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Just the FAQs
Why should I study abroad?
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Study abroad is an exciting way to gain an understanding and
appreciation
of the increasingly international environment that we live in.
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With the globalization in the market place, it is to your advantage to
become familiar with different cultures, values, and educational systems.
Studying abroad broadens your understanding of the world.
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It is a unique opportunity for you to explore concepts, languages, ways of
life and so much more that you may have only read about before. Study
abroad gives you the chance to directly experience and live it.
How far in advance should I begin planning to go abroad?
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As early as possible. We encourage students to begin planning as early as
their first semester of freshman year. There is a lot to be considered
when going abroad. The more in advance you are, the better the outcome
will be.
What is the first step after I have decided that I want to study abroad?
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You should stop by or call the Marist Abroad Office to pick up some
literature for the program that you are interested in or to speak with
someone about any questions or concerns that you may have.
Who is eligible to go abroad?
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All applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing and
should display maturity and responsibility in social conduct, and be
healthy both physically and emotionally.
Can I study abroad if I have a learning or physical disability?
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Yes. If you are physically challenged, have a documented learning
disability, or have a medical condition that requires treatment, this does
not prevent your enrolling in study abroad.
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You must make us aware of your situation so that it can be determined
whether your chosen site can accommodate your needs.
When should I go abroad?
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Anytime after your freshman year. You should consult both your academic
advisor and family to decide when the best time to go abroad is for you.
Students may study abroad anytime from sophomore year onward.
Where can I study abroad?
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The MAP offers academic year and semester long programs virtually
everywhere. If you wish to study in a location that is not one of our
main programs we will facilitate your study at the site you choose. You
should contact the MAP for more information concerning additional
locations at which you can study abroad.
If I choose to go to a different location other than the main MAP program sites, will I still get the same support?
- Yes! The MAP will assist you in choosing a program that meets your academic and personal needs. You must get MAP approval for your proposed
program, regardless of destination.
- If you are choosing a non-traditional location from the regular MAP programs, note that you should meet with a coordinator at least 6 months
before you plan to go abroad.
- You CANNOT choose another program in a country that the MAP already has a program located. You will have to go on the program already
established and approved by the MAP. Please see the Marist undergraduate catalog for the Marist Abroad policy on non-approved programs for more
details.
- Speak with a MAP coordinator about available options and consortia agreements Marist College currently belongs to, such as Council on
International Educational Exchanges (CIEE); University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC); Academic Programs International (API); other programs are
available.
How far in advance should I apply for a program?
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The sooner the better (preferably 30 days in advance). The application deadlines are: Academic Year abroad: February 23; Fall Semester:
February 23; and Spring Semester: September 8.
Whats involved in the application process?
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You will need an Official Transcript, Recommendation letters, Essay, and
application fee ($50), along with other materials to assemble your
completed application. Please consult the application itself for a
detailed checklist.
What do I do after I have been accepted into a program?
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After you have been accepted, you should begin to prepare for your
departure, including getting a passport, visa, rail passes, international
I.D. cards, traveler.s checks, flight itineraries, course approvals, etc.
How does the Marist Abroad Program prepare me for my study abroad
experience?
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There are a series of pre-departure orientation meetings that all students
going abroad are strongly encouraged to attend. In those meetings, a
strong foundation will be set by means of returning students. accounts,
literature on pertinent topics, and guest speakers from various
departments (i.e. Financial Aid and Housing).
How do I get my student visa to go abroad?
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You must contact the Consulate of your host country for information on how
to obtain a visa. Requirements are specific to each country, so you are
strongly encouraged to apply for a visa as early as possible.
What do I study while I am abroad?
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Students from virtually every discipline have studied abroad. There is a
broad range of possibilities.
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Students will determine their curriculum with the help and approval of
their academic advisor and chairperson.
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By identifying the type of program that you are looking for, you can best
meet your needs (e.g. Media related internship vs. Scientific Study
Research programs vs. a more Liberal Arts based program).
Can I study abroad if I don't know a foreign language?
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Yes! You can study abroad in a country where English is the native
language or at a program where your courses are taught in English, even if
it isn.t the country.s native language.
Can I still graduate on time if I study abroad?
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Absolutely. Students should consult their academic advisors to ensure
that they choose an appropriate program and time of study conducive to
their graduating on time. In general, with good preparation, it is very
possible.
Is studying abroad more expensive than regular tuition?
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No. All study abroad programs are roughly the equivalent of regular
Marist tuition.
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Is financial aid and scholarships available for study abroad?
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Yes. You will probably remain eligible for the existing aid package that
you already have with the exception of Federal Work/Study. However, all
decisions regarding transferability of your financial aid are at the
discretion of the Office of Student Financial Services.
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Visiting students: consult your study abroad advisor or financial aid
officer at your home institution to initiate a study abroad consortium
agreement between Marist College and your home institution.
How much spending money do I need while I am abroad?
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This is one of the toughest questions that we are asked. The answer is as
varied as the students who travel abroad. Students who made it on a
shoestring budget may have spent between $1000-$2000. A lavish budget:
$4000 or more. It really does depend on you and your specific needs/
wants.
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Calculate your expenses on campus, (i.e. books, entertainment, food,
etc.), while factoring in travel expenses, an emergency fund, and your
site.s index for cost of living. This can be a baseline for your budget
abroad.
Can I work when I am studying abroad?
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No. While you are studying abroad, you may not obtain legal employment
due to the fact that you will have a student visa as opposed to a work
visa.
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You may, however, participate in a MAP internship program for credit if
gaining work experience in a foreign country is your main objective.
Are there opportunities to travel while I am studying abroad?
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Yes. There are many opportunities to travel while abroad. Students may
choose to take advantage of weekends and break times. They may also
decide to stay on and travel after the program has ended. Participants
are encouraged to explore the local and national culture of the country or
countries they are planning to visit.
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Some programs also have inclusive excursions as a part of the program fee.
What is the registration process for the semester following my return?
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Students will leave a completed course registration sheet with the Marist
Abroad Office prior to their departure. The MAP will submit the course
registration sheet to the Registrar during their time away.
How are the grades from my study abroad program processed after its over?
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If you are a Marist student, your grades are directly transferred to your
transcript headed under already existing Marist courses or specifically
assigned special topics.
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If you are a visiting student, your grades are forwarded to your home
institution under the MAP heading of the course (which is taken directly
from the host institution) followed by a letter grade.
How do I share the experiences that I have had with others?
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There are informational sessions held at the start of every semester where
returning students are invited to share with prospective students
interested in the MAP.
