Direct Exchange Experience

All students whether graduate or undergraduate, wishing to participate in the Direct Exchange Experience must have a minimum 2.5 GPA at the time they begin the application process. The IPO suggests that undergraduate students have a sophomore standing before studying abroad. Some direct exchange 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 their direct exchange 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. Please click on one of the YSU Exchange Partner icons below to fill out an application.

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.

Students will also have to submit a secondary application to their direct exchange program. Application fees and required forms may apply.

Study Abroad Application Deadlines:

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

For Direct Exchange programs, YSU students will pay YSU tuition to YSU.

Direct Exchange Program Fees Not Included in Tuition:
Most of the following fees are not included in YSU or affiliated program providers’ direct exchange 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 direct exchange programs are made according to the regular YSU payment schedule. All other programs will bill directly. Students must pay in a timely manner or make arrangements with the direct exchange program.

The IPO will register the students for individual study abroad programs in a special retainer course.

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 direct exchange 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 overseas transcripts. Overseas 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 overseas credits to their academic advisor, and the chair/Dean. All 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 direct exchange site. All communication pertaining to the transfer of academic credits earned while studying overseas 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 Direct Exchange Experience availability may vary. Students can reach out to the IPO or browse current programs by clicking the icons below. 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 their overseas 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 an overseas 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 participating in the Direct Exchange Experience 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. 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