Steps to Studying Abroad at Berea College

 

1. Verify that you are eligible.

2. Apply for a passport if needed. Processing can take several months.

3. Visit Peer Advising.

  • We always advise visiting Peer Advising as your first step to learning more about studying abroad.
    • During the regular semester, Peer Advising is held Monday through Thursday evenings.
    • Exact schedules will be posted early each semester.
    • Walk-ins are welcome and expected!
    • Woods-Penn 207

4. Discuss possibilities with your Academic Advisor.

  • Questions to consider:
    • Is a full semester possible in your curriculum plan? If so, which semester(s) should you consider?
    • Which major requirements might you be able to fulfill abroad? Which perspectives could you meet?
    • Does obtaining an ALE credit abroad make sense for you?

5. Explore program options.

  • Semester Programs (known as “Berea Term Abroad”)
  • Summer Programs
  • Winter Break
    • Only KIIS programs are options for the winter break period.
    • A word of caution on winter funding: These programs are costly for the relatively short time spent abroad. Funding is most difficult for winter break programs. Pell funding is not available for these programs, and students wishing to use federal loans may have already taken out the maximum loans for the fall semester (winter break is considered a part of the fall semester). Students should not rely on unconfirmed external scholarships, such as the Gilman, for these programs. Please consult with Financial Aid before making a decision to study abroad during the winter break.

6. Plan how you will fund your program.

  • Confirm with Financial Aid how much Pell funding you may be able to utilize for your term abroad. The best way to do this is to pass by the Financial Aid Office in Lincoln. Questions on loans should also be directed towards Financial Aid.
  • Review the CIE’s generous grants for study abroad.
    • Grants of up to 25% (of a student’s total budget) for all students studying abroad on short-term programs [BIST programs are funded at 33% – a bonus for Berea programs!].
    • Grants of up to 75% (capped at $8,000) for all students on semester-long programs.
    • Note that grants cannot replace a student’s EFC — and that students cannot be over-awarded for a program (i.e. if a student secures outside scholarships, they may no longer need a grant from the CIE, or their CIE grant may be reduced).
  • Apply for external scholarships. 

7. Apply to Berea for approval to study abroad.

    • Berea’s annual deadlines for study abroad are September 15 (for Winter and Spring programs) and February 15 (for Summer and Fall programs).
    • Apply to Berea via Abroad Office.
      • Create a free profile on Abroad Office.
      • “Add” an application.
        • If you have trouble with this step, or if you do not see your program, visit Peer Advising or email abroad@berea.edu.
      • Complete the “Application Forms” by the deadline.

8. Apply to your program of choice!

  • Unless you are applying to a BIST (Berea International Summer Term) or a direct exchange partner, you will also need to apply to your program of choice via their website.
    • BIST applicants complete the application process in Abroad Office.
    • Direct exchange applicants complete the initial steps via Abroad Office. Once approved by Berea, direct exchange applicants will be connected with their exchange partner by the Education Abroad Advisor. They will have more paperwork to complete — for the partner — at that time.
  • Remember that non-BIST programs are NOT run by Berea and thus have independent processes and deadlines.
  • If the program you are applying to requires an application fee or deposit in order for yoru application to be considered, please check with our office before paying. (Many providers have “direct billing” with the College so they may be able to charge the College for you at a later date. You would then settle charges internally at Berea, via your student account.)

9. Complete Enrollment Forms for Berea in Abroad Office (after acceptance)

  • You will see these in Abroad Office once you are accepted.
  • Students who do not complete the enrollment forms by the stated deadline will have their eligibility to study abroad revoked.

10. Attend Berea’s Orientation session(s).

  • Summer students attend a one-time orientation on a Saturday in late February/early March.
  • Winter break students attend a one-time evening orientation in late September/early October.
  • BTA (semester) students attend a series of orientation meetings throughout the semester preceding their term abroad.
  • Students who do not attend orientation will have their eligibility to study abroad revoked.

11. Complete any required paperwork/orientation for your program of choice.

12. Head overseas!

Questions?