International Programs

Most students typically go abroad during their sophomore or junior year, but summer programs may accept students immediately after their freshman year if they have taken a few upper-level courses. IU summer and semester programs require an overall GPA of 2.75-3.00 or higher.

IU South Bend offers a variety of programs through our campus. If none of the existing programs meet your particular needs or interests, as participants in the Indiana University network, IU South Bend students are eligible for all trips held throughout all IU campuses. Please visit the complete list of the hundreds of IU-sponsored trips at iabroad.iu.edu.

This depends on the program. IU-sponsored semester programs usually coincide with IU dates. IU South Bend faculty-led trips vary by program, but are usually from one to four weeks. However, since all IU South Bend students are eligible for study abroad trips hosted by any IU campus, programs can vary in length. Please visit the complete list of IU sponsored trips and their lengths at iabroad.iu.edu.

Accommodations vary from program to program. Many IU South Bend programs include home stays, but some offer living quarters in residence halls or hostels.  

Please visit the following websites for more information:

• Blog Site | iusboverseas.wordpress.com
• Facebook | facebook.com/iusbinternationalprograms

• Complete the application form
• Write a short (one– to two–page) typed essay in which you respond to the following questions:
  • Describe why you chose this program and how it fits into your academic and peronal goals
  • What experience and skills do you have that will help you have a successful study abroad experience and contribute to the group's success?

Yes, feel free to contact any of the trip leaders. They will be more than happy to answer any questions for you. You may also contact Office of International Programs Director:

Dr. Lisa Zwicker
(574) 520-4231
zwicker@iusb.edu

Most countries require a student visa to participate in a semester-long study abroad program. However, most IU South Bend trips, being shorter than a full semester, do not require a visa.

Yes, all students need a passport to leave the United States.  United States passports are valid for ten years if received after age eighteen. If you do not have your passport yet or it is expired, begin the process soon at travel.state.gov or by visiting participating United States Postal Service offices.

A passport takes approximately 6-8 weeks to arrive after applying; the passport fee is $110. If this is your first passport, you will need to pay an additional $35 execution fee.

Most IU South Bend programs do not have a language component. The primary exception is the Oaxaca, Mexico program, where students gain part of the necessary College of Liberal Arts and Sciences language requirement and must have one semester of college level Spanish.

Under most circumstances, study abroad trips will not delay graduation. Furthermore, with proper planning, since study abroad programs meet general education requirements, they could lead to a quicker graduation. It would be advisable to meet with your academic advisor to find out what requirements for your major may be fulfilled by your trip.

Students must complete the post-baccalaureate non-degree application under the Non-Degree and Guest Students tab at the Admissions website.  This allows any student that is either at another university (even non-IU students) or that has already graduated to sign up for courses for the trip once they have permission in the proper program. There is no application fee for non-degree/guest student admissions.

For teachers and other professions, just complete the post-baccalaureate non-degree application under the Non-Degree and Guest Students tab at the Admissions website. This allows you to sign up for courses for the trip once you have permission in the proper program. There is no application fee for non-degree/guest student admissions.

Costs vary by program. Details can be found on the individual trip pages by choosing from the list on the Study Abroad page.

The costs listed typically include airfare, room and board, and any IU-organized field trips/excursions. Additional costs not included in those estimated fees include tuition, passport, visa (if necessary), and personal spending money.

Yes, there are many scholarships associated with studying abroad. You can complete an application for international programs and turn it in to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

Yes, there are many scholarships associated with studying abroad. You can complete an application for international programs with submission to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.