|
Additional Non-Virginia Tech
Programs
There are thousands of study abroad programs out there and you may find
a perfectly suitable non-Virginia Tech program that is not on
the pre-approved list. Students frequently choose this program
type when they have a specific school they would like to attend
that is not served by one of our other program types; or when
they are looking for a very unique program (e.g. a
high-adventure or field studies program).
You are free to
investigate these other options, but keep in mind that you
might not be able to use your financial aid for these programs. You will need to pre-approve your coursework with your academic
advisor as explained on the
course credit
approval page. There
is a $50 placement fee for all Non-Virginia Tech programs, which
will be billed directly to your Student Account upon acceptance
to a program.
If you use a
program not affiliated with Virginia Tech, be certain the
Education Abroad Office in 1820 Litton Reaves has a copy of your
acceptance letter from your program. We often receive questions
from the academic departments or Student Enrollment Services
about students while they are gone, and it is important that we
know where you are and what your overseas contact information
is. You will also be invited to attend a mandatory
pre-departure orientation.
Finding
Programs
Two key websites
to get you started in your search for this type of program are:
StudyAbroad.com
GoAbroad.com
Do Your
Homework
While most study
abroad programs have a good reputation, you may want to have a
"buyer beware" attitude if you decide to go on a non-Virginia
Tech program that is not on the pre-approved list. The
following checklist will help you and your family to determine
some of the essential things you should require of a program.
1
Ask the
university/study abroad provider for details on crime, illness,
accidents and other perils encountered by students in the past
and what has been done to avoid recurrences. What procedures
are in place to handle emergencies?
2 Find
out exactly what is included in the program fee: housing,
tuition, meals, insurance, travel, etc. At first glance, some
programs may appear to be either very expensive or inexpensive.
Do the math: in the long run, they may work out to be fairly
comparable when you add in everything you will be required to
purchase.
3 Find
out what services are provided by your program. Will you have
orientation materials sent to you? Will an on-site orientation
be provided? How much support is provided during the
application phase? Will there be a staff member on-site who is
responsible for safety, health and security? Will temporary
housing be provided if you arrive before the dormitories are
open?
4
If you
will be staying with a host family, how they are screened, and
can you move to a different family if a problem develops?
5 What
health and safety standards apply to providers of transportation
and tours?
6 Be
absolutely sure about insurance coverage away from home,
regardless of what the school offers, requires, or recommends.
Know how and to what extent costly medical evacuations are
covered.
|
