The Lowdown 23-24

Study Abroad Policies
All University of South Alabama (USA) students studying abroad or participating in an
international experience, including virtual international programs, are required to register
through the USA Office of International Education (OIE) in order to participate in their chosen
international activity. Financial aid and scholarship disbursement, academic credit, etc. must be
coordinated through OIE with the respective USA administrative units.
USA Abroad Policy: All students receiving academic credit for a study abroad, internship
abroad, service-learning abroad, research abroad, independent experience abroad, or virtual
international program must enroll in a USA International Education course while abroad.
Please consult with OIE for information on the appropriate course and section number for your
experience abroad. This includes participation in USA faculty led abroad programs as well as
all other abroad or virtual abroad programs offered by international or domestic universities
and third party program providers. Additionally, students on non-academic credit programs
(virtual or in person) should also register and consult with OIE for information on insurance
and participation requirements.
To participate in USA abroad or virtual international activities, students must be in good
academic and non-academic standing at the time of participation in the program. Students who
have behavioral or conduct issues are subject to USA Dean of Students review and must have
approval from the USA Dean of Students prior to applying for any program. Students who are
academically or otherwise suspended are not eligible for approval to study abroad.
An overall GPA of 2.25 is required; students with lower GPAs may request special consideration
for participation, though many non-USA hosted programs require GPAs of 2.5 or higher. With
some planning, a study abroad experience can be fully integrated into USA degree programs and
applied to the core curriculum, major, minor, and elective courses. Prior knowledge of a foreign
language is not required although many programs provide access to all levels of language
learning.
OIE offers an array of programs with varying requirements, lengths, and costs. Opportunities
abroad may last from one week to a full academic year and are available for all semesters,
including summer and the May term. The USA Study Abroad website contains information on
individual programs, the application procedure, and each stage of the study abroad process. All
USA required study abroad application materials are online and accessible through the USA
Study Abroad website. Students are encouraged to set up an appointment with a Study Abroad
Advisor during the application process.
Applying through the official USA Study Abroad online application is a required step in any
abroad or virtual international program (including independent study, service learning,
research, and internship programs). Approval through OIE initiates the process necessary to
receive academic credit for courses taken abroad. Participating in an approved program allows
students to retain official full-time USA student status and apply for financial aid.
USA students who participate in a study, internship, service learning, research, or independent
travel abroad activity are required to enroll in a designated USA international insurance policy
that provides students with 24/7 emergency assistance abroad. OIE processes enrollment in the
policy.
- 189 -