FAQs

• Costs / Expenses
• Transportation / Getting Around Town
• Communication / Language Issues
• Local Customs
• Application Process / Registering for Classes / Graduation
• Misc. Stuff

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Costs / Expenses

1. How much does the program cost? Studying abroad costs the same amount as you being a full time student at Chapman, meaning tuition, room and in some cases, board.
2. Are things expensive? How much money will I need? It depends on the location, however you will spend money. No matter where you go, you will likely spend money on travel, souvenirs, and going out. The number one complaint of some students is how much money they spent. Of course, the amount depends on personal preferences as well as the cost of living in your particular study location. It’s important to consider your personal situation and plan ahead, budgeting yourself accordingly. During the mandatory pre-departure orientations, money and budgeting is thoroughly discussed.
3. Is my airfare paid for? Not usually; SIT includes international airfare, but you must arrange to get yourself to the designated domestic departure city.
4. How should I get money (banking) while I'm abroad? It is advised that you have at the very least two different options for getting money while abroad. Do not solely depend on using an ATM or travelers checks because banks often hold strange hours and machines can break. We recommend that you have some of your funds in travelers checks, but also bring an ATM and credit card just in case. Also, check if your bank has an affiliation with any banks in your host country. This ensures ATM compatibility and can help reduce or even eliminate withdrawal fees.
5. Should I apply for a scholarship? Study abroad scholarships are available from several of our Partner & Affiliate programs, usually in an amount ranging from $500-2000. Application is made through a separate form at the time of regular application.
6. Will I still have my financial aid when I return? You will still have all your aid once you return.

Transportation / Getting Around Town

1. What means of transportation is available in my host country, how will I get around? Depends on location. This issue will be addressed in your pre-departure materials.
2. How far is the school from where I will be staying? Generally, housing will be within walking distance from the universities, but keep in mind that “walking distance” there could differ from your definition. It is not unreasonable to have a commute of up to a 30-45 minute walk. Even if you find that your home is a good distance from your university abroad, you will either be provided with some kind of public transportation or someone will be available to assist you.
3. Am I required to take the group flight? You are not required to take the group flight offered through your program. However, many students prefer this option – both to meet people from their program before arrival in-country, and so they won’t have to travel alone. You can choose to make your own flight arrangements, or often the program will suggest a travel agent through which you can make reservations. It may be worthwhile to check with Council Travel (offers discounts to students holding the ISIC card) or even the Internet to find a better fare.  If you would like to use airline miles you are free to do so.

Communication / Language Issues

1. Is the language barrier difficult to cope with? The language barrier is going to be challenging at first, especially in a location that speaks little or no English (or even in those that speak English!). The more time you spend with the language the easier you will find it. In a few weeks, understanding and speaking the language will come more naturally.
2. Will the Study Abroad Office be in contact with me throughout my time abroad? The Study Abroad Office will maintain contact with you while you are abroad, both through a monthly mailing and by e-mail or phone (as the needs arises). The monthly mailing usually includes a Chapman Panther newspaper or two, the Study Abroad newsletter CU Around the World, as well as any other important announcements. It is requested that you e-mail the Study Abroad Office at globaled@chapman.edu once you arrive to your host country to confirm your overseas mailing address with us. We will also send timely reminders about registration for classes for the semester you return, housing assighnment deadlines, filing taxes, etc.

Local Customs

1. Is the food good? What do they typically eat? Depends on the location. During the pre-departure stage, there are many opportunities to ask questions or even speak to someone that has studied at the site you will be attending.
2. What's the weather like? Depends on the location/season. Check out: http://www.intellicast.com/LocalWeather/World/.
3. What do people wear there? Depends on location. Make sure to check the average temperature of the country and anywhere you plan to travel.
4. What do people do for fun? Depends on location. It is best to talk with alumni who have been on the program (list can be provided upon request by the Study Abroad Office.)
5. What should I bring? What should I not bring? Pack comfortable clothing. You are notified beforehand as to how many bags and/or the weight limit that you are permitted. Check the weather of your program site and pack accordingly, but do not take anything that you do not need. You are strongly advised to limit your luggage as much as possible and bring only an amount that you can comfortably carry. Unless otherwise stated by your specific program, bed linens will be provided. Try to avoid bringing any kind of toiletries that can be easily purchased in your host country.
6. What customs can I expect in my study abroad country? You can expect that other countries will have different customs in areas such as food, fashion, service, holidays, family, hand gestures, ect. Be sure to research your host country so you feel prepared for what you will experience abroad. It is advised that you purchase a travel guide for your host country before departure - Let's Go, Lonely Planet & The Berkley Guide are all geared toward students and the budget traveler.

Application Process / Registering for Classes / Graduation

1. What are my chances of getting accepted by the program? Chapman has a 3.0 GPA requirement for students wishing to study abroad. If you have a strong application and it is completed on time you have a good chance of being accepted. Additionally, in the interview, you must demostrate an understanding of the program to which you are applying and how it fits into your academic and life goals. Your chances also depend on the number of applicants that we have, because there are only a set number of spaces available. For any program that you are applying to, you need to be certain that you meet all qualifying requirements (prior coursework in a certain subject, etc.). Some programs are more competitive than others, and have stricter requirements.
2. What are the program dates? Depends on the program, location and specific university you attend. The Study Abroad Office has a list of all dates by program.
3. What kinds of classes are offered? In almost every abroad location you can find courses dealing with that country’s history, art, and language. Generally, film majors can find classes in Australia, theatre students in England, culture & peace studies are offered in many locations. However, each country’s courses vary. The Study Abroad staff is here to help you find the program that best fits your academic requirements. It is our belief that a study abroad semester should enhance your undergraduate experience, not hinder you from graduating on time. Proper planning is essential.
4. Will I be taking classes with other international students? In many of the universities you will have other international students in your classes. This sometimes includes students from your host country, other times it does not. Some programs even have separate schools just for the students within your program.
5. Will there be other students from Chapman there? Depending on where other students are applying to, there may or may not be other Chapman students on your program. During the Study Abroad pre-departure orientation, you have the opportunity to meet all of the Chapman students who will be going abroad that semester.
6. Are classes difficult? It is not necessarily that classes are harder or easier – just different. For example, most European and Australian schools have less homework during the semester, but expect you to do studying on your own time and keep up on the readings. It is common that you are graded solely on a final exam. Educational systems vary by country and location, and you will receive information on your specific site before departure.
7. Will I graduate on time? It is possible to graduate on time if you study abroad. All of your classes are pre-approved by your advisor and the Registrar's Office before you go, allowing you to know exactly what you are getting credit for and how it will transfer back. It is recommended that you plan ahead to have the most options on when and where to study abroad.  Students who complete a semester abroad automatically satisfy the Global Study portion of the 2007 GE program and the courses taken abroad can satisfy major, minor or applicable GE area requirements.
8. What happens if some of my paperwork is late? No late paperwork is accepted. If you miss a deadline, you can begin to make plans for the following semester.
9. Will dorm write-ups affect my chances of getting accepted? If you have violated any kind of Chapman policies you may be denied the ability to go abroad, depending on the severity of the violation. The Dean of Students (Dean Kertes) notifies us of these violations, and makes the final decision.
10. What's the best place to go for my major? In almost every abroad location you can find courses dealing with that country’s history, art and language. After that each country's courses vary and require a little research. Contact the Study Abroad office and speak to a peer advisor for personal assistance with your course selection. Check the link "Where Can I Go With My Major" under Programs and Locations 
11. Should I register for Chapman classes even though I'm planning to study abroad? If you are accepted to the program and participate in the pre-departure orientation, you will not register for classes at Chapman via Web Advisor. A representative from the Registrar's Office will attend the pre-departure orientation to "hand-register" you in the study abroad course. In case something happens and you decide that you are unavailable to go abroad, you will drop your study abroad course and register for Chapman classes. Assistance from the Study Abroad Office can be provided should the need arise.
12. Do I have to take the classes I choose before I leave or may I change them once I get to my study abroad country?  In most cases you officially register for classes at your host institution once you arrive to the study site. The classes you select before you leave are ones that you definitely have pre-approved, but these can be changed. It is important that if you end up selecting courses that are different from the ones that were pre-approved, you e-mail your advisor and/or The Registrar's Office to obtain approval for the changed courses.
13. How do I register while abroad for the semester following my return? We will e-mail you with registration dates, and WebAdvisor updates. You then register yourself on-line through Web Advisor. You will need to take the time-zone difference into consideration and make your own accommodations.
14. What happens if I find out that I cannot go abroad the semester I'm applying for (deferment)? If you find out that you are unable to go abroad, you have the option to defer your semester abroad to a different semester once you’ve been accepted. If you are interested in deferring your application to a different semester, please contact the Study Abroad Office as soon as possible. Some paperwork must be repeated, but deferment is a fairly simple process. You will be required to reimburse Chapman University for any expenses incurred (i.e. deposits, place holders, etc.)
15. Who do I have to get letters of recommendation from? You are required to get a total of 3 letters of recommendation to complete the application process. Two need to be filled out by a Chapman professor who is familiar with your academic work (e.g. a current/past professor), and the third reference is completed by someone not affiliated with Chapman (such as a work supervisor or sports coach – NOT a friend or relative). Use the specific program’s reference form for your advisor, and the Chapman reference forms for the other two recommendations.

Misc. Stuff

1. Where can I study abroad? Chapman students may study in 56 countries around the world. See Programs and Locations.  Keep in mind that these locations are subject to change depending on U.S. State Department Travel Warnings.
2. What can I do if I want to go someplace Chapman doesn't currently offer? It is possible to go to a location or program that Chapman does not offer by applying as an Independent Student. You must apply directly to the admissions office of the program. Note: No Chapman University financial aid can be applied to those programs, but other financial aid may be available through those programs.
1. Independent students should know that we (the Study Abroad Staff) are under NO obligation to assist them with any aspect of their semester/year/summer abroad. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with choosing classes, flight arrangements, financial aid, housing, etc. Students are encouraged to contact their respective program representatives.
2. The Registrar’s Office is not obligated to accept credits from study abroad programs taken independently. Most of the time credits are accepted, but they are cautious as to give blanket approval for each program. The programs need to be fully accredited and the research on the program is done after the transcripts arrive at the Registrar’s Office. It is solely up to the Registrar’s Office as to whether or not the credits are accepted.
3. Students should email a list of their intended courses along with course descriptions and an outline of how they would like the courses to satisfy graduation requirements to articulation@chapman.edu before departing to assess transferability. 
4. Independent study abroad students are encouraged to speak to the Financial Aid office regarding their Federal, State or Chapman Aid. No Chapman University scholarships will be transferred to independent programs.
3. Would you recommend home stay? With some programs, a Home stay is the only option. Home stay offers students more of a chance to immerse themselves in the culture of the host country. Also, it provides an excellent way to learn and practice speaking a foreign language. If an option is available, we recommend students think carefully about their own personal preferences and what they hope to gain from their experience abroad before making a decision.
4. What happens if I get sick while studying abroad? All study abroad programs provide some kind of health insurance. You also have the option of keeping your Chapman health insurance while you are abroad if you did not waive it at the beginning of the fall term. In the event of illness abroad, your resident director at your program site will take any necessary medical action on your behalf, including accompanying you to the hospital or even arranging medical evacuation, if necessary.
5. Can people come to visit me while I study abroad? Your family and friends are welcome to visit you while you are abroad. However, they are responsible for their own lodging and are encouraged to visit you during breaks or after the completion of the program so as to not disrupt your academic schedule.
6. Where can I get a passport? How long does it take? The U.S. Department of State issues all U.S. passports. To apply for a passport or renew an old one, you can go to most main post offices (call ahead to ensure they handle passports). Your passport is valid for ten years and it takes approximately 8 - 12 weeks for applications to be processed. The required documents are listed below.
   1. If born in the U.S. – A certified birth certificate with state or country seal or previous U.S. passport
   2. If naturalized citizen of the U.S. – Naturalization Certificate or previous U.S. passport.
   3. Check or money order for $60.00 for a new passport or $40.00 for renewal passport payable to “Passport Services.”
   4. Two identical 2"x2" photos with a light colored background.
   5. Another form of identification: state driver’s license or school/job I.D. or state/country I.D.
   For more detailed information on passports, check out: www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html.
7. Do I need a student visa? If so, how do I get one? See http://www.travel.state.gov. Detailed information on obtaining a student visa will be included in your acceptance packet from your program, if a visa is required.
8. Do I need to get any shots? Most of our study locations do not require any special immunizations. See http://www.who.org or http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for more information on your specific country.
9. How do I arrange housing for when I return? If you are planning to live on-campus, someone can go through room draw in your place as long as all of the proper paperwork is completed. This process will be discussed during the Study Abroad pre-departure orientation. If you want to pursue off-campus housing, you must arrange those details on your own.