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Apply to Study Abroad

Before applying

  1. View the Study Abroad 101 and Study Abroad 102 videos.
  2. Complete your Traveler Profile on Via TRM. Log in using your North Park University (NPU) username and password.
  3. Research programs, considering:
    • How long you want to be abroad
    • What type of program interests you
    • Which locations offer courses that meet your academic needs
    • Where your scholarships will apply
  4. Meet with your advisor to discuss the best time to study abroad and which courses you should plan to take.
  5. Meet with the Office of International Affairs after completing the steps above. Or, if you’re unsure where to begin, schedule an individual advising session with Tessa Zanoni for short-term programs or Ruby Benigno for long-term programs.

 

Application deadlines

Submit your NPU study abroad application by:

  • March 1: If applying for the summer term, fall semester, or full academic year
  • September 15: If applying for the spring semester

Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, but on-time submissions offer the best chance for placement.

 

What you’ll need

  • Passport: A photo or digital copy. You can apply without one, but you cannot travel without one.
  • Academic advisor: Please provide their name and email, which you can find via Self-Service, for the advisor attestation. They’ll receive a form via email to approve your participation.
  • Faculty recommender: Please provide their name and email for their recommendation letter, and ask them at least two weeks in advance if they’re willing to write it. They’ll receive instructions after you submit your application.

Additional application materials are required for NPU Exchange, ISEP, and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities GlobalEd programs. Please contact Tessa Zanoni or Ruby Benigno with any questions.

 

Preparing to study abroad

You must allow adequate time to receive your new or renewed passport. Please check the U.S. Department of State for current processing times and passport applications and instructions. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the expected return date.

Certain programs will require you to obtain a student visa to enter and/or study in your host country. The ISEP Country Handbooks offer instructions and links to the consulate websites. The consular websites for your host country will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. It is your responsibility to obtain your student visa. Processing times for student visas vary (generally four or more weeks), so apply well in advance.

All students must attend pre-departure orientation sessions led by the Office of International Affairs. These orientations cover health and safety abroad and academic and cultural adjustment. Accepted study abroad students will receive more information about upcoming session dates and times.

As you prepare to study abroad, you may find it helpful to consult the following NPU offices:

  • The Career Development Office is a crucial resource for students considering completing an internship abroad, either in conjunction with an existing study abroad program or on its own.
  • Counseling Support Services can help you consider cultural adjustment issues and prepare for homesickness. This office can also be a good resource for returning students experiencing difficulty integrating into life at NPU and the United States.
  • Health Services can advise on recommended vaccinations, help you make decisions on managing medication usage or chronic illness abroad, and serve as a good resource for general tips on staying healthy while traveling.
  • The Office of the Registrar can help you obtain transcripts and transfer credits, and understand how your financial aid package will apply to your particular study abroad program.
  • The Division of Student Engagement is available for students with general questions about how studying abroad will impact their academic progress. Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to study abroad and should speak with the Disability Access Specialist as early as possible.
  • Faculty advisors can provide information on how to stay on track for graduation and recommend courses abroad. We encourage all our students to meet with their advisors to help evaluate how studying abroad will affect their academic timeline.

  • Plan to visit your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers before you leave for study abroad.
  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has resources and travel recommendations.
  • Health Services can advise on recommended vaccinations, help you make decisions on managing medication usage or chronic illness abroad, and serve as a good resource for general tips on staying healthy while traveling.
  • If you take prescription medicine, bring a supply that lasts your entire stay. Ensure you have written copies of your prescriptions if you need a refill. Your doctor may also recommend medications if you are susceptible to a recurrence of an illness, infection, or allergy.
  • Bring a lasting supply if you have favorite over-the-counter remedies. For customs purposes, take all medicines in their original containers. The CDC provides a list of items to consider taking as part of a travel health kit.

All NPU students in a study abroad program other than ISEP must to purchase the GeoBlue Study Abroad Health Insurance plan. You will self enroll in the plan and make a payment through GeoBlue.

 

If you study abroad through an ISEP, CCCU, or NPU Exchange, you must get your courses approved to transfer back to NPU. We suggest getting additional courses approved if you cannot enroll in your first-choice courses abroad. Changing courses is normal once you arrive at your host site, and you can submit course transfer forms after your program begins.

Complete this form for each course you take abroad and submit it to the Office of International Affairs. We will submit to the Office of the Registrar once you have finalized your course schedule abroad. All courses you take abroad will transfer to NPU; your grades will factor into your undergraduate GPA.

You can search for and purchase flights online with sites such as Kayak, Google Flights, and BYOjet for Students. NPU does not specifically endorse any of these websites. We recommend setting up an automatic flight price alert as soon as possible to alert you when your desired route price drops.

Research the country you’ll travel to using ISEP Country Handbooks or IES Abroad – Diversity Resources.

 

It’s important to set a budget before you go abroad. You’ll also want to notify your bank and credit card companies that you’re traveling. Here are a few resources:

Research on your location will inform your packing list; try to pack light.

Don’t forget to pack an adaptor and/or converter. Learn about your options if you plan to use your phone abroad. Some students forgo a phone plan and use Wi-Fi.