Study Abroad Guidelines

Application Deadlines

Evergreen's Office of International Programs & Services has application deadlines to help students organize their planning. Students must be aware of these deadlines. If a student misses the posted deadline, they should contact studyabroad@evergreen.edu to see if it's still possible to apply. Missing the deadline is not an automatic disqualifier, however, submitting complete applications to Evergreen by the posted date is the best way to ensure program participation and a successful pre-departure experience. 

Eligibility

• Students who are not in good academic standing may not be eligible for some options.
• Students who have a significant disciplinary history at Evergreen may not be eligible for some options.
• Students must participate in one quarter of interdisciplinary study before they can study abroad, depending on the mode of study. Transfer students may petition for exception.

Limitations

• Learning contracts and Internships contracts are each limited to a maximum of 48 credits total over the course of your studies at Evergreen.
• Consortium study is limited to one academic year in total. Some have additional restrictions.
• Consortium study is limited to non-US destinations only, unless explicitly exempted.

Approval & Authorization

All students must complete an application to study abroad based on the type of program selected. Once all application materials are submitted, they will be reviewed, and an approval or denial letter will be issued.

Students must complete all relevant pre-departure requirements before they will be fully authorized to participate in a study abroad program. Once authorized, students will be registered for their term away. 

Non-Approved Programs

Students may take a leave of absence for up to one year and enroll directly into universities abroad or other U.S. college programs that accept non-matriculated students into their study abroad programs.  Later, they can attempt to transfer earned credit back to Evergreen. Students who take a leave of absence may not use financial aid for leave of absence since they are not enrolled at Evergreen.  There is also no guarantee that all credits earned will transfer back to Evergreen.  Finally, students must make sure they have not already transferred the maximum 135 credits allowed from other institutions. 

Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of International Programs & Services if this is of interest. 

U.S. State Department Travel Restrictions

Due to social, political or military unrest, the U.S. State Department issues travel advisories by country. Most U.S. colleges and universities - Evergreen included - use these advisories as a guide for not approving overseas study in these locations. While some exceptions may exist, study in these locations will generally not be approved. Students should arrange alternative study sites. 

Medical Considerations

Disease: Certain governments around the world have laws that restrict entry of persons infected with a communicable disease. This may include HIV-AIDS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Tuberculosis, and Avian Flu Strain H5N1 among others. Because each condition and country is different, students should contact the Office of International Programs & Services if they currently have or previously had a communicable disease. 

Disability: Students with disabilities are highly encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities. Because the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 are U.S. laws, these laws do not generally apply beyond the geographical boundaries of the United States. Thus, students in other countries usually are dependent on the laws of the country where they are studying for purposes of what academic accommodations, if any, they are legally entitled to. Evergreen is committed to assisting students in exploring reasonable accommodations, prior to the program start date. Reasonable accommodations are determined by students’ individual needs, the host society, staff capacity, cost, and other factors. If reasonable accommodations are unavailable in the student’s program of choice, other program options will be presented to the student for their consideration.

Evergreen encourages students with disabilities to contact the Office of International Programs & Services and Access Services to discuss their situation. 

Mental Health: Students experiencing serious mental health issues may want to considering postponing plans for study abroad until issues are resolved. Living overseas is more likely to aggravate mental health issues than resolve them, and often counseling and drug therapies are not available. Students who are unsure of their readiness to study abroad due to mental health concerns should consult with the Counseling Center. 

Prescription Medications: A number of countries have strict regulations about the types of medications brought into the country for stays of over 4 weeks.  Any student who is under the prescription care of a doctor also needs to research and follow the regulations established for bringing restricted medications into their destination country.  This information is usually posted on the embassy site for that country.

International Medical Insurance 

Per State law and College policy, you are required to have medical insurance that covers you while you are studying abroad. The insurance plan must meet the following minimum Evergreen requirements:

• $25,000: Travel Accident/Illness
• $100,000: Emergency Medical Evacuation to the U.S.
• $25,000: Repatriation of Remains, in the event of death

Disenrollment

Evergreen reserves the right to disenroll a student from a study abroad program at any point in the pre- or post-departure process. Students who exhibit serious disciplinary, medical or mental health problems, or who pose a threat to others or themselves, or who otherwise violate program covenants or Evergreen’s Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities may be disenrolled and asked to leave the program.