Getting Started

 

The university encourages students of all majors to study away or abroad during part of their academic careers. Studying in multiple locations enriches the college experience by providing a different intellectual and cultural environment and enriches the academic program by giving breadth to the major discipline.  

Here are the steps to getting started:

1. Start Researching Programs

The Illinois Tech Student Mobility Office administers several types of study abroad and away programs in countries all over the world! Check out the types of programs available and how financial aid applies or use different criteria to search for the program that is the best fit for you. You can search by location, term, program type, the language of instruction, the field of study (major), and more!
   

 

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2. Identify your Goals

Maybe you want to use your time off-campus to hone your language skills, conduct research that will prepare you for graduate school, focus on developing career skills, or engage with the local community. Identifying what you want to get out of your program is a critical step to the application process. Complete an advising form and the Study Away office will reach out to you to set up an appointment!
 

 

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3. Discuss Academic Needs

If you want your courses to be incorporated into your academic plan, you will want to discuss this with your Academic Advisor(s) early on so that they can help you identify what requirements you need to fulfill before graduation. Below you'll find some helpful tips for your Academic Advisor as you discuss your study away plan.  

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4. Research your Financial Situation

The costs of a study abroad or study away program depend completely on the program you choose. For some, it could be the same as a semester at Illinois Tech, plus airfare and any personal travel; for others it could actually be cheaper if the tuition at a partner institution is considerably lower than that of Illinois Tech. To determine the best type of program for you based on your financial situation, email the Financial Aid Office (finaid@iit.edu) or check out the Financial Aid & Scholarships page. 
   

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5. Determine if you need a Visa

A visa officially grants permission for the holder to enter a country for a particular purpose. For most countries, it appears as a stamp in the passport; other countries issue electronic visas. Each country has different rules and regulations regarding student visa requirements, so it is best to check with your host country’s embassy to inquire whether you are required to have a visa for your stay abroad. For more information, visit the State Department’s website for traveling overseas: http://travel.state.gov and type in the country in which you plan to study. From there, you will find more information on entry/exit requirements, safety, customs, vaccinations, etc. and links to specific embassy site of the country where further information may be obtained regarding visa requirements.

For basic visa process terminology, check out this Visa Process Terminology

Depending on the length and location of your program, you may need to apply for a residence or residency permit once you are in the country. The Schengen Area is 26 countries in Europe where, among other policies, even if you don't need a visa to enter a country, you usually need a visa or a residence permit to stay in the area for more than 90 days. You can find further information the State Department's website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html.

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6. Begin your Application

After you have found your perfect program, you are ready to start an online application!

TIP: If your perfect program's application hasn't opened yet, submit an advising form here (mentioning your program of choice) and we'll add you to it as soon as it opens! 

Application Deadlines*