FAQs

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 trip.

What is the duration of a study abroad program?

The study abroad programs at SF are short term, so they last from one to two weeks.

When during the year are the study abroad programs offered?

Study abroad programs are offered during the spring break and over summer.

How do I apply for a study abroad program?

Select a study abroad program and click on the green “Open for Applications” button. This will take you to our study abroad application system, from which you will need to create a username and password to start an application.

When are application deadlines to apply to a study abroad program?

After you have selected your study abroad program, click on the yellow “Apply Now” button. At the bottom of the page you will find the deadline date.

How do I know if I’m accepted into the study abroad program?

After you meet with the International Education Coordinator and the faculty leader(s) for your study abroad program, you will receive a notification through email of your acceptance/non-acceptance. 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?

Refer to the CDC website, and look up your study abroad country to read about recommended immunizations. Check out Alachua County’s Florida Department of Health.

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. Get more information click on these programs.

Study Abroad Courses

How do I register for my study abroad course(s)?

The International Education Coordinator will contact you for your study abroad course selection(s) at the beginning of the spring and summer semesters. After obtaining this information, the International Education Coordinator will register you for these courses. 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 will list 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?

Yes, if you have taken one of the courses that is offered with the study abroad program, you will need to select another one out of the course offerings.

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 trip.

Advising

Who is the faculty leader for my selected study abroad program?

View all the Study Abroad programs. Then click on the applications button study abroad program of interest. Information about the faculty leaders will be listed at the bottom of the page.

How do I make an appointment with the International Education Coordinator?

Use the following information 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 for information on all study abroad programs, then select a program to view the fees.

What expenses are included in the program fee?

The program fee covers accommodations, airfare, some meals, insurance and in-country transportation. Please refer to the “Estimated Cost” and “Estimated costs not included in program fee” sections of your selected study abroad program.

Are there any additional costs outside the program fee?

Yes. Items such as tuition, tips, books, and immunization fees are not included in the program fee. Please refer to the “Estimated costs not included in the program fee” section of your selected study abroad program. 

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 a 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 contact Financial Aid for more information.

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.

For trips organized through a third party provider, such as EF Tours, please set up an account with them and follow their payment schedule. Read their cancellation and refund policy carefully.

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 complete the study abroad application and 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 trip that you have applied to. Only on-line letters of recommendation will be considered. 

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.

What is the amount of the scholarship?

If you are awarded a scholarship, it will cover up to 1/3 the cost of the program fee.

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?

Awarded students will receive their scholarship check provided that they have signed their scholarship acceptance letter and have made all prior payments for their program. Typically the scholarship check will be available in February/March for the spring break study abroad programs. For the summer programs, the checks will be available in April.

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 International Education Coordinator.

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 International Education Coordinator 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 must be completed in detail and submitted to the International Education Coordinator. Download the form.