Q: Can I get financial aid to cover my international experience?

A: University financial aid can only be used for certain Florida Tech-sponsored international programs—such as Oxford Summer Study Abroad or the Biology International Field Experiences. This kind of financial aid is a loan; there are no grants or scholarships to pay for your study abroad experience.

Q: Can I get a paid internship in another country? Would I need to speak the language?

A: You may be able to find an internship in another country through Web searches or one of the various companies who match you up (for a fee); however, you would need to pursue this on your own. Remember that you will probably need to speak a second language fluently if you go abroad to work in an internship.

Q: How can I get Florida Tech approval to study abroad and receive transfer credit for the courses? Can I work this out when I return from my trip?

A: If you decide to enroll in courses at a foreign university, you need to fill out the “Permission to Study at Another Institution” form found at http://www.fit.edu/registrar/forms.html, and contact the coordinator of undergraduate transfer credits in the Registrar’s Office. If you don’t get approval first, you might not get academic credit when you get back.

Q: What things should I consider if I’m planning to enroll in one of these programs?

A: You have lots of things to consider, including:

• Cost—You have to pay for your international experience. Only very few programs have financial aid available. Your expenses include tuition, transportation, room and board, and spending money while you are there.
• Academic Credit—In some instances, your experience will earn academic credit; other times you may not receive academic credit but you will still gain valuable experience for your personal or professional development.
• Length of Time—International programs are not all the same length. How long you would like to be away (or how long you could afford to live abroad) is an important consideration. You could choose a program of just a few weeks, an entire semester or even a full year.
• Language—Consider your foreign language background. If you are interested in mastering another language (of which you already have some knowledge), you may decide living in the target country would benefit you most. If your foreign language skills have not been developed, choosing a program like the Oxford Study Abroad Program in England may be more suitable.