Supporting Your Student’s Global Journey
Why Study Abroad at FGCU?
Studying abroad allows FGCU students to take their education beyond the classroom and explore the world while earning academic credit. Whether it’s a two-week faculty-led trip, a semester exchange, or a summer internship overseas, each experience helps students gain independence, cultural awareness, and global perspectives that last a lifetime.
At FGCU, study abroad programs are designed to fit a wide range of goals and schedules. Students can:
-
Take courses that count toward their FGCU degree
-
Build professional skills through international internships
-
Immerse themselves in new languages and cultures
-
Strengthen leadership and adaptability through hands-on experiences
-
Connect with a global network of peers, faculty, and community partners
FGCU Study Abroad is with your student every step of the way- offering personalized advising, safety resources, academic guidance, and a community of support before, during, and after their journey.
Help Your Student Find the Best Fit
Every student’s study abroad journey looks a little different. The right program should balance academic goals, budget, personal interests, and comfort level. Families can play an important role by helping their student think through what kind of experience will help them grow both personally and professionally.
Encourage your student to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor early to discuss:
-
Academic goals and how courses abroad will fit into their FGCU degree plan
-
The level of independence they’re ready for, from short-term group travel to a semester exchange or internship abroad
-
Financial considerations, including program fees, housing, and cost of living in different destinations
-
Cultural or language interests that could enhance their global perspective
FGCU offers several types of programs to match each student’s goals:
-
Faculty Led Programs – Short-term experiences connected to FGCU courses and guided by FGCU faculty. These are a great starting point for first-time travelers who prefer a structured group setting
-
International Internships – Provide hands-on professional experience abroad, helping students build global skills and resumes
-
Approved Providers and Exchange Programs – Offer a wide range of destinations, courses, and cultural immersion opportunities through trusted global partners
Encourage your student to start exploring programs early. Meeting with an advisor at least two semester in advance gives them time to plan their academics, finances, and travel logistics with your support.
Plan Ahead and Know Your Options
• We encourage early budgeting and exploring financial aid options.
• Study abroad scholarships are available through FGCU and external sources.
• Each program lists estimated costs to help with planning.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process
Financial Aid must confirm that courses taken abroad apply toward a student’s degree.
If electives are already completed, courses must count toward major or minor requirements
to remain eligible for aid. We encourage students to meet with their advisor to confirm
this before applying.
Using Bright Futures
Students participating in CIS Abroad programs may be able to use Bright Futures through FGCU’s partnership with Jacksonville University (JU). JU serves as a school of record, providing a U.S. transcript for certain programs. Students must notify their CIS Abroad coordinator during the application process, apply to JU as a non-degree seeking student, and pay a $75 per credit hour fee. After completing the program, JU issues a transcript reflecting transfer credit.
CIS Abroad programs at the Sant’Anna Institute automatically include a JU transcript, so students do not need to request one separately.
Important:
Because each program and institution has different billing and transcript structures,
please encourage your student to meet with their Academic Advisor and Financial Aid Office to confirm which programs are eligible to use Bright Futures or Florida Prepaid funding.
Your student’s well-being is our top priority. We continuously monitor potential risks across all programs and rely on trusted sources and partners to guide our decisions.
• Ensuring student well-being is a shared responsibility among students, families,
and our professional staff.
• Our office equips students with health and safety information tailored to their
program and destination.
• When working with an external study abroad provider, students have access to on-site
staff who know the area and are ready to help.
• On FGCU faculty led programs, students are supported by the faculty leader and our
office from pre-departure through return.
International health insurance
All FGCU study abroad participants are covered by international health insurance.
Some providers or host institutions may have additional requirements, and our office
will help students understand and complete those steps.
• FGCU partners with trusted institutions abroad.
• We monitor world events and maintain emergency protocols.
• Our office provides 24/7 support in case of emergencies.
Helping Your Student Thrive Abroad
From pre-departure planning to their return home, FGCU is committed to helping every Eagle feel prepared, confident, and supported throughout their global experience. Students complete required pre-departure orientations covering academics, culture, health, and safety. We also encourage them to:
- Research their host culture and practice key phrases when possible.
- Make sure they have the proper travel documents (valid passport, visas, and required forms) well before departure.
- Stay organized with program materials, deadlines, and packing lists.
- Set realistic expectations and keep an open mind about cultural differences.
