Basics For Partner and Non-Partner Programs, Internships, Independent Studies

Steps to Successful Study Abroad at EIU

Step 1. Research programs and scholarships
Step 2. Choose a program
Step 3. Application/Registration
Step 4 . Passport
Step 5 . Visa
Step 6 . Housing Arrangements
Step 7 . ISIC Card
Step 8 . Financial Aid Planning
Step 9 . Airfare
Step 10. Logistics
Step 11. Pre-departure Orientation
Step 12. Things to Remember

Step 1 -Research

Complete the Program Planning Worksheet with a study abroad advisor, then research programs that meet your needs.

Step 2 - Choose a Program

If you decide on an EIU or Partner Program, then continue with the steps on this list.

If you would like to participate in a study abroad program that is NOT listed in our EIU & Partner Program Search, then you will need to complete one of the following petitions:

If your petition is approved, then continue with the steps below.

Step 3 - Application/Registration

If you decided on an EIU Partner Program, then fill out and print the application/registration materials on your chosen program information page, and turn them in to the Office of Study Abroad (1207 Blair Hall) before the application deadline (usally 10/1 and 3/1). After submitting your application and materials, you will be waiting for your acceptance letter/package from your host institution. This will contain information for your program including housing, arrival/departure information, and your academic course work. Do not purchase your airfare until you have received your acceptance package because it will contain specific instructions about arrival information and orientation.

If you decided on a Non-Partner program, internship, or independent study (and the program was approved by OSA), then apply to the program on your own (if applicable) and fill out and submit the Non-Partner Application/Registration Materials to the Office of Study Abroad before the registration deadline (4/1 for Summer/Fall and 11/1 for Spring):

Part of these applications requires you to schedule a free Travel Consultation with Health Services to receive any recommended immunizations for your trip, so don't wait until the last minute to complete your application. Call (217) 581-3013 to schedule your appointment today.

Step 4 - Passport

If you do not have a passport then apply ASAP. While expedited service is available at an extra cost, regular processing takes 4 months. If a visa is required for your program, you will need to have a passport first, so don’t wait too long.

If you already have a passport, be sure that it does not expire within 6 months from your depature date (regardless of the length of your trip), or else you may not be allowed to board the plane.

In Charleston, you can go to the County Clerk’s Office at 651 Jackson Ave Rm 122, Phone: 348-0501. Bring 2 passport pictures, a certified copy of your birth certificate, not the hospital copy, and a photo ID (i.e., driver’s license). The fee is $67.00 plus another $30.00 check to the county clerk. Several host application materials require a copy of your passport, so this is another reason why you should have it early. The Office of Study Abroad also requires a copy before you leave.

For more information, go to www.travel.state.gov and click on passports.

Step 5 - Visa

A visa is your formal permission to be in a specific country for a specific amount of time. You may or may not need a visa depending upon your host country’s requirements and the length of your stay in that country (if one is required, it is usually a "student visa").  Visit Foreign Entry Requirements for general information on visa requirements and http://www.traveldocs.com for more specific information about applying for a visa in your host country. Just click on “Visa Services” and it allows you to search a country's entry requirements, culture, travel conditions, economy, etc.

Wait for written confirmation of your admission status, and then follow the instructions to apply for your visa. Students are responsible for acquiring their own visas. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information.

Step 6 - Housing Arrangements

You are responsible for making housing arrangements for your time overseas.  In many cases, your host institution can help you make arrangements for on-campus or off-campus housing.  If housing requests cannot be made on your host application materials, you will want to check into the housing options at your institution and decide what works best for you.  It is important that you do not wait until the last minute to find housing, as in many cases space is at a premium (especially on-campus housing).

Step 7 - International Student ID Card (ISIC)

ISIC is optional and you may purchase it on your own. This card includes the following:

  • Great discounts in the U.S. at places like FYE-For Your Entertainment, Target.com, Shoebuy.com, Flowers USA, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Karmaloop.com, Best Western, Alamo, and many more!
  • Discount student airfares and other great travel products.
  • Access to over 33,000 discounts in over 100 countries.
  • International recognition of your full-time student status.
  • 24-hour Help Line emergency service.
  • Lost Document Replacement $500
  • Baggage/Travel Delay $100

Step 8 - Financial Aid and Planning

Take care of your EIU financial aid early. In order to qualify, you must have filed a FAFSA. Visit FAFSA On the Web for more information. Federal grants and loans can be used for study abroad and a number of EIU scholarships may also be available for study abroad purposes. If you indicated on your EIU Application Materials that you have financial aid, the Office of Study Abroad will send an official approval to the Office of Financial Aid to disperse your aid for study abroad purposes. If you have questions about your financial aid package and how can it be applied to your study abroad program, call or visit The Office of Financial Aid.

Step 9 - Airfare

Purchase your airfare after you have received your acceptance letter/package. It is best to wait for your visa before purchasing airfare; however, this is not always possible as some countries require you to purchase your airfare before obtaining your visa. The Office of Study Abroad does not get involved in transportation arrangements, so purchase airfare anywhere that you would like. Look for discounts on Orbitz, Travelocity, and in Sunday's travel section of the Chicago Tribune. There are many excellent places to look. Since you are a student, try: www.studentuniverse.com or www.statravel.com.  The ISIC (International Student ID Card) also provides an array of discounts for students who are traveling internationally. Students have been known to get very good rates on airfare with this card. Check into their airfare rates and discounts before you go elsewhere: http://www.myisic.com.

Step 10 - Logistics

Now that your trip is getting closer, you should do the following:

  • register with the embassy https://travelregistration.state.gov
  • make a copy of your travel itinerary (the print out with your flight info) and turn it in to the Office of Study Abroad either before or during your pre-departure orientation
  • drop any non-study abroad courses for which you are currently registered during the semester(s) of study abroad
  • make sure that your account is free of “holds” so you can be registered for study abroad without paying late fees
  • fill out and submit the Emergency Contact Form for Students (you'll receive an email from us with instructions, so make sure we have a valid email address for you).
  • arrange to sublet your apartment or upkeep your house while you're away
  • cancel your second semester college housing (if academic-year contract)
  • secure housing for when you return and resume classes at EIU
  • make arrangements for someone to pay your bills and possibly obtain power of attorney, that way they can sign off on important paperwork while you are away (e.g., financial aid)

Step 11 - Pre-Departure Orientation

Attend a Pre-departure Orientation before you leave. This is MANDATORY! If you do not attend, you will not receive credit for your study abroad experience. Schedules are on the Calendar. You do not need to sign up in advance; however, attendance will be taken to account for your presence at one of these required orientations. Before or during this orientation, you are required to turn in a photocopy of the following items: Your Passport and Your Travel Itinerary.

Step 12 - Things to Remember

Drop/Extend Procedures: If you decide to drop or extend your study abroad program, you must complete and submit the Drop Program Form or an Extend Program Form as soon as you have made your decision. You may also submit this information in writing by fax, email, or postal mail. The Office of Study Abroad CANNOT process a drop/extend over the phone. It must be in writing.

Registering at EIU: Registering for EIU classes for upcoming semesters is your responsibility while abroad. You should contact your academic advisor before and while you are abroad to ask them to flag you for registration for the following semester. If for some reason you cannot register online at http://www.eiu.edu/paws, the Office of Study Abroad suggests you ask a friend or relative to do it for you (it is advisable to make arrangements with someone in advance of your trip, as Internet access/reliability is sometimes difficult overseas).

Email Contacts: Maintain and routinely check a primary email address that will be used by the Office of Study Abroad to maintain contact with you while overseas (use one that you do not intend to change throughout your study abroad program). If you change this email address after listing it on your EIU Application Materials, you MUST inform the Office of Study Abroad ASAP.