Summer Study Abroad - Frequently Asked Questions

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faq

1. Can Non-LSU students participate?

2. Can I use my financial aid?

3. Do I have to know a foreign language to participate?

4. How many hours do I have to take?

5. How much will it cost to participate?

6. Should I have health insurance to participate?

7. How do I receive credit for the classes I take?

8. When and where do I apply for a program?

9. Is a deposit required to apply for the program?

10. What happens if I decide to withdraw from the program after I have already paid the deposit?

11. I am not an LSU student and live outside the state of Louisiana. How do I obtain orientation materials?

12. I don't like or need the classes offered for a particular program. Do I have an alternative?

13. How do I register for classes?

14. How much money should I take with me?

15. How can I find out more about LSU's group programs?

1. Can non-LSU students participate?
Yes. We accept students from all over the country. As long as you are enrolled in a university, you can participate. Non-LSU students must apply through the LSU website.
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2. Can I use my financial aid?
Check to ensure that your summer aid can be used with LSU's Office of Student Aid and Scholarships or your home university financial aid office if you are not an LSU student. The LSU graduate school will not offer their regular tuition waiver award to participants in LSU's summer group programs.
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3. Do I have to know a foreign language to participate?
No. Most programs offer classes other than language courses. If you do want to take a language course you must meet the prerequitsities for that course. Prerequistites are listed in the LSU General Catalog.
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4. How many hours do I have to take?
For most programs, participants must enroll in six hours of credit or two classes. Programs with a different credit hour requirement will note that on their websites.
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5. How much will it cost to participate?
Students pay LSU summer tuition and fees. Summer term tuition and fees is estimated at $1100 for six credit hours. Out-of-state students must pay nonresident tuition for the summer. All participants are assessed a program fee. Program fees typically range from $2000-3000. Participants are responsible for items not covered by the program fee, including airfare, some meals, insurance, and personal expenses.
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6. Should I have health insurance to participate?
Yes. All participants are required to havehealth insurance, repatriation and medical evacuation coverage. LSU students who purchased LSU's health insurance policy for the entire year (fall, spring, summer) may use this policy. Others who did not purchase LSU insurance for the entire year may use their own insurance plan or purchase LSU's insurance for the summer only. If you are not sure if your own policy covers you (or what it covers) while you are in a foreign country, check with your insurance agent before you depart for the program.
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7. How do I receive credit for the classes I take?
Once you return from study abroad your grades will be reported to the LSU registrar and will be on your trasncript by the end of summer semester. You can request an official copy your transcript through your PAWS account.
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8. When and where do I apply for a program?
Program applications can be downloaded from the website or picked up in APA (106 Hatcher Hall). A word to the wise: Once applications are available, programs fill quickly. If you know that you want to participate in one of our programs, turn in your application soon rather than later. Non LSU students must submit a current transcript along with the program application and deposit. The LSU application for admission can be obtained from the LSU website for non-LSU students.
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9. Is a deposit required to apply for the program?
Yes. In order for an application to be considered, a $500.00 deposit must be paid at the time of submission. Academic Programs Abroad will charge your fee bill when the application is accepted. Please note that Academic Programs Abroad does not accept credit cards for program deposits or fee payments. The balance due for the program fee will also be charged to your fee bill when fees are due to be paid. You must complete registration and pay your fee bill in order to participate in the program.
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10. What happens if I decide to withdraw from the program after I have already paid the deposit?
Deposits are not refundable after January 31, 2007. stated in However, if you must withdraw from the program after the application deadline AND there is someone on the waiting list willing to take your place, then the deposit may be returned. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable. Students who wish to withdraw from the program must do so in writing to the LSU Office of Academic Programs Abroad.
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11. I am not an LSU student and live outside the state of Louisiana. How do I obtain orientation materials?
The program director will mail the materials to you. Please remember to tell us if you move to a different address!
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12. I don't like or need the classes offered for a particular program. Do I have an alternative?
Yes. Students can arrange to take an independent study class provided that the minimum amount of credit earned is six hours, as this is the total amount of credit needed to maintain full-time status for summer study. If the sponsoring professor is unwilling to give six hours of credit for the independent study project, the student must enroll in one of the classes offered to make up the difference. Independant studies must be sponsored by a professor on the trip, and relate to the theme of the trip.
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13. How do I register for classes?
LSU and non LSU students register for classes with the LSU Office of Academic Programs Abroad. Once APA has registered you or classes you will need to log into your PAWS account and complete registration.
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14. How much money should I take with me?
On the average, students should be prepared to have on hand $200 to $300 per week. Cost of living in some areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa is significantly higher than in the U.S. Students should have access to credit cards or debit cards for items not covered in the program fee. Check out the program's website for a list of what's included in the program fee.
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15. How can I find out more about LSU's group programs?
There are several ways to find out information. First, look on this web site at the Summer programs page. Also, feel free to email any of the program directors for details on their programs.
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