Study

Interested in an academic program for a semester or over the summer? You're at the right place!  Here are some things to consider while you are weighing your options:

I really want to...

  • Study in a specific country (your options are on the right, or scroll through the enticing pictures above)
  • Study specifically over the summer or for a semester (semester programs are in all locations with the exception of Costa Rica, France, Greece and Nepal)
  • Fulfill foreign language requirements or enhance your fluency (options for formal study or language training exist in Australia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand)
  • Take specific courses or fulfill major requirements abroad
  • Explore a variety of locations while earning significant academic credits
  • Earn credit through an alternative break or short-term program (Costa Rica and Ecuador)

Or, contact us to let us know what you're looking to experience in your program and we'll be sure to find the best fit for your interests

The amazing thing about study abroad is that no two overseas experiences are the same. Each individual starts out on this journey and weeks, months, or years later he or she comes back with a new set of friends, ideas, memories, and perspectives.

Even though the process of studying abroad is easier than most people think, selecting a country, school, or program that best suits you can seem daunting. This page is meant to help you get started and show you the fantastic options that IEP has to offer in study abroad programs.

International Education Programs at Jacksonville University offers summer, semester, academic year, multi-country, and alternative spring break study abroad programs in over 16 countries. We provide quality international academic experiences at prestigious institutions of higher education. Whether you are interested in developing language skills, immersing yourself in another culture, or earning credit towards your degree, IEP offers the quality programming and support that make these goals a possibility. IEP study programs are open to all university students from incoming freshman to graduating seniors. (Graduate students can find an international internship placement with IEP!)

 

Why Study Abroad?

Academic Credit

Most academic majors can earn a full semester or academic year's worth of credit that will count towards their degree. When deciding what country to study abroad in, course options may be a consideration. The credits transfer back as one or more of the following: pass/fail, electives, upper division credits within any given major, or core curriculum/general education hours.

Language Acquisition

Language is a powerful tool that shapes the way that we view the world. The ability to speak more than one language is a highly valuable skill for a student’s professional and personal life. Organizations worldwide give preference to qualified applicants who are are skilled in a foreign language. Equally important, however, is being able to communicate with someone in his or her own language. Language programs are also an excellent way for recent graduates to postpone the working world and dive into a perspective-broadening program!

Practical Experience

Studying abroad is an incredible way to gain real world experience in a particular academic field or future profession. For example, international business majors can learn more about global markets simply by shopping in downtown London or Bangkok. Marine biology majors can observe marine life in Australia or in the Galapagos Islands that cannot even be found anywhere in the United States! Or Spanish majors and minors can earn Spanish language credits while practicing conversation with their host family or roommates in South America or Spain. Think of all the things you could learn by studying abroad!

Unforgettable Experience

Study abroad programs give students the out-of-classroom exposure to cultures, language, environments, people groups, ideas, and traditions that they may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience in their hometown. Hear first-hand from an IEP participant about their experiences!

Contact IEP to learn more about our programs.

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Courses

To view the courses offered in each location, select a study abroad program and click on the courses link. To explore options according to your course focus, click here.

IEP partners with reputable universities overseas. Courses are taught in English at most destinations. In non-English speaking destinations, advanced language students also have the option of taking classes in the native language. All study programs are accredited by Jacksonville University. For all overseas programs, students must have their courses approved by their home college or university.

Transcripts

Upon completion of a program, an official transcript from Jacksonville University will be sent free of charge to the office or department on a student's home campus that the student delineates on their Emergency Contact form.

Additional requests for transcripts can be made. There may be an additional charge, depending on the shipping option selected. This charge is the sole responsibility of the student. Download a transcript request form.

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FAQ's


What is included in a study abroad program

All study abroad programs include tuition, housing, airport pickup*, travel insurance, pre-departure orientation and materials, and support services. Programs may also include excursions, Internet access, meal plans and other amenities. Some summer programs also include round trip airfare. Please click on the country pages and view individual programs to see what is included.

*Summer in Valladolid does not include airport pickup.


Do I have to speak another language to study abroad?

No. All IEP semester programs offer classes in English in a variety of different fields. However, in non-English speaking countries, students may take classes in the local language if desired and available. For students who wish to study in an English speaking country, IEP offers programs in England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.


How do I know that my classes will transfer?

The academic advisor and dean of the student must approve all courses prior to the student's departure to ensure that the classes will "count." Additionally, some campuses require that students have a study abroad advisor from the study abroad office sign that the student has gone through the due process to receive credit for his or her courses. Students are encouraged to get 6-10 courses approved to ensure that a number of courses are eligible for transfer. Jacksonville University accredits all study abroad programs and will issue an official JU transcript upon completion of the program.


How many classes can I take abroad?

Most students typically take 4 or 5 courses for a combined total of 12-16 credits to remain a full time student. Please check with your home university or study abroad office to review the requirements of remaining a full-time student.


Can I work while I study abroad?

If you obtain the proper visa, you may be eligible to work up to 20 hours a week while abroad in certain countries such as England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. However, IEP encourages students to take off work for the semester or year that they plan to go abroad to allow for a more flexible schedule to explore their host culture and travel.


How can I pay for study abroad?

IEP accepts financial aid when available and offers several scholarships for eligible students in addition to advising on national scholarship competitions. IEP works with students individually to help them plan financially for their study abroad program. Please visit Financial Aid for more information.


Are IEP study abroad programs academically sound?

The Study Abroad Advisory Committee at Jacksonville University reviews each foreign institution and study program carefully to ensure that academic integrity and standards are upheld in each location. The committee carefully reviews the quality of the institution, courses, and faculty members before approving the program or site. The Study Abroad Advisory Committee is composed of the Vice President of Academic Affairs - Dr. Lois Becker, the Dean of Arts and Sciences - Dr. Douglas Hazzard, Assistant Photography Professor - Ginger Sheridan, Faculty Chair - Dr. Janet Haavisto, and the Professor of Social Sciences - Dr. Raymond Oldakowski.


I do not meet the minimum GPA requirement for a study program (2.5). Can I still apply?

Yes. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement should submit 2 letters of recommendation from a college professor, dean or academic advisor in addition to the IEP application, deposit and official transcript. Additionally, students should include a personal statement explaining why he or she wants to participate on the program. If the applicant is able to submit a second official transcript after completing the current semester that reflects GPA improvement, the student is encouraged to submit the transcript when available.  Some study programs


Do IEP study programs focus on cultural immersion?

Most semester programs offer complete cultural integration through students being directly enrolled at the foreign university and taking clases right alongside local students. Others are foreign-language based at a study center and allow IEP to better control the language and curriculum so students with a less advanced level of language can still feel comfortable with their academics. In any case, IEP encourages the model of cultural immersion on longer programs because we feel that students benefit from taking classes with local students and learning in an academic environment typical to that country. Short-term programs, such as alternative spring break programs and faculty-led programs, give participants the opportunity to travel in a country and experience the local culture with other college students from the United States.


What colleges and universities does IEP work with?

IEP has sent students from over 200 colleges and universities overseas and is open to all college/university students.  For a list of these institutions, please request a catalog to be sent to your office. IEP seeks to work together with any college or university that is willing to collaborate to send students overseas on study, internship and volunteer programs. IEP alumni include students from local community colleges, private institutions, large state universities, and Ivy League schools.


What do I do after I am accepted to an IEP program?

Start planning to go overseas! There are additional forms that every participant needs to complete and submit to IEP after acceptance onto a program and before the departure. Every participant should visit the appropriate offices on his or her home campus, inform the stated emergency contact or parent about the program, and make the necessary travel arrangements. Please review the information under the Packing & Preparation portion of the student page.

All participants are strongly encouraged to learn more about the country or countries he or she plans to travel to through the information provided on this website, the IEP pre-departure packet, and other resources online and in your local library.

I am a graduate student. Is there a program available for me?

IEP internship and volunteer programs are available to graduate students, undergraduates, and qualified participants not currently enrolled in a school. IEP also hosts non-traditional students or graduate students on summer and multi-country programs. Students should be aware that all study abroad programs offer undergraduate credits only.


I am a high school or college freshman student. What are my options?

Various study, intern and volunteer programs are available to high school students and freshmen.  Most short-term and summer Study Abroad programs are available to high school students and students entering college.  Many Volunteer Abroad programs are also available to pre-University students.  University/College freshmen (entering freshman year, or during or after their freshmen year) are able to participate in IEP's study and volunteer programs, and often going abroad is the best time to take a more general curriculum while seeing the world and gaining credit towards graduation!

Intern Abroad programs are generally best for upperclassmen that have more focused academic studies and wish to further develop their studies towards a career following graduation.  However, this is not a rule and we are happy to consider all applicants for all programs.

I don't see my question here. What do I do?

Please feel free to contact us any time by visiting our contact page and sending an email or calling our office at Jacksonville University.

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