Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs are meant to provide you with supplemental and procedural information regarding the study abroad program. Answers to many of your questions can be found below. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Credits

Yes, you will be billed by George Fox for your George Fox tuition, plus room and board (with some variations, depending on the program). For some of the more expensive off-campus programs, you will be charged an additional program fee.
Yes, you keep all of your financial aid. Tuition remission students must pay the additional program fee. If you have financial-related questions, please direct them to your student financial services counselor.
Yes. Talk to your CAP coach in the Career and Academic Planning Center, the registrar’s transfer specialist, and your academic advisor for specifics. All credits from a George Fox-approved program will transfer to George Fox. However, you will need to plan which of your off-campus courses transfer for general education or can be counted in your major. This must be finalized before you leave for your program.
No, you are responsible for paying both the deposit and application fee. Your deposit will be credited to your student account (for all programs), your application fee will not.

Trip Logistics

Most study abroad countries require student visas. Some actually require that you apply in person for your visa at the consulate in San Francisco or Los Angeles. This is your responsibility, however the Center for Study Abroad will help if possible. Visas are becoming more complicated, so it is essential that you begin this process immediately after you are accepted into the off-campus program.
Yes, you are responsible for paying and booking your flight. This must be coordinated with the off-campus program.
That depends on whether other George Fox students are going to your same destination and whether you can coordinate your flights together. You also must coordinate your flights with the off-campus program.
Yes, as long as you are present when your program begins through its conclusion.

Support

If it is related directly to George Fox, your first contact should be the Center for Study Abroad. If it is related to your semester off-campus program, your first contact should be within your off-campus program. You are always welcome to contact the Center for Study Abroad if you need support.
Yes, the Center for Study Abroad is available to meet with you and help you navigate re-entry. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. The university’s counseling center and the spiritual life office are also always available.

Other Questions

No. Although you are still considered a George Fox student for the semester, you are not eligible for on-campus housing.
Yes, as long as they attend George Fox for two semesters prior to studying off-campus.

Yes, students accepted for off-campus semester study are required to:

  • Attend an initial acceptance meeting in early February
  • Attend two pre-departure orientation sessions, the semester before the study abroad program, facilitated by the Center for Study Abroad
  • Attend a re-entry session facilitated by the Center for Study Abroad upon return (graduates exempt)
  • Complete an online evaluation including a two-page (minimum) reflection of the off-campus semester experience
  • Complete an IDI survey before and after your study abroad semester

Yes. Here are some suggestions:

  • Connect with other George Fox students who are either alumni of your program or are attending your same semester. The Center for Study Abroad will send you names of these students.
  • Schedule a meeting with the director or assistant director to discuss concerns and suggested preparation
  • Read online local newspapers
  • Purchase and read travel books such as Lonely Planet or Rick Steves (for Europe only)
  • Visit various websites about studying abroad