Some people feel overwhelmed when deciding which program to go on. A good place to start is to ask yourself what is most important to you? You may want to start by considering whether you want to study, intern or volunteer abroad.  Then consider the following factors and decide what is most important to you. While you should consider all of your options, knowing what you want out of your time abroad will help you narrow your search. Don't be surprised if your priorities change as you search!

I would really like to…

• Enhance my current studies in a foreign setting, or start a new academic track
• Advance my studies through practical experience abroad while immersing in the local working culture
• Lend a hand while traveling and learning about myself and the local community
• Live in a particular country or region
• Fulfill foreign language requirements or enhance my fluency (options for formal study or language training exist in Australia, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand)       
• Have a meaningful experience during a certain time of the year (Summer, Winter Break, Spring Break (Puerto Rico or Costa Rica), or Fall or Spring (all semester study programs and most volunteer and intern programs))
• Live with a local family
• Live with students
• 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!

Print this list off and check off the items as you complete them!

Apply for your program before the deadline and fill out the appropriate forms.

Apply for your passport (and visa if applicable).

Buy your round-trip plane ticket as soon as your spot on a program is guaranteed! (Unless the airfare is provided in your program.) IEP strongly encourages you to buy a round-trip plane ticket because some countries require proof that you plan to return to the United States.

Visit your academic advisor, study abroad office, financial aid office, registrar’s office, and local health or travel clinic. Please review the Who To Contact On Campus tab above to see why.

Check with your home medical insurance provider to find out the terms and conditions of overseas medical coverage. If they do not cover international medical expenses, consult an insurance provider that offers international coverage and buy a medical coverage plan.

Inform your bank that you are going overseas. Why? Because you do not want your bank to view overseas transactions as suspicious and freeze your account! Also, review your bank and credit card’s policies on international transaction fees.

Give a parent, guardian, or trusted adult friend the power of attorney. This means that they can access your account information and help manage your affairs in the United States should you need them to.

Review your pre-departure packet carefully and attend your pre-departure meeting.

Fill out the Emergency Contact Info magnet and give it to a parent or primary emergency contact to post on their fridge.

Create a profile on GoAbroad.net and join other IEP program participants in your group. For more information about how to create a profile, see FAQ’s.

Pack your suitcase! Review your pre-departure packet to decide how to pack for the weather and your specific program.

Go abroad with IEP! You are now prepared to travel to a unique international destination. Remember to be in touch with us when you come back! Review ways that you can stay involved when you return by visiting our Alumni page.

Still not sure where you'd like to go or what you'd like to do?  If you're curious about your options and would like to hear others' stories, here are a variety of different resources to check out to provide some first-hand peeks into IEP programs:

A great resource for reading about IEP students' experiences is the IEP Online Community. This is basically an enhanced blogging site that lets you view students' photos and journals. Have interest in a certain program?  Focus your interests to learn about that particular program and connect with other participants by viewing the specific group. 

Become a fan of JU Study Abroad on Facebook to link with other students, see students' photos, and keep updated. 

Follow us on Twitter for an inside look into the life of an IEP Program Advisor and for news, updates, and other fun study-abroad related information.

IEP counts on dedicated and experienced staff both in the U.S. and abroad to provide the highest quality international programming for each student, intern, and volunteer.  From your initial point of inquiry to long after your safe return, IEP staff are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly so that you are guaranteed have a smooth transition overseas and the most rewarding experience possible. 

All of our U.S. staff have studied abroad ourselves, and all foreign-based staff are local experts in supporting students, ensuring health and safety, and promoting rewarding cultural exchange.  For more information about our staff, click here.  Feel free to contact a Program Advisor, call our Main Office (1.800.IEP.3023) or email us and we'll get back to you quickly.

To view the courses offered in each location, select a study abroad program under a particular country or the Study page , then click on the courses link.

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 before departure.

You will know what JU courses you will be getting credit for before you depart on you program. For semester programs, you will have to fill out the Course Approval Form and obtain the appropriate signatures before you leave. Short term program course equivalents are predetermined and the student is not required get further approval. Your grades and the credits earned while abroad will be reflected on your official Jacksonville University transcript upon your return with no further paperwork on your part.

Additional requests for transcripts can be made at any time. 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.

All IEP program participants should visit the appropriate offices and faculty members on campus to receive advice and assistance. Read the information below to be sure that you are making use of your on-campus resources!

Academic Advisor/Dean

If you would like to participate in a study abroad program, list 5-10 classes you wish to take overseas and show them to your academic advisor and dean to be pre-approved before leaving for your program. The academic advisor or dean should write a course equivalency credit for your home institution in the spaces provided on the Course Approval Form, located in the Apply/Forms section of this site.

If you wish to receive credit for your international internship or volunteer placement, visit your academic advisor to work out the specific number of hours that are required to receive credit from your home institution.

Study Abroad Office

Even if you've selected your program, stop by our office to make sure you're on track with all your forms and preperations. We will be able to provide a number of on-campus resources to you before, during and after your departure. We can also tell you about scholarships you are eligible to apply for, upcoming study abroad events, or ways to get involved in study abroad when you return!

Financial Aid Office

IEP accepts all federal, state, and private loans, grants, and scholarships when applicable. If you plan on using any form of financial aid for your study, internship or volunteer program, visit the financial aid office to receive permission to allocate those funds to your program or arrange for the funds to be distributed directly to IEP. Pick up a Financial Aid Verification Form in the Study Abroad Office.

Registrar’s Office

If you wish to participate on a study abroad program, you must submit an official transcript. Contact your registrar’s office to request that an official transcript be sent to IEP.

Health Center or Travel Clinic

All participants are required to fill out a Medical Self-Assessment Form after being accepted onto a study, internship or volunteer program. Please consult your local or on-campus physician or travel clinic to receive professional advice about your personal health, vaccines, health and safety while traveling, and prescription medications.

Passports

It can take 6-12 weeks for a passport application to be processed and for a new passport to be issued. Please apply for your passport as early as possible!

You will need a valid and current passport to gain entrance into another country. If you currently have a valid passport, be sure that it will not expire for at least 6 months after returning from your program. If your passport will expire during or shortly after your program, you will need to renew it before you depart for your program.

You can apply for passports at a local post-office with passport services or other designated local passport authorities. The fee to apply for a new passport is around $100. If you apply for your passport late and need to have it expedited (rushed), the fee will double or even triple, depending on how quickly you need it.

For new passport applicants: You will be asked to produce two official passport photographs of yourself (CVS, Walgreens, and the USPS take passport photos for a small fee), proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

If your passport is damaged (water damage, rips, pet damage, etc.), it is best to apply for a new copy to avoid the possibility that your passport will be denied in customs. Never throw away old or expired passports. Keep them for your records and future passport and visa applications.

Visit this site for more passport information.

Visas

If you plan on participating in a semester or year long academic program or internship, you may need to obtain a visa to gain entrance into the country. Visa requirements and application procedures vary by country. Each student is responsible to obtain the proper visa for his or her study or internship program. If you are required to obtain a visa for your program, information on how to apply can be found on the specific program page.

Individual health and personal safety are of utmost importance before, during and after an overseas program. Although risks associated with traveling can never be eliminated, IEP stresses that proper preparation, a comprehensive support network, and wise decisions drastically reduce the possibility that a student will become a victim of crime, accidents or illness. We encourage all students to discuss their health and safety with their parents or guardian, study abroad office, and personal doctors and counselors.

IEP is committed to offering the necessary resources to students, parents, advisors and faculty as they relate to in-country emergency contacts and support services, travel and medical insurance, country-specific information, and additional web resources. Prior to departure, all students will be issued a packet with information about the, program details, health & safety issues, culture shock & re-entry, transportation, accommodation, and more.

1. Control the things you can control and don’t panic.

Most preventative measures you take while abroad are common sense, but it is helpful to identify potential threats or problems and have a general response. What if you lose your wallet? What if you need to see a doctor? What do you do if someone approaches you on the street? In an emergency situation, your first reaction may be to panic. However, think first and then act.

2. Don’t be an obvious foreigner. In other words, “that” guy or girl.

It is a fact that you will likely stand out no matter what you do. Chances are you look different, talk different, and act different from the local people. So how can you blend in a bit more? Leave t-shirts or clothing with large corporate or university logos at home. Being loud and boisterous draws attention to you in a negative way. Be aware of where and when you use your camera. In a dangerous neighborhood or on public transportation, for example, is not a good time to snap a photo. Observe the local people and how they handle themselves before acting in a way that may be “normal” at your home university or city but foreign or even offensive in that culture.

3. Leave jewelry and other flashy expensive accessories at home.

This point is especially important in developing areas of the world. To a potential thief, you are more or less visibly displaying that you have money. This means leaving your prized pearls, grandma’s diamonds, and flashy gold accessories behind. Wear local, inexpensive jewelry and have fun accessorizing like a local in the process!

4. Keep copies of your passport and credit cards and hide the original.

Make 4 copies of your passport. Give one to IEP, one to the person that you list as your emergency contact, keep one in your baggage, and carry one on your body. After going through customs, keep your original copy in a safe place in your dorm, hotel, apartment or homestay. Never travel with your passport if you do not need to use it that day. Keep copies of the front and back of your credit cards with your passport copy in your luggage and one on your body. Do not submit a copy of your credit cards to IEP.

5. Listen to your gut.

Never ignore your sixth sense or intuition. If you feel alarmed or spooked, there is probably a reason for it, even if you cannot identify that reason at the time. Stop and calmly think for a few seconds, observe and assess the situation around you before deciding what your options are for getting to a safer place. Make a decision and act.

6. Know where your embassy and consulates are.

IEP will give you the address, telephone number and operating hours for the embassy or consulate in your area on your pre-departure packet and an emergency card to keep in your wallet or purse. In the unfortunate event that you lose a passport, visa, or need emergency medical or legal assistance, your embassy or consulate is there to help.

7. Become aware of real security or health threats.

Before you set foot into the country that you will study, intern or volunteer in, do your research! What is happening politically? What is the climate like? Are you able to eat typical foods of that country? Are you allergic or prone to a certain illness? Are you ready to travel to a more challenging location (where English is not spoken by a large part of the population, or in a developing country)? What is the transportation like and are you familiar with a safe way to get from point A to point B? Your pre-departure packet, this website, and orientation should answer most of these questions, however, the Internet is full of good resources to help you get started!

8. Avoid known hotspots and travel with a buddy.

You probably have a good idea about what parts of your home city that you should not travel to, but when you travel to a new city, you might not necessarily know before you go. Ask your local resident director or staff person what parts of town you should avoid. Always use common sense, if you wander into an area and observe that you may be at a higher risk in that area, do not convey that you are afraid but get to a safer area as quickly as possible. Always travel with a buddy and do not walk by yourself at night.

9. Comply with the IEP code of conduct and emergency procedures given to you.

Even though forms and policies and procedures all seem extremely boring, they are put into place to help you and IEP best prepare for your overseas experience. The personal decisions that you make in regards to alcohol, drugs, and the people that you hang out with are perhaps the greatest contributors to your health and safety. Traveling overseas on a study, internship or volunteer program requires a greater degree of independence, which also comes with a greater responsibility as it relates to the consequences of personal decisions.

10. Be aware of your surroundings and their daily effect on your health.

Understand what type of environment you will be in on a daily basis. Within the first week of your overseas experience, you will be able to quickly assess your surroundings. However, before you go, it is important to know the answers to the following questions. Is the water safe to drink? Is medical care readily available? If you have a pre-existing medical condition or physical or emotional needs, have you informed the people that can help you in your situation? (Please review the Medical Self-Assessment Form under Forms) Have you packed clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the climate and activities you will be participating in? If you are aware of your surroundings, you will likely avoid preventable illnesses and unnecessary discomforts.

*Parts of this section were taken from an article written by Malcolm Nance and Lisa Hughes entitled “Top Ten Ways to Not Become a Victim of Crime Around the World.”

Most people experience the ups and downs of cultural adjustment or “culture shock”, so the best thing to do is to expect it. Many people end up comparing everything with how it’s done “back home,” as they go through stages of loving the new culture, and having difficulty accepting why things are done differently than what he or she is used to. More serious troubles might include bouts of depression and doubt. Again, this is a normal process for travelers, especially when they are in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Try to remain open; be an observer and a learner.

Experts have suggested that there are four stages of culture shock:

• Initial euphoria
• Irritability and hostility
• Gradual adjustment
• Adaptation

Almost everyone experiences culture shock to some degree. It can be frustrating and confusing. But there are positive steps that can be taken to minimize the impact.

• Realize that this is normal and that you will live through it.
• Be open-minded and ready to learn. Realize that there are many ways to do things and readjust to think in terms of “different” and not “better” or “worse.”
• Research your new culture. You can begin today; reading as much as you can about the culture that you will be experiencing.
• If your program takes place in a country where English is the second or third language spoken, there's a good chance you will encounter people who do not speak English. Therefore, it is important to learn some basic conversational phrases at minimum. This communicates respect for the culture and an effort to integrate into the local community.
• Look for logical reasons for behaviors in the new culture that you may find strange. With a little analysis, you may find that these different behaviors don’t seem so strange after all.
• Above all, flexibility, humor, humility and open-mindedness will be your most valuable traits. These may have even been the key qualities that led you to travel in the first place!

In this section, you will learn how to cope with reverse culture shock you may experience upon return to the United States. One of the biggest challenges for students who participate in study abroad can be the difficulty in re–adapting to the realities in the United States (otherwise known as "re–entry"). Many students who studied abroad go through a variety of changes, re–examining their priorities, their values, and what they think of themselves and the United States. The "reverse culture shock" may be more difficult than the "culture shock" you felt when you first went abroad. If return culture shock is severe, it is important that you are able to seek help or counseling to help you through it.

Just as culture shock can differ greatly from person to person, reverse culture shock is just as personal of an experience. Upon return to the United States, you may find many things are different from how you left them. You may be more critical of the United States, while you now view the country where you studied in a more favorable light. From language adjustments to a simple trip to the supermarket, reverse culture shock can hit you in more ways than you would expect.

Defining Reverse Culture Shock

There are usually two elements that characterize a study abroad student's re–entry:

-An idealized view of home

-The expectation of total familiarity (that nothing at home has changed while you have been abroad)

Often students expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. A problem arises when reality doesn't meet these expectations. Home may fall short of what you had envisioned, and things may have changed at home: your friends and family have their own lives, and things have happened since you've been gone. This is part of why home may feel so foreign.

Feelings You May Experience

The inconsistency between expectations and reality, plus the lack of interest on the part of family and friends (nobody seems to really care about all of your "when I was abroad" stories) may result in: frustration, feelings of alienation, and mutual misunderstandings between study abroad students and their friends and family. Of course, the difficulty of readjustment will vary for different individuals, but, in general, the better integrated you became in the culture and lifestyle of the country in which you studied, the harder it will be to readjust during re–entry.

Stages of Reverse Culture Shock

Reverse culture shock is usually described in four stages:

-Disengagement

-Initial euphoria

-Irritability and hostility

-Readjustment and adaptation

Stage 1 begins before you return to the US. You begin thinking about re–entry and making your preparations for your return home. You also begin to realize that it's time to say good–bye to the friends you’ve made abroad and to the place you've come to call home. The hustle and bustle of finals, good–bye parties, and packing can intensify your feelings of sadness and frustration. You already miss your friends, and you are reluctant to leave. Or, you may make your last few days fly by so fast that you don't have time to reflect on your emotions and experiences.

Stage 2 usually begins shortly before departure, and it is characterized by feelings of excitement and anticipation – even euphoria – about returning home. This is very similar to the initial feelings of fascination and excitement you may have when you first entered the country of your choice. You may be very happy to see your family and friends again, and they are also happy to see you. The length of this stage varies, and often ends with the realization that most people are not as interested in your experiences abroad as you had hoped. They will politely listen to your stories for a while, but you may find that soon they are ready to move on to the next topic of conversation.

This is often one of the transitions to Stage 3. You may experience feelings of frustration, anger, alienation, loneliness, disorientation, and helplessness and not understand exactly why. You might quickly become irritated or critical of others and of U.S. culture. Depression, feeling like a stranger at home, and the longing to go back abroad are also common reactions. You may also feel less independent than you were in the country of your choice.

Most people are then able to move onto Stage 4, which is a gradual readjustment to life at home. Things will start to seem a little more normal again, and you will probably fall back into some old routines, but things won't be exactly the same as how you left them. You have most likely developed new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and you will see things differently now. The important thing is to try to incorporate the positive aspects of your international experience with the positive aspects of your life at home in the United States.

*The text in this section was taken from the Center for Global Education.

Program participants will have free time to travel on all study, internship or volunteer programs. This includes participation in local and domestic activities as well as travel outside of the host country.

Independent travel can be an extremely rewarding experience for students, as they have a chance to explore the cultures of their host country and surrounding areas. However, the risks of independent travel are the sole responsibility of the participant.

What may be safe travel arrangements for one individual may not be a safe travel arrangement for another due to individual maturity, experience, and personal limitations. Students should be candid and realistic about their ability to travel independently and exercise all safety precautions while making travel arrangements. IEP recommends that the students discuss and inform their independent travel arrangements with their parents and home study abroad advisors.

IEP staff and affiliates may verbally give examples of past students who have traveled independently or distribute literature highlighting typical destinations in a particular city or country. However, any discussion between a student and an IEP staff member or affiliate regarding independent travel is not a personal recommendation or endorsement. All literature and discussions on personal travel are meant to be resources for the student to enable them to make independent decisions regarding personal travel.

Alcohol

In most countries, the legal drinking age is 18 years or younger. This naturally means that most students participating on a study, internship or volunteer program will be of legal drinking age. However, it is important to note that abuse of alcohol is grounds for dismissal from a program (please see Code of Conduct) at the discretion of the on-site staff or faculty member. Abuse can be defined as any action that puts the participant or others in danger as the result of intoxication. It is important for students to avoid public intoxication and to be aware that they are also held liable for their actions in the United States and at their home institutions.

Drugs

The possession and/or use of illegal substances is prohibited at all times on all programs. The use of illegal substances is grounds for immediate dismissal at the cost of the participant.

Excursions

In the event that a participant may need medical attention during an excursion, the local staff member or faculty will accompany the participant to a medical facility. In the rare instance that the staff member or faculty is the only leader accompanying the group, then the leader may grant responsibility to one of the program participants. The chosen participant will work with the staff or faculty member to determine the continuation of the excursion and establish a meeting point at which the group will reconvene. In most instances, the group will return to the program headquarters or lodging while the leader takes the medical victim directly to the appropriate facilities.

In-Country Staff

IEP utilizes in-country staff in all of our program locations. On most programs, these individuals are native to the area and have been working with students for a considerable duration of time. The in-country staff meets each individual student upon arrival, conducts an orientation session specific to the area with them, and discusses safety protocols for their entire duration of their program. Each staff member has home and cell phone numbers, which are provided to all participants. Staff members are on hand to work with participants if an emergency, psychological or health concern arises. Staff members will work with the student in-country and immediately contact the US office to advise of the situation overseas. On all programs, staff members are responsible for the typical issues that arise on the home university campus as well as the risks that arise due to living in a foreign country and an unfamiliar locale. On short-term faculty-led programs, the faculty member provides the in-country support and expertise in regards to program related activities and excursions.

Program and Location Selections

All program locations are carefully considered and reviewed prior to accepting participants on any given program. The Study Abroad Advisory Board Committee at Jacksonville University has accredited all academic programs prior to the addition of the location site. IEP staff members review site locations annually and make necessary adjustments and improvements on existing programs.

Lodging

IEP utilizes various housing options in all program locations. In certain locations on-campus housing is utilized and an on-campus residential life office is on hand 24-7 to handle any housing concerns that may arise. In those locations where apartments or homestays are utilized, the in-country staff members are the immediate contact for all emergency situations. All housing options have been visited and approved prior to housing participants in their desired locations. Homestay families are given strict interviews and chosen based on their police background check and local recommendations.

Medical Facilities

Prior to departure, all staff and faculty members are given information on local medical facilities and in-country procedures on advising a student in medical emergencies. Hospital locations and procedures are discussed and insurance information provided to all program participants.

Parents/Guardians

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under the applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights are transferred to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

Upon applying, all students are asked if information can be released to parents upon request from their parents/guardians. In the event of an emergency or health concern the participant involved would be requested to immediately contact their parents/guardians by the in-country staff member.

Program Dismissal

If a student is asked to leave the program due to disciplinary reasons, no refund will be given and the student will be responsible to pay for their return arrangements. Warnings will be issued by the in-country staff or faculty member at their discretion.  First, a verbal warning will be issued to the participant and an email detailing the verbal warning and the participant's response will be sent to IEP's office at JU. If the problem persists, a written warning will be issued to the participant and IEP office staff will receive a copy. Following these warnings, a participant will be dimissed from the program, following the procedure outlined below. In the event of severe misconduct, IEP reserves the right to dismiss a participant without the verbal or written warning at the cost of the participant.

Program Dismissal Procedure:

• The IEP in-country staff member will discuss the situation with the participant and go over waivers and pre-departure details with the participant.
• The IEP in-country staff member will then have the participant sign a document stating they have been asked to depart the program for disciplinary reasons, previously signed on the program waivers.
• The IEP in-country staff member will contact the IEP emergency phone to inform the IEP staff that the individual will be departing from the program.
• The IEP staff member on call will inform the rest of the IEP team of the situation.
• For all JU students, the IEP staff member on call will contact the Vice Presidents Office at JU to inform them of the situation.
• The student is officially off the program and responsible to pay for 100% of the costs of property damages, airfare, all ground transportation, and any other costs incurred.

Registration with Embassies

IEP registers all program participants with the appropriate US Embassies in country. In the event of an emergency, in-country staff members will work with the local consulates to aid in the emergency procedures for US citizens traveling abroad.

Transportation

IEP uses the same guidelines when arranging transportation for any given program as when choosing a desired location. IEP only arranges transportation to/from a destination and within a country with companies that are valued as safe and reliable. The selected companies are chosen based on prior safety records, insurance coverage and their overall company responsiveness to our program needs.

Travel

IEP provides each program participant with travel insurance on all study, internship and volunteer programs abroad. Each participant will be issued an insurance card prior to departure, which is proof of the insurance. This card cannot be used as a form of payment or as an official claim in-country. Should a student wish to submit a claim, they will have to do so upon their return to the United States. Travel insurance provides coverage for baggage delays, passport replacement, and 24/7 travel assistance worldwide.

Medical

In many cases, a participant’s home insurance provider will cover the student, intern or volunteer while traveling overseas, however, IEP advises students to contact their home medical insurance provider to confirm what coverage is available to them. In the event that a participant’s home medical insurance provider does not carry international medical insurance, IEP issues a list of study abroad medical providers that participants can use during their program. In some instances, such as Australia and New Zealand, Overseas Student Health Coverage is required for visa purposes and students will be billed directly by the overseas institution for the coverage. IEP provides for the following medical coverage: emergency medical evacuation, accidental death & dismemberment, repatriation of mortal remains, in-hospital indemnity-sickness, and accident medical maximums. Please contact IEP for specific coverage information.

Additional information about insurance coverage for overseas programs, visit this website.

Preparation & Prevention

In order for IEP to provide the best possible support and assistance to students, interns and volunteers before, during and after their program, it is essential that the participant communicate with IEP any concerns or questions as it relates to their personal health and well-being. It is essential that the participant provide a fair and accurate health self-assessment prior to leaving for their program. Program participants can download and complete a Medical Self-Assessment form here.

Should a concern arise, an IEP staff member will discuss the individual’s needs and what resources are available to them before, during and after their program. While IEP staff can offer support and help form a plan of action, we will in no way give specific medical advice to any participant. Instead, we encourage participants to consult the medical professionals and counselors at their home campus and community.

Before leaving the United States to go on a study, internship or volunteer program, it is essential that the participant honestly evaluate what their specific needs or challenges may be in regards to the country, city, or university they plan to attend.

Jet Lag

Students may experience jet lag when crossing multiple time zones because the body’s natural rhythms and sleep cycle become out of sync. Symptoms of jet lag may include; drowsiness, insomnia, irritability, muscle soreness, or indigestion. To help offset jet lag, students should get plenty of rest before departing for their flight; drink plenty of liquids before and during the flight, and fight the urge to sleep upon arrival by joining in the regular activities in that time zone.

Clean Water

Students should also exercise caution when drinking the local water. Research the cleanliness of the water beforehand and be mindful about eating salads and fresh fruits and vegetables at restaurants where the produce may have been washed by the local water. This is of particular importance in developing countries.

Travel Clinics

IEP does not give specific medical recommendations to students. Instead, we refer them to medical professionals. To find out more about medical vaccinations or concerns for certain regions of the world, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional Resources

To find out information specific to American citizens abroad, visit this website.

An emergency is any situation where the participant’s health and safety have been compromised. This includes medical emergencies and hospitalization, crime incidents, sexual assault, natural disasters, missing persons, political upheaval or evacuation, death, etc. This does not include a burned out light bulb, failing a test, missing a bus, or any other circumstance where your health and safety are not immediately compromised.

During your program, if you or the people you are with are in an emergency, do the following:

• If able, leave the situation and move to a safer place such as a well-lit public area or government building.
• Contact your on-site emergency contact, police, ambulance, or embassy, as the situation requires.
• Call the IEP 24/7 emergency number if the on-site contact is unavailable. Please see the Emergency Contacts tab below.
• File a report with the appropriate authorities and the in-country staff.
• Call home to ensure your safety to family and/or friends.
• Follow up with in-country staff member to discuss continuance of program participation, counseling options, and further assistance.

During Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 p.m EST. Call 904-256-7295.

After hours call 24/7 IEP Emergency Line: 904-859-7082

*This line is to be used only in the case of an emergency. All non-emergency calls received on this line will be re-directed to the office line.

Advice on Selecting the Emergency Contacts

When designating an Emergency contact, students should select a parent or guardian who will be available to offer support for the duration of their study, intern, or volunteer program.

In the case of a medical emergency, a parent or family member is the best emergency contact.

If the student does not attend Jacksonville University, they are also asked to designate a home university contact. IEP recommends that a student list their home institution’s study abroad office as the home university contact.

Please review our IEP student resources at the first tab above to see first-hand student accounts or contact us so we can put you in touch with a past participant.

• What is included in the program cost?
• How do I sign up for classes overseas for a semester program?
• Will my credits transfer back to my home university?
• Can I use my financial aid?
• Do I have to speak the native language to participate on a program?
• I do not meet the minimum GPA requirement listed for a study program. Can I still apply?
• Do I need a passport and/or visa for my program?
• What do I do after I am accepted to an IEP program?
• I am a graduate student. Is there a program available for me?
• I am a high school or freshman student.  What are my options?
• What do I do if my question isn't listed here?
  

What is included in the program cost?

All study programs include tuition, housing, travel insurance, airport pickup*, orientation, and support services. Some may include roundtrip airfare, the Internet, a meal plan, excursions, ground transportation, or even a cruise! All internship and volunteer programs include the customized placement, housing, travel insurance, airport pickup, orientation and support services. Internship and volunteer programs may include most meals, language training, and excursions. Please review to the individual program pages to confirm what is included with the program you are interested in.

*Airport pickup not available in Summer in Valladolid.

How do I sign up for classes overseas for a semester program?

After reviewing what classes are available by visiting the Courses section of the study abroad program pages, select 7-10 courses that you would like to take overseas. (Students can take 12-15 credits per semester program.) Take your proposed list of classes to your academic advisor and academic dean for approval. You may also need to visit your study abroad office in order to finalize your course approval process. Submit the Course Selection form to IEP via mail, email, or fax. IEP will submit your course information to the university and confirm the availability of classes. In some semester locations, such as the Philippines and Thailand, students register for classes once they arrive in-country.

While IEP cannot guarantee class availability at any time, we are more than happy to work with students individually on their course selections and approval process.

Will my credits transfer back to my home university?

Yes! Each student is required to receive course approvals from his or her academic advisor and dean prior to departure on any study abroad program. JU will interpret the credits as fulfilling a major or minor requirement, general education course, or elective. Once received, grades will be converted and appear on the student's JU transcript with no further paperwork on the student's part.

Can I use my financial aid?

IEP accepts all federal, state, and private scholarships, loans, and grants for study, internship or volunteer programs. Students must visit the financial aid office to see what financial aid is available to them. IEP will also work with students on an individual basis who would like to set up a payment plan. Please visit the Financial Aid section of this website for more specific information about scholarships, applying financial aid, and additional financial advice and resources.

Do I have to speak the native language to participate on a program?

Most of our study, internship and volunteer programs do not have any language requirements in order to participate. Please review the requirements of the program you wish to participate in. However, language skills are always beneficial and all students participating on IEP programs are encouraged to become familiar with the basic phrases of their host country. Some internship programs require a certain level of language proficiency in order to receive a higher-level placement.

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

Yes. Students who do not meet the listed GPA requirement for a particular study program 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.

Do I need a passport and/or visa for my program?

Every participant of a study, internship or volunteer program needs to have a current, valid passport. Generally speaking, students participating on 1-6 month programs do not need to obtain a visa. Please review the Passport/Visa section of the student page for more information.

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 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 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.

What do I do if my question isn't listed here?

It's probably a good one! Please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

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