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.

For more information, call the International Studies Initiative office at (616) 234-4879.

Russian Scholar on Campus (12/3)
View the Latest Newsletter (Spring 2008)

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRCC STUDENTS

Currently, there are three categories of study abroad opportunities:

1) Faculty-led summer trips These trips are organized through GRCC. Students should contact the appropriate professors if interested.

Ireland – Professor Roger Schlosser 234-4413 rschloss@grcc.edu
Berlin to Prague – Professor Aleta Anderson 234-4879 aanderso@grcc.edu

Watch for other trips which may evolve this semester.

2) Trips through organizations In your internet search, you will come across many travel organizations that sponsor student trips. You may pursue any of these, but do check out the programs offered by American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) at www.AIFS.com or International Studies Abroad (ISA) at http://studiesabroad.com . GRCC is currently working on an agreement to accept credits from their pre-organized group trips.

3) Independent travel Students locate and arrange their own travel and study.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH
First things first: Where do you want to go and what do you want to study? It is up to you to research and secure opportunities, costs, financial aid, scholarships and course credit evaluators. The internet is the best way to conduct that search. We post some opportunities on our website. We also recommend you do your own internet searches using some of these keywords:

“study abroad” “language immersion” “foreign study”

Include the region you are interested in and what you would like to study, e.g.:
“study abroad” London “international business”

II. COSTS
Students are responsible for costs associated with trips and courses. Financial Aid may be available; please consult with our Financial Aid office. There are also many scholarships available. To begin your search, check out the resources here http://igrcc.grcc.cc.mi.us/ShowPage.cfm?PageID=2810.

III. COURSE CREDIT
In order to have your credits transfer from your foreign studies to GRCC, you will need to have them evaluated by a GRCC-approved foreign educational credential evaluation service, who will make a recommendation to the College about whether to accept your credits. The list of approved services can be found at http://naces.org/members.htm . These services charge a fee, which is the responsibility of the student.

Faculty-led summer trips are already accredited, as are trips through GRCC-approved student travel organizations (currently AIFS and ISA).

IV. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need to apply for a passport and a student visa. More info can be found on the internet and at http://www.passportinfo.com/Local/MI.htm and at http://www.travel.state.gov/

Should you have any further questions, please contact International Studies at 234-4657.