Study Abroad
As a student at LeTourneau University, studying abroad provides numerous opportunities to put into action “Every Workplace, Every Nation,” as described in the University’s Vision Statement. LETU strongly encourages both on-campus and online students to pursue an opportunity to study abroad during their time at the University. Study abroad 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 study abroad program providers. Study abroad programs are rigorous and rewarding academic programs that challenge students to engage with the world around them in a posture of humility and compassion while developing them into well-traveled “professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life’s work as a holy calling with eternal [and global] impact.”
There are four types of study abroad programs:
- Semester Study 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 – short-term trips led by LETU faculty or sponsored by the Office of Global Initiatives that can be offered for academic credit
- Global Service Learning – short-term trips led by LETU faculty that have a service-learning focus
- Summer Study 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. Students must 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 program. 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 Office of Global Initiatives before applying to any study abroad program. Students can review current study abroad program information and then meet with the Office of Global Initiatives for additional questions.
Students should meet with the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Global Initiatives prior to enrolling in a study abroad program to ensure that they will meet all resident credit requirements in order to graduate from LETU.
Application to Study Abroad
Students must submit a completed Study Abroad Application and related documents to the Office of Global Initiatives and be approved by the University to study abroad before applying to any specific 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 abroad towards his or her major. Following approval from the Office of Global Initiatives, the student may apply to the desired study abroad program and complete the remaining steps of the Study Abroad Application Process.
Student Responsibilities
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 Study Abroad or Summer Study Abroad programs will be assessed a $350 fee per semester/summer to cover administrative costs of dual enrollment incurred by the University.
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 Office of Global Initiatives is available to provide guidance to parents and students if any problems or questions arise.
Students must attend at least one pre-departure orientation 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 Office of Gloabal Initiatives upon return from the study abroad experience.
Study Abroad Transfer Credit
All coursework completed off-campus through a pre-approved study 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 Study 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. Additional restrictions may apply to students who have transferred in or plan to transfer in additional credits. See specific graduation and resident credit requirements in the Official University Academic Catalog.
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 Study 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 Study 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. Consult the Office of Global Initiatives for current information.
Financial Aid
Federal financial aid may be applied to any SSemester or Summer Study 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 or summer session. Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Global Initiatives or their 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.
For additional information, please see the Study Abroad page.
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.
|
