International Programs Mercer Study Abroad Policies

SEMESTER/YEAR PROGRAMS

All Macon undergraduate students must meet the following selection requirements in order to study abroad for either a semester or academic year.

Second semester sophomore standing
3.0 GPA (3.5 GPA required for Oxford Overseas Study Course)
Completed Study Abroad application materials

Form
Essay questions typed on a separate sheet of paper
Faculty recommendations

Received consent by parent or legal guardian (if under 18 years)
Good financial and disciplinary standing with the University

Once accepted into the study abroad program, students must fulfill the responsibilities listed below in order for Mercer to accept academic credits from a foreign institution.

Receive pre-approval for courses abroad from appropriate department heads
Complete ISA 101 the semester before departure
Agree to Mercer Study Abroad policies and submit all relevant forms
Purchase AIG Worldwide Travel Assistance Insurance for $48 through the Office of Study Abroad
Attend Study Abroad Orientation

REMEMBER: PLAN EARLY BECAUSE PROGRAM SPACE IS LIMITED! Mercer recommends that students plan at least one academic year in advance of their actual study abroad experience.

FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

All Mercer Students (Macon, Atlanta, & Regional Academic Centers) must meet the following selection requirements in order to participate on a faculty-led study abroad program.

Have a minimum 2.5 GPA or permission by the faculty director of the study program
Have complete faculty-led study abroad program application materials and forms
Have consent by parent or legal guardian (if under 18 years)
Be in good financial and disciplinary standing with the University

Note: All students must attend the faculty-led orientation. Failure to do so will exclude them from going abroad for academic credit.

Note: First year students are not permitted to participate on a faculty-led study abroad program unless they are 'rising sophomores' or have permission by the faculty director and/or the director of international education.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

U.S. Passports & Study Visas
Mercer students who are domestic citizens are required to have a passport to study abroad. Some countries may require a study visa. Check with the Office of Study Abroad to see if you need a study visa. For more on new U.S. passport applications click here: U.S. Passport Information. An application for a renewal passport can be made at the U.S. Post Office on College Street in Macon.

International (F-1 Visas) & Permanent Residence Students
Mercer international students and students who have permanent residence in the USA (e.g., Green Card) will have to use their home country's passport. Study visas different from those of Mercer's domestic students may be required. Also, it is important that international students on F-1 visas meet with the Coordinator of International Student and Scholars Services (tel: 478.301.5964; e-mail: kenaston_jb@mercer.edu) to determine whether their I-20 document is still valid and F-1 visa is not expired. It is very difficult to get an F-1 visa renewed in a 'third party' country that is not considered the international student's home country.