International Studies Initiative

The International Studies Initiative is committed to expanding opportunities for students wishing to travel or study abroad, and faculty interested in developing or advancing their knowledge of international issues.

To that end, the ISI engages in outreach to other colleges and universities, partnering with internationally-focused community organizations, connecting with international programs nationwide and internationally, and working with the many faculty and staff at GRCC who are involved with international students and projects.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - DEADLINES SOON
More Information (.pdf)

Newsletter (Spring 2008)

Check out our current opportunities to study abroad

How does Study Abroad at GRCC work?

Currently, there are three categories of study abroad opportunities:

Faculty-led trips

These trips are organized through GRCC. Some require prerequisite courses. Students should contact the appropriate professors if interested.

Trips through travel organizations

Internet searches will yield dozens of student travel organizations. Though students may select any form of travel with any organization, we recommend beginning with the programs offered by American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) or International Studies Abroad (ISA). GRCC has agreements to accept credits from their pre-organized group trips.

Independent travel

Students locate and arrange their own travel and study.

Research - Where, when and what?

First things first: Where do you want to go? Which semester? What do you want to study? It is up to the student to research opportunities, costs, financial aid, scholarships and course credit evaluators. The internet is the best way to conduct that search. We post some opportunities here on our website and some starter points. We recommend searches using keywords “study abroad” “language immersion” and “foreign study.” Include the region of interest and area of study, e.g., “study abroad” London “international business.”

Plan Ahead

Every opportunity, scholarship and application has its deadlines, and often there are academic prerequisites for participation in study abroad. For example, students interested in GRCC’s summer trips may need to enroll in classes for the Winter semester. Passports can take six to twelve weeks to obtain. Think forward!

Costs

Students are responsible for all costs associated with trips and courses. Financial Aid, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Students may wish to consult with our Financial Aid office once a travel program is identified. There are also many grants and scholarships available. To begin a search, check out these resources.

Travel Requirements

Students must apply for a passport and a student visa, as well as to check with the U.S. State Department for specific information on your destination country. These sites will help.

• Student Visas
• Applying for a Passport

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers access to student discounts and special student airfares, sickness and accident insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, plus access to a 24-hour traveler’s assistance hotline in case of a medical, legal, or financial emergency.

Course Credit

Students requesting transfer credit from colleges outside the United States are required to provide an official transcript along with a certified English translation of the same to GRCC. Whether the student is travelling with a group or independently, the credits will need to be evaluated by a GRCC-approved foreign educational credential evaluation service, which will make a recommendation to the College about whether to accept the credits. These services charge a fee, which is the responsibility of the student. When students narrow down their choice of study abroad programs but before committing to the trip, they are strongly advised to consult with the GRCC Registrar about the likelihood of transfer credits being accepted.

Should you have any further questions, please contact Associate Dean Laurie Chesley at lchesley@grcc.edu or Amy Kirkbride at akirkbride@grcc.edu

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