Education Abroad

As a Generation Study Abroad Commitment Partner, Glenville State University pledged to double its education abroad numbers by 2019. We have exceeded our goal, and we are proud of the work we have done to increase student access to education abroad programming!

Whether you are considering a summer, semester or year-long program, you've come to the right place to find out what your options are.  Follow these 3 steps to get started.

STEP 1 Make sure you are eligible for education abroad.  Here are the eligibility requirements:

• You must satisfy any course prerequisites or co-requisites prior to going abroad.
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree program.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at Glenville State University (NOTE: some programs may require a higher GPA).
• Be in good academic standing. You may not be on academic probation at the time of the application or thereafter.
• Be in good financial standing.
• Be in good standing in student conduct matters at the time of the application and prior to the start of the period abroad.
• Be enrolled full-time the term prior to or concurrent with the offering of the education abroad program and have spent a minimum of one year as a student at Glenville State.
• Be cleared by a physician for travel abroad.
• Be prepared to discuss all prescription medications (for both physical and mental health).

STEP 2 Pick up an application form from International Programs. Complete the form and return it.

STEP 3 Schedule a meeting with International Programs to discuss your program choice, funding and logistics.

Funding

Your financial aid can be used for education abroad. Stop by the GSU Financial Aid Office today to learn more about this option.

The Institute of International Education manages the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship program, which has awarded more than 6,400 scholarships since its inception in 2001. You could be awarded up to $5,000 for semester education and up to $3,000 for summer education. If you receive a Pell grant and plan to be abroad for 4+ weeks, then you are eligible. See International Programs for more information on how to apply.

The Fund for Education Abroad awards up to $10,000 to as many as 15 students each academic year. Like the Gilman, you need to be abroad for at least 4 weeks.

The University’s affiliation agreements with KEI and ISA also make you eligible for a grant or scholarship (usually $1000) offered through these companies when you participate in one of their semester or year-long programs.

In 2014 the University's Foundation established the Phala Woods Fund in order to support education abroad at Glenville State. This fund is used to award modest scholarships to students participating in eligible programs. See International Programs for more information and download an application form here.

Logistics

If you have to make your own travel arrangements, consider STA Travel. It's a discount student travel agency with over 30 years of experience.

You'll need to submit official transcripts as part of your application. This is easy. Just head to the Registrar's Office on the first floor of the Heflin Administration Building to get started.

You will also need a current passport. If you are renewing, it will cost $110. If this is your first, it will cost $145. You can pick up the forms from a post office or a courthouse. See International Programs if you have any questions about completing this paperwork.

Your Destination

Start your program search by heading to the KEI and ISA websites. You can search for programs by subject, location, term or language.

If you are a science major, you may also want to consider The School for Field Studies (SFS). SFS offers programs in Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Rica, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Tanzania and Turks & Caicos. They also offer seven different scholarships, with awards up to $8,000 for semester study.

Finally, don't forget about programs offered through Global WV. Previous destinations have included Canada, China, France, and Mexico. GSU also offers at least one faculty-led trip per year.

So... What's it Like?

"I was so excited about my trip to Italy, because I knew it was the chance of a lifetime. I didn't realize until my plane was leaving Yeager Airport how nervous I was. I saw things that were hundreds and thousands of years old. I've seen things that most people where I'm from only dream of seeing. I made a wish in the Trevi Fountain, ate gelato by the colosseum that was fought in by gladiators, and bought a purse made of real Italian leather for only 15 euro! It was a wonderful experience that was worth every penny. Nothing can replace what it is like to visit another country and learn about its culture. I can't wait to do it again. America may be the greatest country in the world, but it isn't the only country in the world." -- Kristen Meadows (Rome, Summer 2014)

The study abroad trip in London definitely gave me knowledge. You know the old saying that knowledge is power, well I firmly believe that. This abroad trip furthered my knowledge of the criminal justice system because I got to witness first-hand the way England, another country, views their justice system compared to the United States. Even though the United States roots are in the England, they are entirely different. – Brandon Peck (London, Summer 2016)