Going Abroad
Going Abroad
Study Abroad 101
Join us at an event! We talk about about how study abroad works, what study abroad alums are saying about their experience, and how you can make study abroad part of your Mason experience.
GEO Study Abroad 101 by Global Education OfficeFirst Steps
Search for options in your major.
Find destinations you want to visit.
Research deadlines and requirements.
When selecting a program you should be thinking about your goals for studying abroad, languages you 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.
Search and Compare Study Abroad Programs
- Visit our Programs Search Page to find available study abroad programs. You can compare program courses, dates, costs, and more.
- Search by program type to locate a program of a specific length:
Find programs that best fit your major by clicking below:
Study Abroad Programs for your Area of StudyEvents Calendar
Check the Events Calendar, the Mason GEO Facebook page, and ourTwitter page for event updates.
Meet with advisors.
Talk to a GEO peer advisor, a GEO program administrator, your academic advisor and discuss available options.
If applicable talk to your financial aid counsellor.
Create a profile in MasonAbroad.
Work on your application.
Apply for scholarships.
Complete the pre-departure orientation.
As a participant of a Mason GEO program, you are required to attend a mandatory Pre-departure Orientation. Pre-departure Orientations are held bi-annually - in May for summer, fall semester, and academic year participants and in December for winter and spring participants. See the “Materials” in your application for more information on the time and place.
Go abroad and enjoy a fantastic experience.
Arrival
Your arrival style will depend on what type of program you are going on. Program Administrators will provide students with information on any special travel arrangements such as the date you need to be at your university or accommodation. Some programs may provide group airport pick ups and some universities may offer to pick visiting students up as well.
Housing
Depending on what kind of program you’re taking part in, your housing may be in a dormitory, homestay, hotel, or apartment. Information on your housing can be found on the program's brochure in MasonAbroad and your Program Officer will have additional details.
Study Abroad. Work abroad.
Share your stories with GEO.
Be sure to go out and explore the country and culture you're visiting. Make the best of the time you have while you're there. The Global Education Office loves to hear about your time abroad so be sure to share your experience with us - whether it be pictures, blog posts, or another unique way you took to record your experience.
Generation Study Abroad
Every student should have the opportunity to study abroad
George Mason University has pledged to build and sustain an inclusive campus community. Not too long ago, George Mason also joined the commitment of Generation Study Abroad - the goal of which is to double the current number of students from the United States studying abroad by the end of the decade. George Mason is committed to increase the number of students studying abroad and encourages every student to consider spending sometime abroad. An inclusive campus community in the United States, the Global Education Office (GEO) strives to assist students of all backgrounds and identities and help each individual enhance their Mason experience abroad.
Multicultural Students
Of the estimated 1% of college students who study abroad, an overwhelming majority of these students are white and female. Depending on where you go, you may be redefining what an American is for our international counterparts; therefore, it is wise to prepare yourself for cultural and societal differences.
Campus Contact
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
4400 University Drive, MSN 2F6
Student Union Building I, Suite 2400
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-993-2700
Fax: 703-993-4022
Email: odime@gmu.edu
Web: odime.gmu.edu
Economically Diverse Students
It may feel like it would be impossible for you to participate in a program abroad, but by no means is this true! Yes, it will require some advanced planning, work, and determination on your part, but it can be done, and there are resources available to help you achieve your goal!
Apply for Mason GEO ScholarhipsFirst Generation Students
First Generation students are commonly described as students whose parents either have no college experience or didn't earn a bachelor's degree. While being a first generation student presents its own set of challenges, you could be not only the first in your family to attend college, but also the first in your family to travel or live abroad. You will need to consider how to present the idea of study abroad to your family and how to finance your program, and there are resources available to assist you with this endeavor.
Student Transition Empowerment Program
STEP is an initiative in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME) created to enhance the recruitment, engagement and retention of first generation students accepted to George Mason University. Our mission is to empower students through academic skills, access to resources, community building, self-discovery, and the global citizenship needed to compete in today's college environment and beyond.
More information: STEP Program
LGBTQ+ Students
It's always important to learn as much as you can about your host country before you go abroad in order to have a positive, successful experience. For LGBTQ+ students, this includes understanding the country's laws and culture toward sexual identity. Below are some resources to consult as you plan for your time abroad! Some countries may require you to modify your behaviors or face extensive discrimination or even legal consequences. It is a must for you to determine in advance how comfortable you feel adjusting your own behaviors to suit the cultural norms of a given culture and select a destination accordingly.
Campus Contact
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & Questioning (LGBTQ) Resources
SUB I, Room 2200, MSN 2F6
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-2702
Fax: 703-993-4022
Web: lgbtq.gmu.edu
Resources
- Fund for Education Abroad
- GoOverseas.com “9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+”
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
- NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Rainbow Special Interest Group
- The White House LGBTQ+ Fact Sheet
- U.S. State Department's LGBTQ+ Travel Information
- Diversifying Study Abroad Travel Scholarship
- The Complete Guide To Studying and Living in UK as an LGBT Student
Non-traditional Students
Non-traditional students are outside the typical college age of 18 to 22 years old. As a non-traditional student, you may have unique challenges to work through as you prepare for your time abroad. Will you need to ask for a short leave of absence from your job? Do you need to find a sitter for your cat or dog? Do you want to bring your spouse or child (or both!) along with you? With a bit of planning, flexibility and coordination, you can identify options.
Military and Veterans
While using your Veterans benefits to study abroad can be challenging, it can be done. You will need to start the process early! Your first step in planning for your semester abroad is to speak with your VA representative and with the Global Education Office (GEO) to find out what opportunities are available to you so that both the VA requirements and your educational goals are met.
Mason-specific Study Abroad Resource PDF for Military and Veterans
Download Resource PDFStudents with Disabilities
The Global Education Office (GEO) is dedicated to providing international education opportunities to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should begin the process of planning their study abroad experience at least one year in advance. Begin by meeting with the Office of Disability Services and GEO to identify accommodations that will be necessary abroad. This list of accommodations helps to identify the program that best suits your particular needs.
Women Abroad
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, women account for two thirds of all international program participants. Whether you are traveling independently or in a group, in order to have a positive and safe experience abroad, it is important to know the culture, laws, and social issues regarding women in each country where you'll be traveling.
LGBTQ+ Students
It's always important to learn as much as you can about your host country before you go abroad in order to have a positive, successful experience. For LGBTQ+ students, this includes understanding the country's laws and culture toward sexual identity. Below are some resources to consult as you plan for your time abroad! Some countries may require you to modify your behaviors or face extensive discrimination or even legal consequences. It is a must for you to determine in advance how comfortable you feel adjusting your own behaviors to suit the cultural norms of a given culture and select a destination accordingly.
Campus Contact
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & Questioning (LGBTQ) Resources
SUB I, Room 2200, MSN 2F6
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-2702
Fax: 703-993-4022
Web: lgbtq.gmu.edu
Resources
- Fund for Education Abroad
- GoOverseas.com “9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+”
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
- NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Rainbow Special Interest Group
- State Department LGBTQ Human Rights Issues Fact Sheet.
- The White House LGBTQ+ Fact Sheet
- U.S. State Department's LGBTQ+ Travel Information
- Diversifying Study Abroad Travel Scholarship
Non-traditional Students
Non-traditional students are outside the typical college age of 18 to 22 years old. As a non-traditional student, you may have unique challenges to work through as you prepare for your time abroad. Will you need to ask for a short leave of absence from your job? Do you need to find a sitter for your cat or dog? Do you want to bring your spouse or child (or both!) along with you? With a bit of planning, flexibility and coordination, you can identify options.
Military and Veterans
While using your Veterans benefits to study abroad can be challenging, it can be done. You will need to start the process early! Your first step in planning for your semester abroad is to speak with your VA representative and with the Global Education Office (GEO) to find out what opportunities are available to you so that both the VA requirements and your educational goals are met.
Mason-specific Study Abroad Resource PDF for Military and Veterans
Download Resource PDFStudents with Disabilities
The Global Education Office (GEO) is dedicated to providing international education opportunities to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should begin the process of planning their study abroad experience at least one year in advance. Begin by meeting with the Office of Disability Services and GEO to identify accommodations that will be necessary abroad. This list of accommodations helps to identify the program that best suits your particular needs.
Women Abroad
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, women account for two thirds of all international program participants. Whether you are traveling independently or in a group, in order to have a positive and safe experience abroad, it is important to know the culture, laws, and social issues regarding women in each country where you'll be traveling.
Credits
Your Program Officer will assist you with course registration.
Resident Credit
Comes from George Mason University. Course is taught by Mason faculty. Course work affects GPA.| Type of Program | # of Credits |
|---|---|
| Winter Break with Mason faculty | 3 |
| Spring Break with Mason faculty | 3 |
| Florence Semester Experience with Mason faculty | 15 |
| Oxford Semester Experience with Mason faculty | 15 |
| Mason Korea Semester | 12-16 |
| Summer Abroad with Mason faculty | 6 |
| International Summer Internship | 6 |
| International Semester Internship | 12-16 |
Transfer Credit
Comes from a regionally accredited university. Course work does not affect GPA. The Petition for Transfer of Credits Form is required in order to receive credit for courses taken at an accredited institution abroad.| Type of Program | # of Credits |
|---|---|
| International Summer School Programs | 6 or 9 |
| Semester Experience (bilateral exchange, direct enrollment) | 12-16 |
| Oxford Academic Year Programs | 30 |
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are classes you must complete before enrolling in the program you want to take. It is NOT possible to take a course and its prerequisite at the same time. You must take the prerequisite first.
Transcripts from Host Institutions
Transcripts are provided by the host institution upon completion of the program. In order for the Global Education Office (GEO) to process your transcript, an initial or amended Petition for Transfer of Credits Form must be completed and submitted in your MasonAbroad profile. You will be asked to submit the form during your application process, should your program require the form.
Petition for Transfer of Credits Form
The Petition for Transfer of Credits Form is required in order to receive credit for courses taken at an accredited institution abroad.
Cost and Funding
Budgeting
The cost of studying abroad varies greatly depending on your program's type, length, and location. Many programs are financially comparable to studying on campus for a semester, therefore program selection is crucial especially if you are on a tight budget. It can pay off to take time and compare costs at Mason with those that incur abroad.
Financial Aid
Once you have decided to study abroad and have met with your academic advisor, you will need to consider costs. If you are a recipient of financial aid, this means meeting with your counselor. When you meet with your financial aid counselor, bring a copy of the budget sheet found on your program's page. Please do not simply drop off the form, because you and your counselor will review your financial aid package together with this additional information. After your meeting, you will have an idea of what can be covered by aid and how much you will have to contribute.
Federal financial aid is always awarded through a student's home university. If you are a George Mason student intending to participate in a qualifying non-Mason affiliated program, you must still go to the Mason Financial Aid Office. If you attend another university and you are participating in a Mason study abroad program, you need to visit the Financial Aid Office at your home school.
Important
- You MUST meet with your counselor. They will review your financial aid pacakge with you.
- Financial Aid MAY cover spending and living costs. It depends on the aid package you have.
- Bring the BUDGET SHEET of your desired program with you to see what your billable and non-billable costs are.
- Note that your financial aid package will not be released in time to cover expenses that must be prepaid like your airline ticket and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Mason Links and Resources
More information about financial aid and loans:
Scholarships
Finding funding for your study abroad excursion can seem challenging, however, not impossible. There are a number of resources at your disposal. It is important to research carefully and EARLY to secure appropriate funding. Remember the more you apply, the greater your chances are for funding your study abroad experience. The list of scholarships is broken down into four categories: Global Education Office scholarships, Mason Scholarships, Fellowships, and External Scholarships.
Global Education Office Scholarships
- *NEW* Thank You Veterans Study Abroad Award
- Global Perspectives Scholarship
- The Jacquemin Family Foundation Education Abroad Scholarship
- Diversifying Study Abroad Travel Scholarship
- International Horizons Honors College Scholarship
- International Research and Internship Grant
- Gunda Sporer Oppenheimer Prize for French Studies
- GEO Passport Grant
- Monroe “Chip” Whitton Scholarship- (For Undergraduates to study in the UK in Summer ONLY)
Mason Scholarships
External Sources
There are a number of scholarships available outside of George Mason. The links below are only a few suggestions of what is available. This page will be updated as more scholarships become available. While many are tied to a specific program/university/provider, there are many independent resources that can be utilized. Please note that most fellowships and large grants do require that you apply 6 months to a year before you intend to study abroad.
General Funding
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- IIE Study Abroad Funding (Not available at this time)
- Ashley's Foundation (Semester Only)
- Bruce Alan Ebersole Memorial Fund
- GoOverseas.com
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Travel Video Contest
- Golden Key Scholarships- Must be a Golden Key Member
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Scholar Trips
- Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Fellowships and Grants
- Gillman Scholarship- Must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant
- Fulbright- Graduate students only
- Boren Fellowship
- Flagship/ROTC Language Scholarships
Country-specific Funding opportunities
- New Zealand Generation Study Abroad and Excellence Awards
- Explore New Zealand Scholarship for Massey University
- ThinkSwiss Summer Research Scholarship
- Freeman-ASIA
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship
- Study Abroad in Japan: Bridging Scholarships
- Japan: Tanaka and Green Scholarship
- Australia: Endeavor Scholarship and Fellowships
- National Italian American Foundation Scholarships
- Study in China
- United Kingdom BUTEX Exchange Awards
- Study in Holland
- Study In Russia
GEO Refund Policy
GEO Refund Policy
- All enrollment/application fees and deposits are non-refundable.
- Mason GEO reserves the right to make any changes or alterations to the program including itineraries and fees, in cases of emergency, low enrollment, changed conditions or in the interest of the group. Should the University cancel the program for whatever reason, full refund of all fees will be made unless the cancellation is due to deteriorating security and safety conditions, including political unrest, natural disaster, technological failures, or other catastrophes beyond its control. In such cases the university will be able to refund only uncommitted and/or recoverable funds (lodging and/or meals, transportation deposits, airfare, and any other program-related non-recoverable expenses.)
- In cases of insufficient enrollment, students withdrawing their participation prior to an official Mason GEO cancellation notice will not receive a refund.
- All cancellations or withdrawals from a program must be made in writing. The charge on your student account will not be removed unless the Mason GEO office is notified of your intent to withdraw.
- If a participant cancels/withdraws from a program for any reason between payment of the deposit and forty-five days prior to the program start date, the participant will be refunded all fees paid minus the deposit and any non-recoverable costs.
- If a participant cancels or withdraws, voluntarily or involuntarily (including dismissal from the program), less than 45 days prior to the program start date or after the start of the program, no refund will be issued.
International Emergency Insurance
In Case of Emergency
Call +1-703-993-7500
We are committed to providing study abroad opportunities that do not jeopardize the health and safety of our students. For this reason, we monitor global news each day and remain in regular contact with the U.S. State Department, embassies or consulates, the Center for Disease Control and on-site experts and hosts in the countries where our students are located. Additionally, the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC ) oversees all University travel to “higher-risk” locations.
Many health insurance plans do not cover general health care while abroad. Students participating in a Mason study abroad programs (including external study abroad) are covered under a Mason-sponsored international emergency insurance. George Mason University requires all students traveling abroad on university-sponsored or related travel to obtain international emergency medical and repatriation / evacuation insurance coverage through Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Service. Global Education Office (GEO) programs include the required insurance coverage.
- Coverage starts the day before the start date of a program and ends the day after the end date of a program.
- If a student is traveling before or after a program they are advised to purchase additional emergency medical insurance.
- Insurance covers medical expenses in cases of accident or sickness.
- In most cases students will have to pay the cost-of-care at time of service and file a claim with Mercer for reimbursement.
- Medical and security evacuation must be pre-approved and authorized. Evacuations are based on specific trigger events.
- See Summary of Benefits for more information
Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Insurance Does Not Cover
- Travel interruption/cancellation insurance*
- Personal liability
It is recommended that you investigate and, if needed, purchase insurance to cover these events.
Check with your homeowners insurance to see what items – camera, phone, computer – might be covered from theft or damage.
*Conditions apply. $1000 limit. See Summary of Benefits for more information.
Important Exclusions
Benefits will not be paid for loss or injury that is cause by or a result of:
- Commission of or attempt to commit a felony
- Commission of or active participation in a riot or insurrection
- Medical benefits will not be paid for any loss, treatment, or services resulting from:
- Injury caused by or resulting from travel in or on any off-road motorized vehicle not requiring licensing as a motor vehicle, or a motor vehicle not designed primarily for use on public streets or highways
- Injury resulting from off-road motorcycling; scuba diving; jet, snow or water skiing; mountain climbing (where ropes or guides are used); sky diving; amateur automobile racing; automobile racing or automobile speed contests; bungee jumping; surfing; or parasailing.
- Additional exclusions apply. Read the Summary of Benefits for more information.
- When participating in any of these activities purchase additional insurance.
Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Portal
Students will have access to the Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Portal which provides important information on in country health and safety considerations, finding doctors, finding out about vaccinations, in-country emergency numbers, U.S. Embassy locations and contact information and more.
Prior to Departure
Before you depart for your program, it is important that you understand your coverage and how it works. Be aware that in many countries, the cost of medical services must be paid in advance by the patient (and then reimbursed by insurance).
The international emergency insurance provided by the Global Education Office (GEO) only covers you through the duration of your program. If you will be traveling independently before or after your program and wish to extend your insurance coverage, please contact your Program Officer.
It is recommended that you also look into liability insurance to cover any valuables you will take on the trip, such as a laptop computer, camera, or video recorder. You can also consider tuition, trip, travel, and luggage insurance.
Before You Go
- Get a check up.
- See a dentist.
- Seek out host-nationals to speak with regarding what life is like in country.
- Seek faculty, family, or friends who have been to the country and know what it is like to be a visitor there.
- Get a good recent history of the country and read it before you go.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle here before you go as it will be essential to remaining healthy while you are abroad.
While Abroad
It is recommended that you retain your U.S. health insurance while abroad. Should you have an accident or illness abroad that requires long-term care, you will have health insurance upon your return home to cover these expenses. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to purchase a health plan if you return to the United States with an illness or injury that insurance companies consider to be a pre-existing condition.
The following are organizations where you can find supplemental insurance plans:
- ASA, Inc.
- Clements International
- CSA Travel Protection
- Gateway Plans
- Health Care Global
- International Medical Group (IMG)
- Multinational Underwriters, Inc.
- Squaremouth Travel Insurance Comparison Tool
- TravelEX
- Travel Guard
- Travel Insured International
- Travel Insurance Services
Emergency Protocol
| What Global Education Office (GEO) will do | What students will do |
|---|---|
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Links
Myths and Benefits
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| It will delay my graduation. | You can actually graduate faster when you plan ahead carefully. Did you know that you can satisfy the 9-credit Mason language requirement in a single summer session by enrolling in the French Language in Montreal? |
| It's not for my major. | Most majors allow study abroad. Some encourage it actively. If you cannot find a program in you major, consider taking a language class or participate in a program that fulfills the Mason Core Requirement. |
| It's too expensive. | Talk to your financial aid advisor about using your aid for a study abroad program. The Global Education Office (GEO) offers three distinctive scholarship awards, ranging from $250 to $1,000. Many NGOs, cultural organizations, foundations, and, of course, the U.S. government offer scholarships to help college students, graduate students, and researchers to fund their international experience. Learn more at Cost and Funding. |
| It's too long. | Study abroad is not necessarily a semester or entire year spent in another part of the world. Almost all winter break programs leave the U.S. for a mere two weeks and many summer programs operate in a four to eight week window. |
| It's just tourism. | It is often claimed that study abroad is more or less a vacation in disguise. However, almost all programs (cultural tours are an exceptions) are for credit and the academic demands can be quite rigorous. |
Benefits of Study Abroad
Study Abroad is a great resume-builder. It sets you apart from the regular crowd of job seekers, who have not participated in an international experience. You can enhance your Mason experience and benefit from studying abroad in various ways:
- Gain proficiency in a foreign language
- Adapt to new situations and apply them to "old" habits
- Develop an understanding for different cultures
- Learn how to manage ambiguity
- Become more self-confident as you grow personnally - and professionally
Entering a new environment and settling in can be both exciting and terrifying. As you adjust to a new, and often strange and unknown, setting, you gradually adjust: You learn to adapt. You may not be able to rely on irrefutable facts and longer. Punctuality is relative, for example. In some countries, you may be required to show up exactly on time, whereas in other places you may be expected to arrive 15 minutes or even 45 minutes later.
You learn to handle life in a new place – and, upon returning home, you will will find yourself in yet another place. Take Miyuki, a student from Northern Japan, who once spent an entire year at a school in Michigan. When she returned to her community, she realized that she had become more American than Japanese; her casual, jovial laughter and posture quickly become a trademark. Suddenly, she was known as the American at home.
Studying abroad involves a tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty. You will be living in a country with different values and where people do things differently, sometimes even speaking another language. Especially at the beginning of your time abroad, you will be confused and even frustrated by situations and reactions from people that don't make sense to you. You will be uncertain of how to act and what to say. This is normal, and it is important to understand that it is even valuable. It indicates that you are undergoing a change, one that will open your eyes to the world and transform you into many ways.
Leave your Comfort Zone
Leaving your comfort zone is the first step in personal growth. Think about it: You have lived in the same culture most of your life. You know your friends, the bars and restaurants you often visit, the fresh smell of your clothes when you pick them up at the dry cleaner’s. You know how much money you spend on breakfast, dinner, or housing. You know your community. You know your comfort zone.
Stepping outside of this comfort zone forces you to reevaluate almost everything. Whatever you took for granted – “I have to tip when I go to a restaurant”; “I can drink tap water”; “my first name goes first and my last name goes last” – is no longer a given. You’ve stepped into a new world.
What is Tolerance of Ambiguity?
Individuals who are intolerant of ambiguity are described as “disinclined to think in terms of probability” (Frenkel-Brunswik, 1948, p 268) and have been found to solve problems without adequate information (Millon, 1957). Ambiguity tolerance may be… the “willingness to accept a state of affairs capable of alternate interpretations, or of alternate outcomes,” (English & English 1958). In other words, ambiguity tolerance may be a critical link in operationalizing a measurable and understandable personality trait which is central to creative thinking.
Source: Tolerating Ambiguity
Connectedness
You develop a sense of connectedness. Accepting and taking new viewpoints imbues your understanding with diversity you would never otherwise access, surrounded by people whose background you share. You may be called upon to stand for your country or question how your country is represented abroad.
This might be the most valuable aspect of studying abroad: you learn how to deal with situations that differ greatly from your own community. You have to adapt. You have to connect to another culture, to differern people you met. You encounter conflict, ambiguity, but also humanity. Your values may have been questioned and challenged, but you emerge from it having grown stronger and more confident than before. You gain an entire world of experience.
Being able to adapt to a new place, connect with different cultures, and grow both personally and professionally will eventually equip you with the tools to boost your changes in the ever competitive job market.
- Increased Hireability: Develop valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural understanding, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability, self-confidence
- Secured job more quickly after graduation: Nearly two-thirds of IES Abroad alumni secured their first job within two months of graduation
- Higher starting salaries: Study Abroad alumni earn an average of $6,000 more in starting salaries