Study Abroad FAQ | FIU CIBER

Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Study Abroad

How do I enroll/register for a Study Abroad Program?
To enroll/register for a study abroad program, complete the online registration form found on the page of the program you wish to participate in. You will be required to pay an initial registration fee with a credit card when completing the online registration form. You will receive a confirmation e-mail after submitting the online registration form.

Do I have to get approval from an advisor to participate in a study abroad program?
Once you have completed the online registration form, our office will meet with an advisor to review your application and determine whether you are eligible to participate in the study abroad program you have applied for. If there are any problems with your application, someone from our office will contact you by e-mail.

What other documents must I submit to your office?
In addition to the online registration form, students must turn in a copy of their valid passport, a copy of their U.S. Residency or Visa (if applicable), and a copy of the Medical Information Form. These documents carry a due date which will be indicated in your confirmation e-mail. Students who do not turn in these documents by the due date will be removed from the program.

I am international student, do I have to pay out-of-state tuition fees?
No, all students pay the same in state tuition fees, regardless of residency status.

When is the last day I can enroll in a program?
Deadline to enroll is listed on the page of the program. Please refer to that page for additional informaton.

I require a visa to travel, will you help me?
Unless otherwise stated, it is the student's responsibility to verify if they need a visa and apply for a visa. Our office will provide the student with a letter verifying their enrollment at FIU and in the study abroad program. In order to receive the letter, the student must have already submitted a clear copy of their passport and their U.S. Residency/Visa card. Students are responsible for paying for all fees to obtain a a travel visa.

Can I bring someone with me (such as my spouse)?
Unfortunately we can only allow current FIU students to attend these programs. Former students who have recently graduated may attend if they register with the University as a "non-degree seeking" student. Students must get permission from the faculty director before they can apply for the study abroad program.

Do I need a professor's permission to register for a study abroad program?
All non-College of Business students will require that their advisor allow them to participate in a study abroad program sponsored by CBA and CIBER. Current College of Business Students do not require a professor's permission to register for any of the study abroad programs.

How many classes can I take during the program?
Students can take a maximum of 2 classes (6 credits) during the program.

Do you accept financial aid?
Students in need of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, etc) to help cover some or all of the costs of a study abroad program must contact the financial aid office at (305) 348-7272 to discuss their individual needs. While we do our utmost to accommodate students, please be aware that students are responsible for paying the balance of the program by the due date. In the event the disbursement date of the financial aid funds occurs after the due date, students will be responsible for paying the balance out of their own pocket by such time. Failure to pay by said time may result in the student being dropped from the program and forfeiting their registration fee.

Do I need to travel insurance to participate in a study abroad program?
Travel insurance is included with the $175 dollar study abroad fee that all students must pay. Students will receive insurance cards prior to the departure of the trip.

Is tuition included in the cost of the program?
No, the program fee does not include tuition.

What does the program cost include?
Please refer to the specific page detailing the information about the study abroad program to understand what the program cost includes.

Do I have to attend the on campus meetings?
Yes. Every student must attend the on campus meetings. Students who cannot attend the meetings must notify CIEBR and the professor that they will not be attending. Those students who are unable to attend will be responsible for obtaining the information from other students in the class.

Do I need to buy the books for the classes that I am taking as part of the study abroad program?
Most likely yes. However, during the two on campus meetings, the professor will go over what is required for the trip, including any books you must purchase.

Are there any special arrangements for vegetarians, special religious, or health diets?
While we will try our best to accommodate students with religious requests and dietary requests, we cannot guarantee anything. Students are traveling to a foreign nation and we cannot assure students that any requests will be accommodated in the foreign country.

Is there an age requirement?
Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any of our study abroad programs. In the event that a student is under the age of 18, they may participate in a study abroad program with the permission from their parents.

Does FIU's policies apply while studying abroad?
YES. Students must follow the same policies while studying abroad as they apply to them while on campus. One policy that is asked many times is the alcohol policy. FIU has a zero tolerance policy of alcohol on campus, and we expect our students to adhere to this policy while studying abroad. Any student caught drinking alcohol, regardless of age, will not only be sent home immediately, but will receive a failing grade for any classes they are enrolled in as well as the possibility of being expelled from the University. We expect our students to be on their best behavior while studying abroad, after all, you are representing FIU.

Can I make my own living arrangements?
No. All students must live in the program-sponsored accommodations. However, students who wish to have their own private room can pay an additional fee.

Can I arrive late to the program, or leave early?
These programs are short term programs and are designed to immerse our students in the local environment, as well as meet FIU's curricular standards. Arriving late or departing early may cause you to miss important information or aspects of the course and is therefore not permitted.