Study Abroad

All students whether graduate or undergraduate, wishing to participate in Study Abroad must have a minimum 2.5 GPA at the time they begin the study abroad application process. The IPO suggests that undergraduate students have a sophomore standing before studying abroad. Some study abroad programs may require students to have a higher GPA. The final decision regarding admission to and participation in specific programs rests with the IPO, student’s academic program and host institutions abroad. The IPO reserves the right to deny participation in study abroad when student's actions either on- or off-campus create doubt that the student may not be prepared for an international study experience or prepared to represent YSU in the appropriate manner.

Any participant interested in enrolling in a program not already approved by the IPO should seek prior approval. Such petitions must be filed at least six months prior to their departure date.

In order to study abroad, all students must have a valid passport. To apply for a passport, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

After a student researches study abroad options, meets with their academic advisor, and either attends an info session or meets with the International Programs Office, they should submit a study abroad application. Submit your application in our study abroad portal, Via TRM: https://ysustudyabroad.via-trm.com/

The nonrefundable YSU Application Fee is $75 USD.

After submitting the application, it will be reviewed by the International Programs Office, and the student will be notified of the decision in a few days/weeks after submission. If accepted, the student will be required to complete their next steps and form submission through the study abroad portal. The student will complete these forms: Student Conduct Check Study Abroad Credit Pre- Approval Form, GeoBlue Roster Form (Health Insurance), Insurance Coverage Form, Pre-Departure Orientation, Medical Self-Disclosure Form, Passport Form, Responsibility, Release, and Authorization Form, Demographic Information, and Emergency Contact Information. All forms will be submitted in Via TRM, and reviewed and approve by the IPO before the student goes abroad.

If a student is studying abroad with a Direct Exchange Partner, they will also have to submit a secondary application through those programs. Application fees and required forms may apply.

Study Abroad Application Deadlines:

• Summer and Fall Applications: April 15
• Spring Applications: November 1

Study Abroad Program Fees vary by program. For Direct Exchange programs, YSU students will pay YSU tuition to YSU. For YSU Faculty-led Programs, students will pay YSU tuition and fees.

Study Abroad Fees Not Included in Tuition:
Most of the following fees study abroad fees are not included in YSU or affiliated program providers’ study abroad fees. Such fees may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Domestic and international transportation
• Transfers/Airport shuttle service
• Lodging
• Meals
• Incidentals
• Books and other required instructional materials
• Lab, music and/or computer fees
• Printing fees
• Room and board during holiday periods and semester breaks when the academic program is not in session
• Passports and Visa fees
• Required photographs
• Required physical exams, x-rays, and other medical tests
• Co-pay for medical exams and prescriptions
• Required and recommended immunizations
• Required health and accident insurance
• Independent travel and excursions
• Incidental expenses
• Special rooming preferences
• Prescriptions
• Local Transportation

All participants will be informed of the entire comprehensive fee for the program prior to the beginning of the program. Payments for study abroad programs are made according to the regular YSU payment schedule for exchange programs only. All other programs will bill directly. Students must pay in a timely manner or make arrangements with the study abroad program.

The IPO will register the students for individual study abroad programs in a special retainer course. All students on faculty-led programs will register for coursework through their department. Faculty should verify that each student is registered for the coursework required for participation in the faculty-led program.

The student is responsible for submitting all pre-approval forms and special registration forms in advance and in person prior to departure.

All academic work completed in the study abroad program is certified by the International Programs Office (IPO), the student’s academic advisor, the dean of the College, and the University Registrar. The approved grades earned overseas will be recorded on the student’s official YSU academic transcript on the basis of official study abroad transcripts. Study abroad credits will count towards graduation and may be used to satisfy academic program requirements. The distribution of credit toward the major, minor or concentration is determined by the specific academic department.

Prior to studying abroad, credit distribution will be determined by the Dean of the participant’s college or chair of their department. Students should direct inquiries regarding study abroad credits to their academic advisor, and the chair/Dean. All study abroad students need to obtain approval from the faculty/Chair, the Registrar and the IPO staff members for specific credit prior to registering for courses at their study abroad site. All communication pertaining to the transfer of academic credits earned while studying abroad needs to be documented with a copy of the signed academic transfer form. Students retain their own copies. Additional copies of these transcripts need to be submitted to the student’s academic advisor, the appropriate chair/Dean, the Registrar and the IPO.

Youngstown State University’s Study Abroad programs available to students may vary. Students can reach out to the IPO or login to our study abroad portal, Via TRM to browse current programs. For Faculty-Led Programs, consult the coordinating faculty member to determine the exact length of the program. Academic advisors will work with students to determine the programs that will best fulfill the student’s individual academic needs. Upon return to the United States, each participant should schedule and exit interview to discuss the study abroad experience. After the exit interview, the academic credit earned abroad will be transferred to YSU.

All grades earned on study abroad fall within YSU’s general procedures on transfer credit. All study abroad grades will be reviewed, translated, and certified by the Registrar. To receive credit for a study abroad course, students must earn a "C" or better. Requests for a grade review must be accompanied by complete documentation from the course in question including syllabus, assignments, homework and other projects, and exams. Grade appeals must follow YSU’s standard change of grade procedure.

Students studying abroad are required to have adequate additional international medical insurance unless covered by US military insurance. This supplementary coverage must be purchased through our study abroad insurance provider, GeoBlue. Students and faculty participating in faculty-led study abroad are also required to obtain coverage through GeoBlue. Medical insurance prices and coverage may vary. More information will be provided to students once accepted.

General safety tips for those studying abroad:

• Act like you know where you are going and what you are doing - even if you don’t!
• Don't dangle purses or cameras from your wrist –keep these items in front of you/in your sight at all times
• Laptop computer bags, backpacks and designer purses could attract thieves
• Don't carry wallets in a back pocket
• Use a money belt or some other security wallet
• Don't carry large amounts of cash
• Carry small bills
• Carry cash in several different places
• Carry a photocopy of passport at all times-unless instructed to do otherwise by host country.
• Don't go places alone at night
• Use legitimate cabs, taxis, and private drivers
• Don't hitchhike
• Make photocopies of your passport, debit cards and credit cards-include phone numbers
• Carry a list of your important contact people at the host institution and other important phone numbers

Stay informed about political, social, and economic developments in the U.S., host city, host country and across the globe. Register with the nearest US Consulate. If you plan to travel to another country, check with the U.S. Consulate Office to learn if there are any warnings for that destination. If your travel destination is having political or military difficulties, do not travel to these locations.

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• Boren Awards
• Fund for Education Abroad
• Critical Language Scholarships
• YSU Glen C. El-Hayek Memorial Study Abroad Scholarship