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Study Abroad

Deciding to study abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your academic career. It is also one of the best ways to gain an in-depth understanding of another country and culture, helping you to grow globally.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) serves as a clearinghouse and facilitator for international activities and exchanges at SFA. OIP serves students, faculty and administrators in disseminating information about study abroad, in encouraging and facilitating organization of study abroad programs, in administering the Study Abroad Scholarship and in coordinating group study exchanges for students and faculty. Simultaneously, OIP assists other campus offices in the recruitment of international students as matriculated students and to the American English Language Institute.

OIP also assists faculty with teaching and research exchanges. The unit oversees the negotiation of cooperative agreements between SFA and foreign universities for the exchanges of students and faculty and for the development of joint research projects.

OIP contributes to the campus further by raising awareness of international issues and studies so that our students are better prepared for lives in an increasingly globalized society.

Study Abroad - Independent

OIP coordinates and facilitates opportunities for our students to experience independent study abroad. Students need to register with the Study Abroad office; select from many opportunities and experiences which meet their academic goals; meet with Admissions Office to determine transferability of such courses to SFA; participate in a pre-departure orientation; and upon return, provide an opportunity for debriefing on experiences, accomplishments and perception of the study abroad activity.

Students may opt for a single semester or more depending on the number of credits desired and the availability of appropriate courses. Opportunities may result from affiliations between SFA and universities abroad or from programs offered by other academic institutions.

Students are responsible for their own tuition, fees and study travel arrangements.

Study Abroad - Faculty Led Courses

OIP coordinates and facilitates opportunities for faculty to lead a group of SFA students using one or more of their courses (as included in approved inventory of courses).

OIP will assist in developing logistical arrangements, programmatic support and travel arrangements. The office will also assist in budget development of the activity and collect/ disburse funds for programmatic costs.

Applications for faculty-led programs are available in the OIP office. A completed application must be sent to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for final approval. Once that approval is obtained, planning and fee collection may begin in earnest.

Faculty salaries are paid by departmental teaching allocation. Generally three or six hours credit is provided during summer I or summer II semesters. Travel cost of the instructor is prorated over the pool of registrants. Students will pay SFA tuition and fees and their share of the programmatic and travel expenses.

Pre-Departure Checklist

A checklist can be handy when preparing for departure on your study abroad program.

Funding Options

There are several funding options available to students. Don't just depend on financial aid, Be creative!

Steps to Studying Abroad

To help get you started review these simple steps first.

Safety Abroad

Click to visit the U.S. Department of State website for information on travel and living abroad.

Study Abroad Returnee Students

If you recently returned from a study abroad program please check out the forms below. Your input is much needed to help us improve the services we offer. Below you will find a form to Get Involved! There are many ways you can help prospective students learn more from your study abroad experience. You can also fill our the Program Evaluation Form. This will help us make adjustments where needed. Also the Reentry Questionnaire is a fun way to share some of the experiences you faced while overseas.

These forms should be submitted to the Study Abroad Coordinator, located in the Liberal Arts North Building, Room 402.

We look forward to hearing about your experience soon!

Required documents for Study Abroad Students

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