Study Abroad
As a student at LeTourneau University, studying abroad provides numerous opportunities to put into action “Every Workplace, Every Nation.” LETU strongly encourages all residential and non-traditional students to pursue an opportunity to study abroad during their time at the University. Study abroad programs are rigorous academic programs that combine academic credit with cultural experience and education.
There are four types of study abroad programs:
- Semester Abroad, occuring Fall or Spring semester through an exchange with a partner university or a third-party program provider
- Faculty-Led Trips, short-term study abroad trips led by LETU faculty that can be offered for academic credit
- Global Service Learning, short-term trips led by LETU faculty and have a service-learning focus
- Summer Abroad Programs, offered through an exchange with a partner university or a third-party program provider
The following information applies to all LETU degree-seeking students who register for an academic Semester Abroad or Summer Abroad program:
Student Eligibility
Students who are in good standing with the University, are not on any kind of probation (academic, disciplinary, chapel, or other), and who have shown academic ability and merit can apply. Students must meet the admissions criteria as set forth by the LETU catalog. Strong preference will be given for students who have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA. Students are encouraged to study abroad whenever the experience will fit in best according to their academic degree schedules. Students studying abroad with another university for a semester will also be considered officially enrolled at LETU for financial aid and credit transfer purposes, as long as students follow the proper study abroad process established by LETU.
All students must obtain approval from the International Studies Officer in the Office of Global Initiatives before applying to any study abroad program. Students must first meet with the International Studies Officer to learn about the available programs and eligibility requirements.
Students wanting to apply to a study abroad program must meet all resident credit requirements. In particular, transfer students and students who will be classified as seniors during their study abroad experience should meet with the International Studies Officer and with the Office of the Registrar to ensure they are meeting all resident credit requirements.
Application to Study Abroad
Students must first meet with the International Studies Officer before applying to any study abroad program. The student must submit a completed Study Abroad Application and related documents to the International Studies Officer before applying to any study abroad program. A student interested in studying abroad should consult with his or her academic advisor to determine the feasibility of transferring credit earned while studying abroad towards his or her major. Following approval from the International Studies Officer, the student may apply to the desired study abroad program.
Student Responsibilities
The student is responsible for making all study abroad program arrangements, including contacting the program directors or coordinators; arranging travel, room and board; arranging visas and passports; and any other related matters. The International Studies Officer and the Office of Global Initiatives are available to provide guidance to parents and students if any problems or questions arise.
Students must attend at least one briefing regarding study abroad and cultural competence the semester before their departure. The briefing topics include safety, health, procedures, communications, cultural sensitivity, and emergencies. Students are also required to meet with the International Studies Officer upon return from the study abroad experience.
Study Abroad Transfer Credit
All coursework completed off-campus through a Semester Abroad or Summer Abroad program will be treated as transfer credit. When students participate in a Semester or Summer Abroad academic program during their tenure at LETU, they may transfer a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester or summer. If a student seeks to participate in more than one Semester or Summer Abroad program, either in succession or at separate times, the student may seek to transfer no more than 18 credit hours per semester or summer and may transfer up to 36 hours total for their entire study abroad experience over the course of their tenure at LETU. Additional restrictions may apply to transfer students or students who have already transferred or plan to transfer in additional credits.
Study Abroad Travel Grant
LETU has a travel assistance grant which may be available to help students pay some costs associated with traveling internationally while studying abroad for a Semester or Summer Abroad program. Information regarding this scholarship may be obtained from the International Studies Officer. Students are eligible to receive one study abroad travel grant award during their tenure at the University. Incomplete applications or applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered. The grant may be awarded to students who have applied and been accepted to semester or summer abroad programs and have met the eligibility requirements. The grant award is contingent upon acceptance into a study abroad program and may not be applied to a regular course of study at LETU. Award decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Grant recipients will be notified via email. Availability and amounts of this grant may vary from year to year. Consult the Office of Global Initiatives for current information.
Financial Aid
Federal financial aid may be applied to any Semester or Summer Abroad program, as long as the student has filed a FAFSA and worked with an LETU financial aid representative to include the cost of the study abroad program in the overall cost of attendance for the semester. Students are encouraged to meet with the International Studies Officer and an LETU financial aid representative early in the process to discuss what other aid options may be available through federal, state, and private venues. All students are encouraged to seek outside scholarships and/or grants for their study abroad experience.
If a student is participating in a study abroad exchange program with a partner school in which the student will pay regular tuition to LeTourneau University, federal and institutional aid can be applied.
If a student is participating in a Study Abroad Program in which payment for tuition will be made to a third party, federal financial aid can be applied, but institutional aid cannot.
For additional information, please contact the Office of International Studies.
Semester and Summer Abroad Programs
LeTourneau University encourages students to participate in Semester and Summer Abroad programs. These programs offer valuable intercultural, academic, and internship experiences that provide a unique opportunity for students to make the world their classroom, going beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. LeTourneau University partners with various programs and universities around the world to offer study abroad opportunities and also recognizes coursework completed at accredited institutions via third-party service providers. For information concerning current program offerings, visit the Study Abroad website or contact the International Studies Officer in the Office of Global Initiatives and International Studies.
A student interested in studying abroad should consult with his or her academic advisor to determine the feasibility of transferring credit earned while studying abroad towards his or her major. The student must be enrolled at LeTourneau University during the term spent at any study abroad program, abide by the study abroad process establish by LETU, and meet all study abroad program admission requirements. LeTourneau University students who participate in Semester Abroad or Summer Abroad study programs will be assessed a $350 fee per semester to cover administrative costs of dual enrollment incurred by the University.
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