Frequently Asked Questions  
Am I Required To Go Through The Office Of Study Abroad?

Do I Need To Get My Academic Advisor's Approval?

What If I Want To Change My Courses After I Arrive At The Foreign School?

Do I Need To Get Permission From The Department Of Foreign Languages If I Intend To Get French, German, Or Spanish Credit Toward A Language Requirement?

Do I have To Complete All Mercer University Study Abroad and Acacemic Policy Forms?

What If I Want To Enroll Into A Program That Is Not Pre-approved By Mercer University?

What Do I Need To Do About Mercer Course Registration While Abroad?

How Do I Secure Next Semester's Housing On The Macon Campus?

Can I Get Financial Aid For Study Abroad?

Can The Office Of Study Abroad Get My Financial Aid For Me?


Am I Required To Go Through The Office Of Study Abroad?
Yes! You must apply for acceptance into Mercer pre-approved programs through the Office of Study Abroad in order to ensure the appropriate academic credit is given. The Office of Study Abroad will assist you with your program before, during, and after your international experience. The Office of Study Abroad will enroll you into overseas courses, arrange for your accommodation, provide you with a study abroad orientation, and transfer your credits back to Mercer University. Any student who does not work through the Office of Study Abroad is at risk of not having his or her academic credits transferred to Mercer University. Likewise, the Office of Study Abroad cannot be responsible for any enrollment, accommodation, or academic problems incurred by a student who studies overseas independently.

Do I Need To Get My Academic Advisor's Approval?
Yes! You must get approval for study abroad courses prior to your departure. Any course changes or additional classes taken abroad must have your academic advisor's permission. It is your responsibility to contact your academic advisor and the Study Abroad office.

What If I Want To Change My Courses After I Arrive At The Foreign School?
Contact your academic advisor and the Office of Study Abroad before you make any changes to your planned courses of study. Failure to do so could result in academic credits not transferring back to Mercer.

Do I Need To Get Permission From The Department Of Foreign Languages If I Intend To Get French, German, Or Spanish Credit Toward A Language Requirement?
Yes! It is important that you not only have a wonderful cross-cultural experience but that you also do well in your language classes. You must get permission from the Department of Foreign Languages if you intend to earn academic credit toward a language major or minor. Each professor in the department will be able to assess your language proficiency and readiness for academic and survival speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.

Do I have To Complete All Mercer University Study Abroad and Acacemic Policy Forms?
Yes! Your study abroad experience is structured by a set of policies that are intended to give your program structure. Therefore, it is essential that you complete all required forms prior to leaving for your international experience.

What If I Want To Enroll Into A Program That Is Not Pre-approved By Mercer University?
If you select a program that is not approved by Mercer University, you must submit a proposal that outlines your reasons why you want to enroll in it, present the courses (and their decriptions) you want to take, and explain your plan of study two semesters in advance. All non-approved study abroad programs must get academic approval from the Associate Dean of the student's respective college or school.

What Do I Need To Do About Mercer Course Registration While Abroad?
The Office of Study Abroad will send you an e-mail reminder about registration for the next semester's courses at Mercer. The Office can operate as a liaison between you and the registrar/advisor if a problem arises but it is your responsiblity to coordinate your upcoming courses with your academic advisor (by e-mail) and to register on-line. Remember to read the Study Abroad Registration Policy.

How Do I Secure Next Semester's Housing On The Macon Campus?
The Office of Study Abroad will inform Residence Life that you plan on returning the next semester and that you most likely will need housing. However, it is your responsibility to secure your own living arrangements on the Macon campus. The Residence Life website is: /Housing/default.htm.

Can I Get Financial Aid For Study Abroad?
Students that are in good academic standing can qualify for financial aid. You will need to make an appointment with a financial planning counselor on campus. Visit the Office of Financial Planning's website.

Can The Office Of Study Abroad Get My Financial Aid For Me?
No. Due to privacy laws, only students can discuss personal matters of financial aid with their financial planning counselors. However, the Office of Study Abroad will send the Office of Financial Planning a budget that outlines your study abroad program costs and fees as well as other associated expenses, which will help students and their counselors, plan their overseas experience. Visit the Office of Financial Planning's website.



















Site Map | Directory | Maps | Libraries | Research | Departments & Services | Community | Employment
1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207-0001
3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341-4115
4700 Waters Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31404
© 2006 Mercer University. All rights reserved.
1-800-MERCER-U