Study Abroad

From the U.S. State Department website: Processing times only include the time your application is at one of the department's passport agencies or centers. 

• Mailing times are not included in processing times.
• The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is printed.
• Processing times as of December 18, 2023:
  • Regular processing takes 6 to 8 weeks (plus to and from mailing time, as above). 
  • Expedited (extra, additional, fee) takes 2 to 3 weeks - plus mailing as above.
• Find a passport application acceptance facility by zip code.
• Complete passport Information (U.S. Department of State).

Getting Started

FAQ 

Search for Programs  
Reminder: All Georgia College & State University students planning to study abroad in any manner are required to first meet with GCSU Study Abroad staff, follow and complete the GCSU Study Abroad application process - and be approved by Georgia College. 

GCSU Faculty-Led Programs

• Be sure to check out Front Page articles below about recent GCSU programs!

Other Noteworthy Opportunities Abroad

• Oxford University
  • GCSU Student Story: Well-Prepared by GCSU Professors, Student Excels at Oxford University.
• American Business School, Paris

Looking for a "different" - impactful - Study Abroad opportunity?  Consider these:

• School for International Training (SIT)  SIT specializes in the cross-disciplinary study of contemporary global issues through programs offered in non-traditional locations throughout the world.  With deep roots in multicultural understanding and international education dating back to 1932, SIT provides students exceptional opportunities to examine a range of critical global issues through multiple prisms—including climate change, global health, human rights and more - in more than 40 countries.  
  • SIT video introduction
    • GCSU Student Story: SIT Madagascar Program Sets Student on Path to Connect People with Nature.
    • GCSU Student Story: SIT Humanitarian Study Abroad Program Inspires Junior to Continue Good Works in the Future.
• School for Field Studies (SFS).  Genuinely terrific one-of-a-kind on-site studies and field work through the pioneering program (1980) in Study Abroad field studies.  Outstanding STEM and Environment-related areas/interests in genuinely amazing locations.  From Amazon studies in Peru, to endangered wildlife on the African plains in Tanzania, and elephants in Cambodia, they cover it all.
  • SFS YouTube channel with program videos
    • GCSU Student Story: Biology Major Researches Marsupials in Australia's Rainforests.
• Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA).  Founded in 1988, IFSA is a not-for-profit provider whose mission is to "create global learning environments that help students foster the critical perspectives, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive — now and in the future."  Additionally, they are committed to student success in four areas—inclusive excellence, individualized learning, intercultural agility, and enduring impact.  They're different.  Check them out.

Funding Information 

Information for Parents 

Safety considerations are a key component of each education abroad program.  Georgia College adheres to the professional standards of safety and risk management in education abroad.  Georgia College is a member of the Forum for Education Abroad, which sets the national standard of good practices. The International Education Center implements the Forum’s Standard 8 on safety abroad and risk assessment.  In addition, the International Education Center monitors world events through a variety of government-based resources, including the Overseas Security and Advisory Council (OSAC), the U.S. Department of State, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and other foreign-based resources, including but not limited to: the British Foreign Service and Commonwealth Office and the Canadian Foreign Travel Advice websites.

The International Education Center is vigilant in its pursuit of safety and security as our students travel abroad.  We monitor and distribute information and advice from the US State Department, the Center for Disease Control, the University System of Georgia, and our in-country partners.
 
For more safety, health, and security information on your study abroad destination and the coronavirus, we encourage you to regularly visit the US State Department’s travel advice and the website of the CDC.

For full details on Georgia College's safety abroad information, please see our Health & Safety page.