Frequently Asked Questions

1) What if I don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement for my preferred university selection?
We encourage you to apply even if your current GPA is slightly lower than the stated requirements. From time to time, exceptions are made, and we do take into account other considerations, such as your academic references, grade trends (are you improving/regressing?), GPA within your major and if your low GPA resulted from one semester or course. You wll be required to complete a separate "GPA Statement" outlining why your GPA is low. The more information you can provide will strengthen your case.

2) If I apply on-line, when do I complete my personal statement and send my transcripts?
The personal statement should be completed around the same time that you complete the Personal, Parent/Guardian, and Academic sections of your Virtual application. The Virtual application includes a text box in the Supplemental section for your personal statement.

Your transcripts should be sent immediately after submitting your Virtual application in order to keep your application moving through the process. In fact, you may even submit your transcripts before completing the Virtual application.

3) Who should I ask to complete my reference forms?
We require all reference forms for our academic programs to be completed by a faculty member at your current institution. Ideally, the reference should be from a faculty member in an area you plan to study overseas. For example, don’t submit a reference from Basketweaving 101 if you plan on doing Engineering courses abroad. If you don’t know a faculty member on a personal level, please take the time to meet with one and explain your situation. In some situations, a reference from a Teacher's Assistant (TA) may be acceptable. Most educators will be more than willing to help out.

4) Is there an application fee?
The Education Abroad Network no longer requires an application fee.

5) How do I apply for an internship?
Applying for Internships is initially done through the same process as applying for study abroad or other short courses. In the Search/Apply for Programs select 'Internships', period and location (along with other relevant key word options) and click 'Search'. Review programs and apply for suitable options. Students will then be contacted by their Education Abroad Network advisor for further instructions.

6) When will I find out if I was accepted into the program?
Most applicants find out if they were officially accepted within 1-3 weeks of application, however this is dependent upon your host country location (e.g. Asia program applications may require 4-6 weeks for full assessment). In some cases, we are able to issue preliminary acceptances within 24-48 hours. Preliminary acceptances are not final until all components of the application are received by our office and reconciled with your application (e.g., GPA on transcripts matches GPA on application). If your GPA is lower than the university requirements or if you are a freshman, community college student, or a recent high school graduate, your application will be forwarded to the university for review, and acceptance can take a bit longer.

7) When do I get to select the courses to take in Australia/New Zealand?
The Education Abroad Network Web site provides specific information on the courses available at our participant universities. Upon application, we will provide detailed instructions on how to choose your courses. You are free to peruse the course listings on our Web site before submitting your application. Our partner universities generally release the new courses for the upcoming academic year in the fall of the preceding year (e.g., 2008 courses will be released in fall 2007). In most instances, the universities do not regularly make available syllabi for each course. If your current home university requires more detailed information on a specific course, please contact us for assistance.

When do I get to select the courses to take in China/Thailand/etc (Asia programs)?
The Education Abroad Network Web site provides general information on the courses that may be available at our participant universities in Asia. Upon application, we will provide further details regarding the course selection process for your Asian university. You are free to peruse the course listings on our Web site before submitting your application. As a general rule, most Asian universities do not release final course availabilities until very near the start of the each term (e.g. Thailand program offerings may be available approximately 2 months before the start of term, while China program final offerings may not be available until several weeks before the start of term). Students participating on these programs must keep a patient and open mind when dealing with their Asian host university in this regard. In most instances, the universities do not regularly make available syllabi for each course. If your current home university requires more detailed information on a specific course, please contact us for assistance.

8) Do I need an immigration visa or passport to participate?
You will need both a passport and immigration visa to participate in our programs. Passport applications can be obtained at your local post office. Please apply early to avoid extra charges. The type of immigration visa varies depending on your program of choice, and we will provide instructions all applicable and application materials upon acceptance. Semester and academic year participants require a student visa. Intern-only participants use Occupational Training (or similar) or student visas. Most of our summer/winter participants travel on tourist visas, which may be issued by the airline or travel agent, or must be applied for directly by the student. Students will be given instructions on how to proceed with a tourist visa.

9) Can I work while I am abroad?
Australia programs: Yes, but the amount and type of work you can undertake depends on your visa. Semester/academic year participants can work for pay up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and 40 hours per week during semester breaks. Students on tourist visas are not permitted to work.

New Zealand/Asia programs: Due to visa restrictions, students participating on a study abroad program in New Zealand or (most) Asian countries are not eligible to undertake work while abroad.