The Study Abroad Office is here to help guide you through the process from start to finish. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Call (616)264-6661 or email us at bschaffran@gracechristian.edu.
While it is impossible for the orientation information to provide ALL helpful tips and complete step-by-step assistance with the intricacies of domestic and international travel, the Study Abroad Office is confident that the orientation and info packs that we provide supplies a thorough introduction to these complexities and teaches students the basic skills and knowledge they will need as they face various unique challenges on the study abroad experience. All students will travel with qualified and experienced facilitators.
Faculty-Led Programs, Experiential & Mission Trips: Multiple meetings will be held prior to the trip. These meetings will include: A walk through of pertinent information for the trip, packing lists & tips, itineraries, cultural awareness, a question & answer time, requirements, expectations, and safety protocols.
Semester Abroad & Internships: One on one meetings will be held with the student and the Study Abroad Office. There is also a 1 week mandatory Study Abroad Bootcamp held the week prior to departure which covers: Cultural Intelligence, a walk through of pertinent information for the trip, packing lists & tips, itineraries, cultural awareness, a question & answer time, requirements, expectations, and safety protocols.
GAP Year: The Study Abroad office will help with travel & payment logistics for the GAP year program. All other questions and preparation will be between the student and the Director in Belize.
Students can study abroad as early as the Spring of their freshman year and as late as the Spring of their senior year.
Study Abroad can easily fit into most student’s schedule. Students must plan ahead so they can gather finances and apply for the program of their choice. The semester-long program requires students to be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior.
Some majors, such as Education, should plan to go abroad during their Winter, Spring or Summer Breaks.
The earlier you plan, the easier it is to fit a study abroad trip into your college plans!
A minimum 2.5 GPA is required to apply for any credit bearing trip.
Study Abroad is affordable! The cost of studying abroad varies depending on each program, the location, and the length of time a student is abroad. This means that you are able to choose what trip best suits your degree, as well as your budget.
Check out the different trips for an approximate cost.
Yes! You can apply for financial aid!
Students are encouraged to complete their FASFA to become eligible for Federal and State financial aid, which can help cover the cost of plane tickets, visa, etc.
If additional loans are needed, please contact Financial Aid for more information.
Yes!
Grace has a Study Abroad Scholarship which was created for students wanting to participate in one of the cross cultural experiences.
Scholarship Guidelines:
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- 50% tuition scholarship on a Study Abroad Course
- Scholarship is applied to the course tuition only and not applied to the trip fee.
- Although students are allowed to enroll in multiple study abroad trips, this scholarship is only available one time per student during their time at Grace.
- Prior to awarding, the Financial Aid Office will verify if a student has already received this scholarship in the past.
Grace does not require students to study abroad for graduation.
There are study abroad options that students may take in place of on-campus classes to complete degree requirements.
Even though participating in study abroad is not required, it is greatly encouraged in order that students can gain a greater understanding of the world around them and can be better prepared for the field they are entering.
Don’t need the credit? No problem! You can still join the trip as a guest and enjoy all the benefits without the course-work. Speak to the course facilitator for availability.
Studying abroad will not delay your graduation date if, you plan in advance for what works best with your degree.
Faculty-led programs: Students receive a graded credit based on participation and assignments, which will impact their overall GPA.
Semester Abroad: Students receive a graded credit for each course they participate in, based on participation and assignments.
Internships: Students will complete forms through Career Services to earn the necessary credits.
GAP year: Students may be able to earn up to 12 credits towards a degree at Grace Christian University. Based on length of time and participation in program.
Courses/Programs that are not approved by the Study Abroad Office will not be accepted for academic credit.
All faculty-led programs follow the required safety procedures outlined by the Study Abroad Office. We follow State Department guidelines for safety in travel, and carefully vet all third party providers. The Study Abroad Office regularly consults the US Department of State for travel advisories and maintains contact with staff and students abroad.