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Basics For Faculty-Led Programs

Steps to Successful Study Abroad at EIU

Application deadlines:

Step 1. Choose a program  
Step 2 . Application
Step 3 . Passport
Step 4 . ISIC Card
Step 5 . Visa
Step 6 . Financial Aid and Billing
Step 7 . Airfare
Step 8 . Logistics
Step 9 . Pre-departure Orientation

Step 1 - Choose a Program

If you've found this page, you probably already have a faculty-led program in mind. If not, visit our Program Search and select "Faculty-led" under Program Type to find one.

Scholarships are difficult to find for short-term study abroad and faculty-led programs, so you should start looking early and inquire to find out if your academic department and/or the department offering the study abroad program in which you are interested offers any scholarships.

Step 2 - Application

You should fill out the Faculty-led Program Application Materials and turn them in to the School of Continuing Education (2201 Blair Hall).

Faculty-led program application materials are due December 5 for Spring Break programs and February 2 for Summer programs.

Part of this application requires you to schedule a free Travel Consultation with Health Services, so don't wait until the last minute to complete your application. Call (217) 581-3013 to schedule your appointment today.

Step 3 - Passport

If you do not have a passport then apply ASAP. While expedited service is available at an extra cost, regular processing takes 4 months. If a visa is required for your program, you will need to have a passport first, so don’t wait too long.

If you already have a passport, be sure that it does not expire within 6 months from your depature date (regardless of the length of your trip), or else you may not be allowed to board the plane.

In Charleston, you can go to the County Clerk’s Office at 651 Jackson Ave Rm 122, Phone: 348-0501. Bring 2 passport pictures, a certified copy of your birth certificate, not the hospital copy, and a photo ID (i.e., driver’s license). The fee is $67.00 plus another $30.00 check to the county clerk. Several host application materials require a copy of your passport, so this is another reason why you should have it early. The Office of Study Abroad also requires a copy before you leave.

For more information, go to www.travel.state.gov and click on passports.

Step 4 - International Student ID Card (ISIC)

ISIC is optional and you may purchase it on your own. This card includes the following:

• Great discounts in the U.S. at places like FYE-For Your Entertainment, Target.com, Shoebuy.com, Flowers USA, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Karmaloop.com, Best Western, Alamo, and many more!
• Discount student airfares and other great travel products.
• Access to over 33,000 discounts in over 100 countries.
• International recognition of your full-time student status.
• 24-hour Help Line emergency service.
• Lost Document Replacement $500
• Baggage/Travel Delay $100

Step 5 - Visa

A visa is your formal permission to be in a specific country for a specific amount of time. In most cases, you will not need to apply for a visa for your faculty-led study abroad program. If you do, your faculty director(s) will assist you with this process.

Step 6 - Financial Aid and Billing

Take care of your EIU financial aid early. In order to qualify, you must have filed a FAFSA. Visit FAFSA On the Web for more information. For summer study abroad, you must fill out a form at the Office of Financial Aid (Student Services Building) requesting aid for summer study. Federal grants and loans can be used for study abroad. If you have questions about your financial aid package and how can it be applied to your study abroad program, call or visit The Office of Financial Aid.

An electronic bill is issued once a month around the first of each month. A notification is sent to each student's PantherMail letting the student know that a statement has been posted on the PAWS account. Payment is due by the due date, which is provided on the statement, in order to avoid a 1% finance charge. Students should look for their first bill for the Fall semester around August 1st, and December 1st for the Spring semester.

Step 7 - Airfare

In many cases, your faculty director will arrange group airfare for your study abroad program. If not, please read the information below:

Look for airfare discounts on Orbitz, Travelocity, and in Sunday's travel section of the Chicago Tribune. There are many excellent places to look. Since you are a student, try: www.studentuniverse.com or www.statravel.com.  The ISIC (International Student ID Card) also provides an array of discounts for students who are traveling internationally. Students have been known to get very good rates on airfare with this card. Check into their airfare rates and discounts before you go elsewhere: http://www.myisic.com.

Step 8 - Logistics

Now that your trip is getting closer, you should do the following:

• Register with the embassy https://travelregistration.state.gov
• Make a copy of your passport and travel itinerary (the print out with your flight info) and turn it in to the Office of Study Abroad and your faculty director(s) either before or during your pre-departure orientation
• Make sure that your account is free of “holds” so you can be registered for study abroad without paying late fees

Step 9 - Pre-Departure Orientation

Attend a Pre-departure Orientation before you leave. This is MANDATORY! If you do not attend, you will not receive credit for your study abroad experience. Schedules are on the calendar. You do not need to sign up in advance; however, attendance will be taken to account for your presence at one of these required orientations. Before or during this orientation, you are required to turn in a photocopy of the following items: Your Passport and Your Travel Itinerary.