Checklist for Individual Study Abroad Programs
*All forms and documents on this list should be submitted to the Study Abroad Coordinator in International Programs & Services, Whitesitt 118
PSU Required Forms for Study Abroad
Applying for Study Abroad
Step 1: Application for Individual Study Abroad Programs
This is your application to the PSU Study Abroad Committee to be approved for Study Abroad through PSU and to be considered for a PSU Study Abroad Travel Stipend.
The form, the essay, and the letters of reference must be turned in to the Study Abroad Coordinator in International Programs & Services by March 1st for Summer and Fall Study Abroad programs and October 1st for Spring Study Abroad programs.
Petition to Participate in a non-Suggested Study Abroad Program
If you are applying to study on a program that is not on the Suggested program list, you will need to complete the Petition for and the additional paperwork that the form outlines. It will be submitted with your Step 1 Application for review by the Study Abroad Committee.
**If you are studying on an exchange program, PSU in Paraguay or one of our affiliate programs you do NOT need to complete this form.
Application for your chosen program
Apply for the program you have chosen through the necessary means. Make sure you are following the programs deadlines.
After Being Accepted to Study Abroad
Step 2: Emergency contact information
Complete this form with emergency contact information. It is suggested that at least one of your emergency contacts has valid a U.S. Passport.
PSU Waiver
Read, sign, and date the PSU Waiver for PSU students.
Course Credit Transfer
Once you have been accepted into your program, you will complete this form to assure that the courses you are taking abroad will transfer back to PSU.
On this form you will list the courses you plan on taking. It is suggested to choose three times the amount of classes than you will actually take in case of course closure, cancellation, or other circumstances that would prevent your enrollment in the course.
You will work with your advisor and department chairs to find PSU equivalents to the courses you are taking. The chair of the department that the class is transferring back to must approve the credit transfer. If the course is not comparable to a PSU course, it may be approved as an elective in the subject area, a general elective, a special topics, or another way that the department chair sees fit.
After you have had the courses approved by the respective chairs, you will bring the form to the Registrar's Office for final approval. At that time you will be registered in a block course for study abroad that will assure that your are enrolled as a full time student for the time you are abroad.
Financial Assistance Form
Once you are registered for the semester or summer you will be abroad, you will finalize your financial aid package with PSU Financial Assistance. Be sure to have the financial information asked for in the instructions for this form.
If you have questions about your loans, grants, or scholarships and how they can be applied to study abroad before being accepted you can contact Anna Powers in Financial Assistance.
Gorilla Wellness: Pre-departure travel consult
You are required to visit a doctor before leaving on your program. You can complete this consult at the Student Health Center at Pittsburg State. Travel consults are done on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. They cost $25.00 for students and $25.00 for faculty and staff going abroad with a Group Program. You can make an appointment by calling ext. 4452.
Be aware that other programs may be traveling at the same time as yours. Appointments are limited so please plan ahead.
You will make your appointment online through the Student Health Services website. Bring your immunization record with you to your appointment. If you have problems getting it, contact your high school. They often have these on record.
You will return the last page of this packet to your faculty leader. All the information and forms given to you during the visit are yours for future reference.
International Health Insurance
Each participant in PSU Study Abroad programs is required to be covered by international health insurance. The benefits that must be covered internationally are medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation. A copy of your domestic insurance card is not sufficient to waive this requirement.
The International Programs & Services Office sells temporary international health insurance coverage provided by HTH Worldwide. The coverage costs $32.25 per month for ages up to 49 and $129.00 per month for ages 49 to 64. Download the form from the Study Abroad Forms page to fill out and return with cash or check for the appropriate amount.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Each student participating in PSU Study Abroad programs is required to buy the ISIC card. The card serves as an additional form of ID abroad. Also it comes with additional international medical insurance. Best of all, it is recognized in museums, stores, restaurants, and other locations internationally that will give student discounts to students carrying this card. Check out the benefits of the card and discounts available where you are going to study at myISIC.com
The card can by purchased in International Programs & Services for $22.00. Bring a 1 1/4" by 1 1/2" photo with application.
PSU Travel Stipend Agreement
Each participant in PSU Study Abroad programs that is receiving a stipend from PSU must sign this agreement before receiving the stipend. It explains what PSU expects of stipend recipients upon return from their study abroad program. Please read and fill out the agreement form and return to the study abroad coordinator.
Other Forms Needed
Copy of your Acceptance Letter from the Host Institution
Submit a copy of your acceptance letter from your study abroad program to the Study Abroad Coordinator.
Copy of your Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you return from your program.
If you need to apply for a passport or renew your passport, visit the US Department of State web page for instructions and timelines. When you receive your new passport, remember to sign it.
You will need passport pictures for this application. In Pittsburg, you can have these taken at AAA or Walgreens.
Get your passport early because you will need it when you apply for a Visa.
Visa (if applicable)
Check with the consulate of the country or countries that you are traveling to find out if a Visa is needed and if so the process you must go through to get it. Contact the consulate directly under whose jurisdiction you fall. Do not depend on web sites because they can be out of date.
Be aware that some consulates will require you to apply and pick up your Visa in person. Also some may require a passport picture, a health exam, a police check, an admission letter, etc.
Application requirements for Visas change from country to country and consulate to consulate. Be sure you are contacting the correct consulate and following the guidelines they give you.
Submit a copy of your Visa to the Study Abroad Coordinator when you receive your Visa.
Copy of Social Security Card or Tax ID Card
If you are eligible for a Study Abroad Stipend, you will need to submit either a copy of your Social Security card or your Tax ID card in order for your stipend to be processed. If you are an international student who does not have either, please contact the International Programs and Services Office for instructions on how to apply for a Tax ID.
Copy of your flight itinerary
Submit a copy of your round trip flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Coordinator.
