Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the education abroad experience and process. Please read these carefully. If you do not find the answer to your question below or in the Education Abroad Handbook, feel free to contact us with your question.

How many times can I go abroad?

You may participate in an education abroad program for two semesters or one academic year and unlimited short-term programs (summer, winter break, spring break, and fall break). Exceptions may be granted with support from your academic department.

What if my GPA is less than what is required?

Some programs may be flexible on the GPA that they accept – check with your Education Abroad Coordinator to learn more. You may also ask about other programs to nearby sites that have different GPA requirements. Note that all students must be in good academic standing (a 2.0 GPA or higher) to participate on an education abroad program.

Do I need to pay the CSU Education Abroad Fee?

Yes. ALL students who participate on an education abroad program pay the CSU Education Abroad Fee that directly provides the education abroad support structures at CSU. This fee is only charged to students going on education abroad experiences, because the services and benefits are intended for those students.

Can I go abroad my first semester at CSU?

No, you must spend at least one academic term on campus as a degree-seeking student before participating on an education abroad program.

Can I go abroad my last semester at CSU?

Yes, but there are additional factors to consider. These may include the impact of a delayed transcript on admission to graduate school or employment, petitioning for credits to apply to your degree after you return, and eligibility for financial aid. Talk with an Education Abroad coordinator for more details.

What if I can’t go abroad for a semester?

There are a number of short-term programs over the summer, winter break, spring break, and fall break that are available to CSU students. Visit the Education Abroad Center to learn more.

I have a disability. Can I still participate on an education abroad program?

Absolutely! Students with disabilities are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. Advance planning and flexibility are essential. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your Education Abroad Coordinator, the staff in Resources for Disabled Students, and/or with the international education organization hosting the program(s) you are considering.

What if I cannot find what I am looking for in a CSU-sponsored education abroad program?

Colorado State University students are able to take advantage of a wide variety of educational opportunities around the world. Students are recommended to meet with an Education Abroad Coordinator to discuss their academic, financial, and personal priorities to find a suitable program.

Where can I get any immunizations required for my travel abroad?

Any CSU student, whether using CSU insurance or other insurance, may visit the CSU Travel Clinic for common international travel immunizations and some travel medications. Students traveling to the same destination may visit the clinic together for a reduced cost.

Can my financial aid be released early because I am leaving for my program before aid is disbursed?

No, students studying in the Southern Hemisphere often encounter this issue. Even if your program starts before financial aid is disbursed, you will not be able to request an advance of your financial aid. However, some programs will defer payment of fees until financial aid is disbursed. Check with your Education Abroad Coordinator for more information.

Does the number of credits I take affect my financial aid?

Yes, education abroad credit requirements are the same as those for on-campus study. In most cases, undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours for semester programs and a minimum of 6 credit hours for summer programs. For specific details, check with the Coordinator for Financial Aid for credit requirements for your particular aid package. Several students take CSU Summer courses to make sure they are registered in 6 summer credits and can access the full federal financial aid.

Do my grades abroad affect my future eligibility for financial aid?

Yes, although grades earned abroad are not factored into your GPA, they are considered in determining your eligibility for future financial aid.

Who is responsible for taking care of my financial aid while I am overseas?

You are. Education Abroad and Financial Aid staff can advise you in making the necessary arrangements to ensure you receive financial aid funds when they are disbursed. Make these arrangements prior to your departure, or your aid may be delayed or may not be released at all.

Can I participate on an education abroad program in a country with a travel warning?

CSU takes the well-being of its students seriously. CSU does not automatically authorize students to travel abroad to a country under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or countries deemed higher risk by the International Travel Oversight Committee; however, there are some situations where authorization may be granted. Please see the CSU Health & Safety web page for more information.

Can I work or volunteer while abroad?

Yes, in many cases. In some countries, visiting students have legal status to work or volunteer, while in others, students must have a special visa to work, volunteer, or intern. Speak with your Education Abroad Coordinator to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your program location.

Will I need to buy international health insurance for the period of my time abroad?

Students on education abroad programs must have additional travel health insurance to cover all situations while abroad, including evacuations. All programs include or require travel heath insurance coverage. Check the program-specific information for health insurance requirements and benefits. See the CSU International Insurance web page for more information.

Where can I learn about health and safety issues in the countries I plan to visit abroad?

All students receive pre-departure information to help them prepare for the common health and safety considerations for their regions of travel. The U.S. Department of State also has a website designed specifically for students traveling abroad: studentsabroad.state.gov. The CSU Health Network Travel Clinic provides comprehensive consultation to discuss required immunizations, travel heath care issues, and recommendations for dealing with common health problems with a health care professional. See the CSU Health & Safety web page for more information.

Do you offer help in finding someone to sublease my apartment while I am abroad?

No, Education Abroad does not provide assistance in finding someone to sublease your apartment. Students should seek assistance at the Off-Campus Life office located in the LSC.

What is, and is not, a CSU-sanctioned education abroad experience?

All students participating in any educational experiences abroad, with the exception of personal travel, must go through a registration process with the CSU Office of International Programs – Education Abroad unit.

CSU maintains a robust array of education abroad programming; this includes CSU-managed programs as well as Affiliate Programs, which are programs managed by vetted companies with longstanding relationships with CSU. Occasionally, students prefer to attend programs abroad that are not affiliated with CSU Education Abroad, which may be allowed and treated similarly to CSU and Affiliate programs as long as the student completes CSU’s education abroad registration process.

Student travelers that do not complete the CSU education abroad process will have their experience treated as personal travel rather than a CSU-sanctioned and supported experience. Failure to register means that students are not enrolled in CSU’s international insurance, do not have access to CSU emergency assistance and may not receive transfer credits, financial aid, travel reimbursements, and/or continuous CSU enrollment status.

Choosing not to complete the CSU education abroad process acts as a waiver by the traveler, on behalf of the traveler and the traveler’s family or representatives, of all CSU related obligations and benefits, including without limitation, those detailed above. CSU will have no responsibility, liability or obligations with respect to participation in travel that is not CSU-sanctioned.