Getting Started

  • I’m interested in studying abroad. How do I get started?

    We recommend checking out our Step-By-Step Checklist. There, you’ll find detailed information regarding exploring available programs, the application process, and how to prepare for your time abroad!

  • How do I find a program that is the right fit for me?

    Several key factors may influence your decision, including desired location, term, and style of program.

    On our Program Search page, you’ll find the descriptions of our program styles and the terms they are available. Then, by clicking on one of those program types, you’ll find the Program Discovery page. Here, you can search by city/country,language, term, subject, etc.

    If you need more guidance, please watch our virtual info session presentation via Youtube or contact us!

  • Do I have to study abroad on a program through my college or take credits that will apply to my major or minor?

    Students are not required to participate in study abroad programs within their college, or to take credits that apply to their major/minor. If you take any courses that don’t apply to your major/minor, they will typically be assigned as elective or “general” credit. Your Academic Advisor in your college or major/minor department should be your first point of contact when determining how your overseas coursework will apply to your UF degree audit.

  • Will studying abroad in the summer fulfill my summer residency requirement?

    Yes, it can! If you participate in one or more summer study abroad programs (UF Sponsored, UF Exchange, or Non-UF) and earn at least 6 credits, you will satisfy the requirement.

  • I want to study abroad, but I’m concerned about the cost. How can I afford it?

    We understand that studying abroad is an extra expense and can cause financial stress. To offset this, the International Center offers scholarships and provides resources to help you find and apply for scholarships both here at UF and nationwide.

    Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid, and most scholarships, loans, and/or grants you would normally receive at UF can typically be applied to any approved study abroad program, no matter the program type.

    Please note that all financial aid eligibility is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. You must speak with them to determine what aid can be applied to the cost of your study abroad program, including scholarships. Please reference their Financial Aid Study Abroad Checklist to get started.

    In addition to financial aid and scholarships, your program choice can also affect your finances. You may want to consider participating in a UF Exchange program in which you pay UF tuition, just as if you were on campus. Other than international airfare and any cost-of-living differences with your host country, the overall cost of an exchange program should be quite comparable to a semester in Gainesville.

    Another affordable option to consider is a Spring Break, Spring Short-Term, or a 2 to 3-week summer program. Shorter programs usually have a lower program fee, and they still provide you with a great overseas experience!

Applying

  • Are programs competitive? How early should I apply?

    Most programs accept students on a rolling basis; however, some programs are more popular than others and will fill up well before the deadline. A select few also require a higher GPA, resume, and/or interview, etc. These requirements are clearly noted in the Program Brochure under Eligibility & Requirements.

    We encourage all students to start planning for their study abroad experience two semesters (~one year) in advance. Please note that by nature, exchanges have limited spots available.

  • I don’t have a UFGPA, or my GPA is below the minimum. Can I still apply?

    Students are not permitted to study abroad their first semester at UF; however, if they are applying as a first semester freshman for a later term, they may still apply with conditional approval from their Academic Advisor (and Program Director, in the case of UF Sponsored programs). Transfer students who do not yet have a UF GPA, but have all other prerequisites, are also eligible to apply for a later term. If a student’s GPA is below the minimum requirement, they will need special permission from the Dean of their College to apply.

  • When do applications open for the […] term? When are application deadlines?

    The standard application cycle is as follows, though programs can vary:

    Fall - opens early November and closes early May 

    Spring - opens early February and closes mid-October

    Spring Break - opens early July and closes early December

    Summer - opens early September and closes early March

    Current deadlines can be viewed on this page.

    Students participating in a Non-UF program must also abide by the deadlines of their program provider or host institution.

  • What is my application status and how do I know when I am fully approved?

    Throughout the process of applying to a study abroad program, students will see changes in their application status. Our three main statuses are: Pending, Pre-Approved, and Approved.

    • Pending: The student has started an application but has not yet provided all the required documentation or signatures for their application to be complete.
       
    • Pre-Approved: The student has completed all our initial requirements and is moving into the final stage of the application process. This is what that means by program type:
       
      • UF Sponsored: The student has been selected by the program director to participate in their program. The student will be contacted by their program director or Study Abroad Advisor regarding any additional paperwork needed, next steps, or to schedule a group meeting. An email explaining their fee liability and payment procedures will soon follow.
         
      • UF Exchange: The Study Abroad Advisor will now nominate the student to study with our exchange partner. Once nominated, the host institution will communicate with the student directly about next steps, which may include completing an application, obtaining paperwork necessary to apply for a visa, or submitting housing preferences.
         
      • Non-UF Programs: The student’s Study Abroad Advisor can now complete any necessary approval forms for their program. If they have not already done so, each student should also complete an application for their chosen program provider or host institution. From this point on students will work with them directly. As such, it is the student’s responsibility to understand their participation policies, including cancellation and refund policies.
         
    • Approved: The student has completed all mandatory Pre-Departure Modules and corresponding quizzes in their UFIC application. They may begin planning for travel, which includes purchasing airfare.

Money Matters

  • My study abroad application requires that I pay a deposit or administrative charge. What are the refund and transfer policies for this?

    Should you choose to withdraw from your study abroad application for any personal reason or concern, the deposit or administrative charge is nonrefundable.
     
    However, if a UF Sponsored or UF Exchange program is cancelled by UFIC or an overseas partner, or if significant changes have occurred impacting a program’s design, students are eligible for a refund of the deposit/administrative charge. “Significant changes” may include those to the program dates, locations, format (in-person vs. virtual), or other changes as determined by UFIC. Students participating in a Non-UF program are also eligible for a refund of the application charge in the event their provider or host institution cancels their program. In this instance, students will need to provide their Study Abroad Advisor with proof of cancellation.
     
    If a student needs to withdraw for medical reasons, the deposit/administrative charge will always be refunded. Please refer to our website for more information on our Medical Withdrawal Policy.
     
    If a student withdraws from a UF Exchange or Non-UF program, the application charge can be transferred one time up to a year from its intended use. If a student withdraws from a UF Sponsored program, the deposit can only be transferred if their program’s start date is more than 90 days away. Once in the 90-day window, the deposit is no longer transferrable (or refundable). Please note that a deposit also may only be transferred once and must be transferred within one year’s time.

  • Can the non-refundable deposit/administrative charge be deferred?

    No, it cannot be deferred. For your application to be considered complete, you must submit your payment along with all other required materials, by the application deadline.

  • I just received my invoice. Does everything have to be paid upfront?

    Many study abroad students use financial aid (or other funding sources) to pay for part or all their program costs. These funds are often not available until after the payment deadline. In this case, students can submit a Deferment Form that would extend their due date (for UF-Sponsored programs only). More information on that process can be found on our Financial Aid page. Please note that the Study Abroad office does not impose late fees for program payment, but a past-due payment will result in a hold placed on your ONE.UF account.

  • If my program is cancelled by the UF International Center or partners abroad, will I be refunded the payments that I’ve made?

    In the event UF cancels a UF Sponsored program, students will be refunded any program payments they’ve made, including their initial deposit/administrative charge and tuition. If costs have been invoiced to their ONE.UF account but not yet paid, they will be removed. Students participating in a UF Exchange program can also be refunded their administrative charge and UF tuition costs if the exchange is cancelled. Students participating in a Non-UF program can be refunded their administrative charge but should speak with their specific provider/host institution to discuss their refund policy for costs such as tuition.

    No matter the type of program, please understand that UF cannot refund any independently arranged expenses in the event of a program cancellation. These expenses may include airfare, visa costs, and other travel-related expenditures. For this reason, we highly recommend that all students consider purchasing flight insurance and/or cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance to help protect themselves. Our recommended option for cancel-for-any-reason insurance is Travel Insured International, as they partner with our international health insurance provider CISI.

  • If I withdraw from my program, will I be refunded the payments that I’ve made?

    Should a student choose to withdraw their study abroad application for a personal reason or concern they will be held financially liable in accordance with our Cancellation & Refund Policy. Should a student need to withdraw their application for medical reasons, they should refer to the section which outlines our Medical Withdrawal Policy.

While Abroad

  • Can I engage in personal travel to other countries and/or regions during my study abroad program?

    When appropriate, students are free to make use of their time abroad to visit other countries/regions. However, you are expected to attend and participate in all classes, assignments, labs, recitations, and field trips as scheduled by your program director and/or host institution. For your safety, you should notify your program director of any travel plans and your itinerary.

For Family

We encourage parents and guardians to peruse this FAQ page and watch our virtual info session presentation to learn more about UF study abroad policies, procedures, and the many resources available to your student.

Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for students to further develop their independence and problem-solving skills. As you help your student prepare for their experience abroad, set aside time to discuss mutual expectations regarding communication frequency, budgets, and health and safety. While the UF International Center guides students through this process, they are expected to take the lead role in applying for visas, flying across the world, attending class(es) abroad, etc. Seek out ways that you can “guide from the side.”

Please remember that the Study Abroad team here at UF is collaborating with government offices and in-country liaisons that follow procedures and rules different from the United States. We are dedicated to helping your student through the unique process of studying abroad and accomplishing their goals outside of UF; however, we hope you can understand that sometimes matters are beyond our control.

We’re excited to help your Gator start their journey abroad!