Short-Term Study Abroad Program

Past Short-Term Study Abroad Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're searching for additional information quickly, we've compiled the most helpful frequently asked questions below.

• Do I need a passport?

  Yes, all Global Studies participants need a passport book (not a card). Please visit https://www.usa.gov/passport for step-by-step instructions.

• Do I need travel insurance?

  It’s up to you if you purchase travel insurance or not. The Global Studies office does not recommend one provider over another and the cost of these policies is not included in the program fee.

• Do I need health insurance?

  All Global Studies participants will be automatically enrolled in an international health insurance plan. All participants will be emailed a card and copy of the policy which includes both healthcare and emergency evacuation coverage. The cost of the international health insurance policy is covered by the program fee. The international health plan does not cover any services within the United States, so travelers must maintain their stateside insurance. Proof of stateside insurance must be submitted to the director of Global Studies prior to departure.

• Is a visa required?

  The countries we visit tend not to require visas OR include them in the cost of airfare. However, https://www.travisa.com/ is a great website for making a determination. In the event that visas (not included with airfare) are required, the Global Studies office will assist participants in securing them. The cost of visas may or may not be covered by the program fee.

• Who can participate in a Bethel University Global Studies program?

  All Bethel University students, faculty, staff, friends, and family are welcome to participate. All our programs are open to rising high school juniors and seniors for college credit. College students from other universities, also known as transient students, can also travel with BU Global Studies.
  

  
  

  The process of enrolling begins by contacting Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu

• How should I pack?

  Lightly. Generally speaking, participants are not allowed to check luggage. Plan to pack two bags; one that will fit under the airplane seat in front of you (e.g. a small backpack) and one that will fit in the overhead compartment above you (max of 45 linear inches, that’s length + width = depth). All liquids must be stored in a quart-sized, clear bag. See https://www.tsa.gov/travel for more information.

• What online resources might be useful for the international traveler?

  U.S. State Department Resources

  • The U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Program - https://step.state.gov/step/
  • Overseas Security Advisory Council - https://www.osac.gov/
  • U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

  Other Government Resources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/
  • World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/en/

  General Resources

  • Global ER Telephone Numbers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers
  • Road travel - https://www.asirt.org/

• What do we do to help keep participants safe?

  The safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and friends is a primary focus for all our Global Studies trips. Here are ways the Global Studies Office promotes safety and health abroad.

  
  

  • The State Department website is closely monitored. We generally only offer programs in countries with risk levels of 1 or 2. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
  • All participants are required to complete an online, program-specific, pre-departure, health and safety training. Participants must pass a quiz over the material prior to departure.
  • All participants are required to enroll in GST 140-440 Global Service Learning and Citizenship where they learn the local laws and about behavioral norms and expectations. By studying the materials provided by Bethel and its partners, participants get a view into what life looks like in the host country, including tips for staying safe. Students must pass multiple quizzes over this material prior to departure.
  • International health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance is provided for every participant and is covered by the cost of the program.
  • All travel is registered with Bethel University’s Office of the President and with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. - https://step.state.gov/
  • Global Studies selects reputable, responsible, international partners and organizations to provide educational opportunities abroad.
  • Participants in Global Studies have 24/7 access to on-site support staff, trained to handle emergencies of all types.
  • All accommodations and transportation are vetted prior to departure.

• Do I have to enroll in the course associated with the travel experience?

  Yes. In an effort to create a deep and rich global service-learning experience, the pre-departure course is required. You may enroll for credit or as an auditor, please reach out to Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu for help determining which path is right for you.

• How much does it a short-term trip cost?

  The cost is broken down into two components: travel and tuition. The average cost of a program is $2000. Tuition is often covered by the student’s financial aid package and therefore can range from $0 - $1500. Contact Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu to learn more.

• How are programs funded?

  Students fund programs in a variety of ways through traditional fundraising, online fundraising, grants, sponsorships, and scholarships. Contact Stacie Freeman at freemans@bethelu.edu to learn more. Click here to donate to Global Studies!

• How do I sign up for a short-term BU Global Studies experience?

  If you are interested in a short-term Global Studies experience, fill out an application.