General
What are the requirements to participate in a study abroad program?
You must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be 18 years of age or older at the time of the program. We do not accept dual enrolled students into study abroad programs.
What is the duration of a study abroad program?
Faculty-led study abroad programs at SF are short term, and typically last from one to two weeks.
4-8-week summer and full semester programs are are also options through third party providers that are not sponsored by SF but are still available for SF student participation.
When during the year are the study abroad programs offered?
SF Study abroad programs are offered during spring break and summer.
How do I apply for a study abroad program?
Do a program search on main study abroad web page
Once you choose a program, click the "apply now" button on a program page.
For example, go to Italy program webpage and click "Apply Now."
When are application deadlines to apply to a study abroad program?
You can find deadlines listed in the information provided here.
How do I know if I’m accepted into the study abroad program?
After you meet with the Coordinator of International Education and the faculty leader(s) for your program, you will receive a notification through email of the acceptance decision. If you receive a notification of acceptance, you can make your non-refundable application and deposit fee at the Cashier’s Office. Refer to the payment schedule for your program for the remaining payments.
What are the steps I need to complete, in order to participate in a study abroad program?
View the “Steps to Studying Abroad” page.
Do I need any specific immunizations to travel on a study abroad program?
Please refer to the information provided on the web page of your program of interest.
Can I use my study abroad experience to get credit for the extracurricular requirements for the International Studies Certificate?
Yes. If you participate in a study abroad program, you will receive 60 points that will go towards the extracurricular requirements for the certificate. Learn more about Global Scholars Program here.
Study Abroad Courses
How do I register for my study abroad course(s)?
The Coordinator of International Education will help you register for your study abroad course selection(s). Payment for the course(s) can be made at the Cashier’s Office.
How do I know which course(s) I can take with my selected study abroad program?
The Study Abroad Programs page lists all courses associated with the individual programs.
If I have already taken one of the courses that is offered with the study abroad program, am I still required to take a course?
If you have taken one of the courses that is being offered with the study abroad program, you will need to select a different course offering associated with the program. The courses range from 1-3 credit hours.
Can I participate in a study abroad program, even if I cannot speak the language of that study abroad country?
Yes - it is not a requirement for you to be speak the language of the study abroad country in order to participate in a study abroad program.
Advising
Who is the faculty leader for my selected study abroad program?
Faculty leader(s) information is provided on each program's web page under the "Academics" section.
How do I make an appointment with the Coordinator of International Education?
Please refer to the Contact Us page and call or email to set up an appointment.
Tuition and Aid
How much does a study abroad program cost?
The cost varies for each program. View the Study Abroad Programs information on all study abroad programs, then select a program to view the fees in the "Payment Schedule and Scholarships" tab.
What expenses are included in the program fee?
The program fee covers accommodations, airfare, some meals, required activities, international health insurance and in-country transportation. Please refer to the “Estimated Cost” section of your selected study abroad program.
Are there any additional costs outside the program fee?
Yes. Items such as tuition, tips, books, personal expenses and immunization fees are typically not included in the program fee. Please refer to the “Payment Schedule and Scholarships" tab of your selected study abroad program for more information.
Is the tuition fee for the study abroad course covered in the program fee?
No, the tuition fee is not covered in the program fee.
Can I use my financial aid for an SF study abroad program?
Students participating in a Santa Fe College Study Abroad program may be eligible to receive financial assistance for their academic credits approved by SF, if the coursework is required for the student’s program at SF. Please refer to the Financial Aid and Scholarships for Study Abroad page.
How do I make a payment?
Please refer to the payment schedule for your selected study abroad program. The payment schedule and payment instructions are listed on each study abroad program’s page. Please ensure that you make your payments by the due dates.
All students are required to make a non-refundable application and deposit fee at the Cashier’s Office on campus.
Scholarships
Does Santa Fe College offer study abroad scholarships?
Yes, SF scholarships are available every year.
Where can I find the SF study abroad scholarship application?
The SF scholarship application is built into the study abroad application itself. You must create a study abroad application first before you can gain access to the scholarship application. Once you have created a study abroad application, you will find the scholarship application listed under the “Questionnaires” section. For scholarship application deadline and additional information visit our Scholarship page.
What materials do I need to submit as part of my scholarship application?
You need to start the study abroad application and complete the scholarship application.
You must also submit an on-line faculty letter of recommendation. This may be requested by clicking on the “Recommendations” section of your study abroad application. The recommendation letter must be from a faculty member who is not leading the study abroad program that you have applied to.
You also need to make your non-refundable application and deposit fee at the Cashier’s Office and ensure that your payments are up to date.
For more information about scholarship requirements, please refer to the Financial Aid and Scholarships for Study Abroad page.
What is the amount of the scholarship?
The scholarship amounts vary per year. Please refer to the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
When will I receive a decision about my scholarship application?
Fall semester applicants will be notified at the end of November and spring semester applicants will be notified at the end of February.
If I am awarded a scholarship, when do I get my check?
It usually takes about two to three weeks after the scholarship application deadline to receive a scholarship award.
Travel Documentation
Do I need a passport to study abroad?
Yes, you will need to have a valid passport. As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel. Get additional U.S. passport information.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your local consulate regarding traveling/studying in another country and make an appointment with the Office of International Education.
What is a visa?
A visa is a document that gives the traveler legal authorization to enter the study abroad country.
Do I need a visa?
Some study abroad programs require a visa for entry. Please consult with the Office of International Education for additional information.
Can I extend my travel after the study abroad program?
Yes, you may extend your travel after you have completed the study abroad portion of the trip. However, you must complete the Extension to Study Abroad Program Form and receive approval. This form can be found in the "Forms" section under Resources.