produce this transcript to the International Programs Office before you will be registered into one of the specially designated exchange or study abroad courses.

• Business students are required to have completed a minimum of 60 credits.  See the SOBA Foreign Studies Advisor (Dr. Suzanne Wilhelm) for details on which courses are required prior to studying abroad. 

HOLDS:
You cannot have any academic, financial, or disciplinary  HOLDs on your record when we complete the processing of your paperwork during the term you are enrolled in GS251.   Registration into the Studies Abroad CRN  (see registration information below) is contingent on you having a clean record.   Participation on an international program is not a right. All HOLDS must be cleared before we can register you into the appropriate CRN for your overseas experience. If you are not clear to go when applications are processed, you must wait until the next term to participate. If you still have a HOLD when GS251 is over, you will be dropped from the class with a "W" and you must re-enroll in GS251 the next term.

ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS:
Do you have the prerequisites completed that will make this experience successful? There's no sense taking courses in a foreign country if you don't understand the basic concepts they are referring to.  Most international universities do not offer lower level courses to get you up to speed.  They expect you to have this academic background in core classes BEFORE you get there.  Taking the appropriate introductory courses at FLC will prepare you for the more advanced courses abroad.  Read course descriptions carefully and plan your semesters at FLC prior to departure carefully.

Are you aware that all academic systems and teaching methodologies are not alike? In general, students in Europe and elsewhere in the world, are expected to be much more independent and more actively involved in their own learning process and education than in the U.S. The bulk of the learning is expected to happen "outside" the classroom through reading, research and writing - and this is not necessarily work that is assigned, collected or graded.

The class lectures are designed to give you the framework necessary to explore the subject on your own.  There are few of the mechanisms we Americans are used to that "make" students do the work.  (i.e. required class attendance, quizzes, daily homework assignments). The professor or faculty member is not expected to make you learn.

The assumption is that you are there by free choice and that you will do whatever is necessary to learn the required information.  Lectures are merely the "framework" necessary to explore the subject further.  Your semester or year grade may be based entirely on one comprehensive exam with oral and written components, or one final paper.  Are you ready for this?

Q. AFFORDABILITY FACTOR:  Time and Money
A. You must evaluate if you can afford not only the money it will cost to study abroad, but the time spent away form FLC, your job, loved ones, and other personal pursuits.  Make sure you discuss your plans with your parents or significant others.  

Who'll take care of the dog?  How will you manage to get 4-5 months off from work and still have a job when you get back?  What if that one class you need is only offered once every two years and next term is it?  Do you want to save up the extra money before you go or take out loans?  Will your shaky relationship fall apart if you leave?

There are a million questions you need to ask yourself.  I can't advise you on most of them, but there is one I am certain about.  DO NOT go on an international program to escape problems here.  Whatever they are, it will be worse trying to deal with them in another country or when you return.  If you're not doing well at FLC, maybe you need a break from school altogether.  Really evaluate your reasons for studying abroad and when the best time for you would ultimately be. 

Q.What about graduation?
A. If you are a senior during your planned term(s) abroad, there are a few obstacles you must clear before you sign into GS251.

You must be prepared to have graduation postponed for at least one term because many study abroad programs are not over by FLC graduation deadlines.

If you are completing final credits abroad you will need to make sure all grades are posted before your final graduation check by the Record's Office. The general advice is if you have all of your major department requirements COMPLETED by your senior year, and you are going abroad for elective credits only, you will probably be granted approval - but this is entirely up to your advisor, department chair, and/or Records Office (not the IPO).

Check with your advisor and the Record's Office PRIOR to departure regarding petitions to graduate, grad checks, and exception to graduation applications. This is another activity that is extremely difficult, if not impossible,  to arrange from another country.

If your graduation is dependent upon taking one or a few specific courses while abroad, you are taking a big chance.  Course schedules are usually not available in advance and you may not know what courses are being offered until you are there.  Certain FLC courses, i.e.Senior Seminars, are seldom available anywhere else and equivalencies are not normally accepted.  Check with individual departments and faculty before you count on fulfilling your last credits abroad.

The IPO does not make this decision or advise on this issue. It is up to each student to have this discusion with their department advisor prior to enrolling in GS251 or going abroad their senior year.


Q.What languages do I need?
A.

• Each exchange program has its own requirements, but generally, for the exchange programs in Spain, France and Germany, and Latin America...two years of the appropriate college level language is required.   One of your recommendations must be from the Modern Language Department if you are attending one of these programs. information pages.
• Individual Study Abroad programs will have their own language requirements.  Make sure you have read all of their material and know what they require.  Recommendations are always required and often a pre-test will be part of the application process.
• If your goal is to study abroad to LEARN a language you need to look for programs that offer intensive language courses.  These courses usually offer classes at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. You will be given a placement test on arrival (or sometimes in the application packet) to make sure you are in the appropriate level for your initial abilities. 
• Note: Some programs require at least one year of language before they will accept you into BEGINNING classes.  Usually, semester long  intensive language courses meet 4 hours per day, 5 days a week (20 hours).  Some may offer academic classes in English at the same time, others may allow you to take courses from the regular curriculum.  Check individual programs for details.

• With your transcript and catalog in hand, do your own graduation check.   Which requirements have not yet been fulfilled, and which courses do you still need to take?
• Which courses MUST be taken at FLC and when?
• Become familiar with program materials, including course options. Which of the courses on your study abroad program could possibly be used to fulfill these requirements?
• Do you need to take some FLC prerequisites PRIOR to signing up for a study abroad program or exchange?  Do these sites offer lower level courses or all upper division courses?
• What courses must you take when you return to FLC?  Find out what classes cannot be fulfilled overseas.   
• If you want to satisfy general education requirements, check the list of suggested courses in the FLC catalog.
• Remember, faculty will have to evaluate these courses eventually and need as much information as possible.  They are interested in the course description, the number of contact hours with the professor, the syllabus, textbook used, types of assignments, etc.  The more information available, the better.  This step will have to wait until your meeting after you return, but try to research as much as possible prior to your appointment.
• Depending on the courses available and what you want to take, have your major advisor indicate which courses could satisfy major requirements.  Include as many courses as possible since you won't know what your actual choices are yet.  Keep this list with you or saved on your computer.
• Keep a copy of this advising form for yourself and turn the other one into the International Programs Office with your application packet.  If your advisor wants to use another form, fine - just make sure you get this advising IN WRITING.  It's impossible to reconstruct a meeting a year later.  Also, faculty leave. You may be explaining this plan all over again to another person - cover yourself.

• ONLY classes that appear on an OFFICIAL transcript will be awarded credit at Fort Lewis.  Be aware that many institutions offer "off-campus" classes or courses taught "in association" with the university.  Make sure every course will be recorded by the university.  P.E. courses and "cultural" experience courses often fall into this category.
• Each term you will register into a special exchange/study abroad course for 12 credits that will have an unpublished CRN (Course Registration Number).  The IPO gives this information to Records and that office registers you. This is done during the GS251 process. You will be given this number after you complete GS 251. 
• For example:  If you are participating on an exchange program in Spain it will appear as  "Exchange Abroad - Spain - 12 credits - In Progress"  on your transcript.

• All courses will initially be recorded as "Incomplete" and remain so until an official transcript is received, approvals are obtained from faculty and all  paperwork is submitted to the International Programs Office.  The International Programs Office will submit these administrative Drop/Add forms and supporting documentation to the Record's Office.  The Record's Office will subsequently post these classes and grades to your transcript.
• Remember:  Incompletes revert to F's after a year.   It is your responsibility to request transcripts BEFORE you depart and then follow up with your host school to make sure they are sent to the International Programs Office.  Your G.P.A. and financial aid eligibility could be jeopardized because of procrastination.
• You may not take an "Incomplete" at your host school.   You must finish all course work while at the program site.  Don't leave any work unfinished, expecting to complete it later; such incompletes are routinely awarded as FAILS.  It is common for Europeans to "re-sit" a final exam.  This means if you fail the final the first time, (or second, third or fourth times, etc.) you are allowed to retake the exam again.  For example: If you fail the exam in January you may take it again in October.  This is not practical for FLC students unless they are willing to travel BACK to their host school.  The IPO will not administer these exams here - so don't think about arranging it.  It is not to your advantage to try and retake an exam 6 months to a year later.  Study and pass it the first time!
• It is the student's responsibility to retain the syllabus, papers, exams, even textbooks, to make their case to the credit awarding department.  It is not guaranteed that every course will be treated as an exact equivalent.  Many courses will be treated as Special Topics (190 or 390 courses).  Each department has its own requirements for their majors.  Talk to your advisors - they know what will work and what won't. 
• Courses will be recorded at the level they were taught. You cannot get upper division credit for a lower division courses even if you thought it was "really difficult" or "10 times more work" than the equivalent course here. If it says "intermediate" on the transcript, it cannot be recorded as "advanced" on your FLC transcript. Make sure you are enrolled in the appropriate level courses and that you are not repeating a level you have already taken here.
• Because of the difficulty of "translating" grades from international academic systems to our own, credit will be recorded as PASS (A through C-), NC (no credit for D's), or FAIL (equates to an F), Only the F's affect your cumulative GPA.
• Credits earned on international programs with a PASS/FAIL policy are exempt from FLC limitations placed on pass/fail course maximums. Credit may be used to fulfill major requirements or general distribution requirements - with approval.

• The maximum number of credits you may earn either through exchanges, study abroad, or a combination of both is 54 during your college career at FLC.  Students may register for a maximum of 18 credits per 15 week term.  Summer sessions usually carry between 4-6 credits each. 
• The minimum is 12 to maintain full-time status and to be eligible for financial aid. 
• Check with individual departments for the maximum number of credits they will accept to put toward your major.  Normally, you CANNOT fulfill a major entirely on credits earned abroad. 
• In all cases, the ultimate decision regarding how the credit will be recorded on the Fort Lewis College transcript will be made by Fort Lewis College faculty and the Record's Office and not by the individual student.

• If you are deemed an eligible recipient of financial aid to attend Fort Lewis College, you may be able to use this same aid toward your exchange or study abroad.   Check the Fort Lewis College Financial Aid website: http://www.fortlewis.edu/current_students/financial_aid/default.aspx for information and application deadlines.
• During GS 251- International Studies you will make a program budget.  If you receive institutional Financial Aid you will need to submit this budget and a "Request for Award Adjustment" to the financial aid office as soon as possible.   Most awarded financial aid can be used for exchange and study abroad programs, but you must request it.  We do not require a budget forrom students not receiving financial aid, but it is highly recommended that you prepare one, so you (and your parents) are clear on the total costs of your program.
• Please be aware that most study abroad programs will require payment prior to your departure from the US  If you are anticipating payment from financial aid then you ill need to verify appropriate procedures with the program sponsor.  In many cases they will defer any payment from your financial aid with proof the aid will be awarded.  It is your responsibility to clarify payment procedures with the sponsor.
• You must be enrolled full-time and be maintaining satisfactory academic progress to continue to receive financial aid.  Verification of your enrollment in an approved program will be sent to the financial aid office within one month of your program start date.
• Scholarships specific to study abroad are rare.  Some program providers have their own scholarships for program participants. 
• Students on FLC tuition waivers may only participate on FLC exchanges if they wish to utilize this institutional aid.  They are welcome to participate in study abroad programs, but they would be responsible for associated tuition costs charged by these programs.