Semester/Year Programs - Applying

A Competitive Application Process

The level of competition varies widely between programs. In general, exchange programs in England, Ireland, Scotland and Australia are the most competitive whereas study abroad programs in those same locations are much less competitive. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for a particular program, check with Jeanne d'Arc Gomis. Rest assured that you can find an appropriate placement if you allow enough time to research opportunities.

There are three components that most programs consider when reviewing applications:

  1. The strength and breadth of your academic background:

    Strength: yes, your GPA is important simply because it is one way of gauging your academic success so far.

    Breadth: have you taken the appropriate courses to prepare you for studying abroad? This could mean that you've had adequate language courses, or it could mean that you have taken the appropriate intro-level courses of any discipline to prepare you for upper level courses you hope to take abroad.

  2. Faculty recommendations: Two academic recommendations are required of all applicants. If your GPA is short of the required 2.75, strong recommendations will help (but can't guarantee) your chances.
  3. The "match" between your academic needs and what the institution to which you are applying has to offer.

To Apply

Please contact Jeanne d'Arc Gomis for an application packet. Only complete application packets can be accepted. A complete application packet includes:

  • Application Form: be sure to inform the Office of International Programs of any changes once you turn the application.
  • Written response to questions on page 2.
  • Study site requests (ISEP applicants only) or Study Plan: one study site request should be completed for each ISEP site you request. This is the only place in the ISEP application where you should mention site-specific information.
  • Two Academic Recommendations: these should be from Appalachian professors who know your academic abilities. You should discuss your plans with your recommenders before asking them to complete the form. They will be able to write a better recommendation if they understand your goals. When you give the professor the recommendation form, give him/her an envelope with your name on the outside; ask them to complete the form, put it in the envelope and seal it, sign across the seal, and return the envelope to you. Please be specific about this procedure. You will collect the sealed envelope and add it, unopened, to your application packet.
  • One Personal Recommendation: this should be from someone who knows you outside the classroom. It could be an employer, youth minister, volunteer supervisor, etc. This should not come from a roommate, or family member: it is not a peer recommendation. Give your recommender an envelope with your name on the outside; ask them to complete the form, put it in the envelope and seal it, sign across the seal, and return the envelope to you.
  • Language Proficiency Report: this should be completed by your most recent language teacher. When you give the professor the language proficiency report form, give them an envelope with your name on the outside; ask them to complete the form, put it in the enveloped and seal it, sign across the seal, and return the envelope to you. Please be specific about this procedure. You will collect the sealed envelope and add it, unopened, to your application packet.
  • Academic Advisor Form: You should discuss your plans with your advisor before asking him/her to complete the form. S/he will be able to write a better recommendation if they understand your goals. When you give the advisor the recommendation form, give him/her an envelope with your name on the outside; ask them to complete the form, put it in the enveloped and seal it, sign across the seal, and return the envelope to you. Please be specific about this procedure. You will collect the sealed envelope and add it, unopened, to your application packet.
  • Financial Planning Sheet: you will have researched the details of the costs of your program and your own resources. List specific expenses and resources. Remember: the resource total must be equal to or greater than the expense total!
  • Permission to Communicate with Parents: this form allows our office to communicate with your parents (or whomever you designate) regarding any issues about your study abroad experience. This contact person should also be given power of attorney while you are away in order to deal with any financial or legal issues that might arise while you are gone.
  • Course Preapproval Form: if possible, this form should be completed during the application process, so you know what courses are approved for credit. If the information is not available, it is possible to work on credit approval upon your return.
  • More detail will be provided to you when you meet with an academic advisor..

Application Deadlines for Fall

  • ISEP applications are due the first Friday of class in January.
  • All others are due February 15th.

Application Deadlines for Spring

  • ISEP applications are due the second Friday in August.
  • All others are due September 15th

Ask Questions

When you have questions or need help researching study abroad programs, please contact Jeanne d'Arc Gomis in the Office of International Education & Development