George Mason University - Center for Global Education

PROGRAM SELECTION AND APPLICATION

STEP 1: EXPLORE your options

STEP 2: DETERMINE your eligibility

STEP 3: CONSULT with your Financial Aid &
Academic Advisors

STEP 4: APPLY ONLINE!

STEP 5: SUBMIT other application materials

UPON ACCEPTANCE

EXTENDING YOUR SEMESTER

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY

A successful education abroad experience starts with thoughtful research, planning, and preparation. While at first the process may seem overwhelming, it is really quite simple. Follow these step-by-step procedures and soon you'll be studying abroad! Remember, The Center for Global Education staff is here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions or concerns.

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PROGRAM SELECTION AND APPLICATION [back to top]

Step 1: EXPLORE [back to top]
Familiarize yourself with your study abroad options by attending an Information Session or consulting with a study abroad Program Officer at the Center for Global Education. Program Officers are here to guide you through the process of researching and applying to a program. They can also help you determine the appropriateness of a particular program by helping you review eligibility requirements, application deadlines and procedures that apply to your chosen program. Information Sessions are a great first step because they address how to select a program and review the complete study abroad process alongside other interested students.

When selecting a program you should be thinking about your goals for studying abroad, languages you already speak or wish to speak, major coursework you need to complete while abroad, and how much time you can be away from campus. All of these considerations will help you select the program that is best for you.

Step 2: DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY [back to top]
Before you begin the application process you should make sure you meet your program's eligibility requirements. Many Center for Global Education programs are open to Mason students, other college or university students, staff, faculty, and alumni, as well as to the general public. Always consult the program specific section of this website for details on specific program eligibility requirements.

To enroll in a summer or winter short-term program applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 to earn academic credit. No minimum credit hours required.

For semester or academic- year-long programs undergraduate students are eligible for study abroad once they have completed at least 45 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher*. Completed credit hours includes transfered credit hours.

*Some semester and yearlong programs and direct exchanges require a higher minimum GPA or have language or subject background pre-requisites. Please consult the program specific section of this website for details on specific program eligibility requirements.

Step 3: CONSULT WITH ADVISORS [back to top]
You should always consult with your ACADEMIC advisor to ensure the program you have chosen and the credits available in the program fit your academic plan. If you plan on seeking financial aid to help pay for your experience, request a cost breakdown from the Center for Global Education. Take the breakdown to your meeting with your FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR at your home university. Your financial aid counselor exists to help you determine your aid eligibility. Here are some important financial due dates to help you plan:

Application fee due with application
October 29, 2009:deposit due $1500 winter programs, $2500 semester programs
November 20, 2009: Final payment (remaining balance) due

Keep those involved in your financial decisions, such as your parents, informed of program fees and actual cost- of-attendance (the program fee plus the items not included in the program fee such as personal expenses, visa and passport fees, meals not covered by the program fee and international airfare.) Estimates of these costs are included in the Center for Global Education cost-breakdowns available to students. See our Keys to Financing Your Education Abroad Experience for more information.

Step 4: APPLY ONLINE RIGHT NOW! [back to top]
When you begin the on-line application you will have to create a four-digit PIN number which will allow you to save your application and continue working on it at a later time. To complete the online application you will also need:

• G# for Mason students.
• Current contact information.
• Academic information such as GPA, major if declared, class year.
• Medical insurance and Health information.
• Upon submitting the on-line application you will be sent via email a form to complete in order for you to pay your non-refundable application fee: $100 for Mason winter and summer short-term programs, $125 for Mason semester and academic year programs, direct exchanges, and internship programs.

For students attending a study abroad program administered by another institution (a Non-Mason Program) you will be charged an administrative fee of $175 for a summer or winter short-term program (up to six-credits); $300 for a semester abroad, or $500 for an academic year program.

Once you have successfully submitted your application your study abroad advisor will review your application and contact you regarding your next steps. If you encounter any problems while completing the application please call our office.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: Submit your complete application (on-line application and additional materials) no later than the following application deadlines:

Short-Term & Semester & Internship ProgramS:
Winter Programs: October 9, 2009
Summer Programs: mARCH 26, 2010

Direct Exchanges:
DEADLINES VARY and exchanges fill quickly. Apply early. Check your exchange program information page and with the Program Officer for deadlines.

Applications may be accepted after the published deadline on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Program Officer responsible for the program of your choice for more information.

NON-mASON PROGRAMS:
WINTER & SPRING SEMESTER: DECEMBER 1
FALLl & ACADEMIC YEAR: AuGUST 1
SUMMER: JUNE 1

Step 5: OTHER APPLICATION MATERIALS TO SUBMIT [back to top]
Collect your application materials. In addition to the on-line application a complete application contains the following items:

A current official academic transcript - George Mason students may submit a copy from Patriotweb unless your are partcipating on a Direct Exchange or Internship Program. In these cases you must submit an official transcript form the Office of the Registrar.

A copy of the front and back of your health insurance card that will cover you abroad. Make a note on the copy confirming that the insurance will cover you abroad. (If you have health insurance that covers you in the U.S., check with your insurance company to see if it will fully cover you while abroad. If not, you will need to purchase another policy. See our Other things to know about study abroad page for information on insurance

Two passport-size photographs on photo paper. These can be taken at your local drug store, Wal-mart or CVS. They should look something like this:

One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). If you do not currently have a passport your application will still be considered. Please apply for a passport immediately and inform your Program Officer that you have done so. Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her passport. The Center for Global Education CANNOT facilitate student passport applications. If you do not get a passport before the departure of the program, you risk not being able to participate on the program. Failure to secure a valid passport does not constitute grounds for a refund of the program fee or deposit.

If you do not attend George Mason University you must submit the Non-Degree Contract Course Enrollment and Application for In-State Tuition Rates Forms. You can download the forms here. You must fill out the Application for In-State Tuition Rates Form whether you live in Virginia or not. If you are a permanent resident of Virginia, please fill out the entire form, if you do not live in Virginia, fill out the top portion only of the first page, sign the top of the second page, and write "Not Applicable" on the rest of the form.

Program specific additional application materials:

Winter or Summer Short-term Programs:

Applicants to the Cambridge Summer School and Chinese Language Summer Program need to submit a total of five passport-size photos.

No additional materials required for all other winter or summer short-term programs.

Internship Programs:

Personal Statement: On a separate sheet of paper, please explain1) how the internship fits in with your academic studies and personal and professional goals.2) a description of your preferred internship (include the kind of organization where you want to intern and the strengths/skills that you want to utilize in the internship).

Include your future ambitions and goals. Limit your statement to approximately 500 words. Students applying to the Israel and Palestine Internship program should include whether they would like to work in Israel or the Palestinian Territories.

Two additional (Four in total) official passport-size photographs.

Current resume: Include relevant work, volunteer and academic experience. We strongly encourage students to visit the Career Services office at your campus for help in developing your resume. Mason students can make an appointment with University Career Services in SUB I, Room 348. In addition to submitting a hard copy with your application, please e-mail a copy of your resume to your Program Officer.

3-5 page writing sample: An excerpt from an academic paper or article demonstrating your written communication skills. In addition to submitting a hard copy with your application, please e-mail a copy to your Program Officer.

Two letters of recommendation: One from a professor and one from either a supervisor or professor. The letters are used to determine your acceptance into the program and are shared with prospective internship sites. The letters should highlight special skills or strengths that you would offer to an internship site in your field. The letters should be addressed to: "To Whom It May Concern" and e-mailed to your Program Officer or mailed to:

Center for Global Education
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MS 2B8
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Semester or Academic Year Program:

Two recommendation letters from recent faculty.

One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad

Direct exchange Program:

Two recommendation letters from recent faculty.

One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad and how your host institutions helps support those goals.

Language Proficiency Form

Additional Host University Forms

Students studying abroad through a program that is not a George Mason program:

You do not have to submit photos to the Center for Global Education.

Apply directly to the hosting institution, organization or school.

Once accepted by program submit a copy of the Host University Acceptance Letter and proof of accreditation

Submit your Petition for Transfer of Credits Form (also known as the Green Form.)

Upon completion of the study abroad program have an official transcript sent to:
Center for Global Education
4400 University Drive MS 2B8
Fairfax, VA 22030

Click here for your Handbook.

Now your application is ready for review. Once the Program Officer responsible for your first choice program has reviewed your application, they will inform you via email of the acceptance decision. Program specific post-acceptance instructions will be included in the email.

UPON ACCEPTANCE [back to top]
Congratulations. You have been accepted to study abroad. Now what? Once you have been accepted into your study abroad program you will receive an acceptance email with information on post-acceptance materials that must be submitted to organize your experience and guarantee your place in the program.

All Mason-program participants are required to submit a non-refundable deposit to George Mason University, $1500 for summer or winter short-term programs or $2500 for semester or year-long programs.

Make payments to the George Mason University Cash Office by cash or check. Mason students may pay by credit card (American Express, MasterCard and Discover only) online via Patriotweb. You will currently pay a 2.75 % convenience fee to pay by credit card. The convenience fee is non-refundedable. Participants who are not Mason students cannot access Patriotweb to make payments. Mail your payment to GMU Cash Office, MSN 2E1, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Make sure your GMU ID# is submitted with your payment. Participants who are not Mason students are charged an additional $50 administrative fee to their program fee.

Students participating in a Direct Exchange program submit an administrative fee directly to the Center for Global Education instead of a deposit: $300 for a semester or $500 for academic year. Payment is accepted by cash, check or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

George Mason students applying for financial aid must request a cost breakdown and a Financial Aid Profile Sheet from the Center for Global Education. Bring your cost breakdown and Profile Sheet to your Financial Aid Counselor for completion. You must meet with your Financial Aid Counselor. Students who do not attend George Mason must process financial aid requests through their home university. Students from other institutions are required to pay the program deposit regardless of their financial aid award.

Attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation. Participants from outside the metro-D.C. area are encouraged to attend although it is not required. An orientation by phone will be arranged for students from outside the metro-D.C. area.

Each program will also have additional documents for you to submit such as a housing questionnaire or Petition for Transfer of Credits Form. Your acceptance information will include this information as well as whether you need a visa to study on the program and what materials you would need to submit for your visa. Please read through your acceptance materials carefully.

EXTENDING YOUR SEMESTER [back to top]
Many students go abroad with the intention of staying one semester, but end up so excited with their program that they want to stay another semester. If you wish to extend your semester or exchange program abroad, please download the instructions for Requesting an Extension of Study Abroad Status (pdf). Direct exchange students, please note circumstances such as other competitive applications and exchange program balances must be considered before your application can be approved, consult with your Program Officer immediately.

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY [back to top]
Participants canceling their program participation up to 45 days before departure will be refunded the total amount minus the non-refundable deposit. Participants canceling less than 45 days before the program or during the program will not be refunded any portion of the program fee. For invoice questions, please contact Joanne Cabe or call (703) 993-4048.