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Information Center for Study Abroad
Search the GSE information center to learn more about studying abroad with Global Student Experience (GSE) and other pertinent program information. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us with you study abroad questions.
 About GSE
Global Student Experience
17752 Skypark Circle, Suite 235
Irvine, CA 92614
Global Student Experience is a dedicated team of study abroad enthusiasts, devoted to spreading the benefits of international education to U.S. college and university students. As such, GSE offers affordable high quality, comprehensive study abroad programs in Barcelona, Granada, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Paris and Sydney for U.S. undergraduates. GSE program advisors and directors work around the clock to ensure that every GSE student receives the most memorable, high quality, study abroad experience possible! GSE is committed to providing exceptional customer service before, during, and after your study abroad experience. GSE’s full time staff is dedicated to serving its customers' needs.
Before you depart for your program, GSE advisors will provide you with guidance on what program location and courses will be the best match for your study abroad goals! You will receive extensive pre-departure information on your destination and even advice on what to bring! Studying abroad with GSE is a painless experience, as program advisors will arrange all aspects of your program before your departure such as your housing, your course enrollment at your host university, and much more! Program advisors can assist you with a variety of issues that may arise as you plan your study abroad experience, including financial aid, transferring credit to your home university, and applying for a student visa or passport.
Once you arrive at your destination city, you will meet your GSE Onsite Program Director who will be eager to introduce you to your new home! Onsite Program Directors will serve as your information resource throughout your program. They will coordinate all matters with your host university, provide you with guidance on local customs and culture, and even give you advice on where to eat and shop. In addition, Onsite Program Directors will arrange a wide range of activities outside of the classroom, ranging from museum visits to weekend excursions to other cities and countries.
Health and Safety
GSE works closely with all Onsite Program Directors to assist students in any emergency situation. GSE maintains contingency plans to handle all types of emergencies, medical or otherwise. GSE monitors all U.S. State Department travel advisories and follows all recommendations they issue. Health and accidental emergencies are covered by the comprehensive traveler’s insurance package required by Global Student Experience. In the event of an emergency demanding medical attention, hospitals are accessible 24 hours a day in all GSE program cities.
Emergency Contacts
GSE recommends that students use their parents as their emergency contacts. This ensures that in the event of an emergency, all information will be distributed to parents. Be sure to provide your emergency contacts and your home institutions with your correct contact information abroad.
Credit Transfer
GSE provides an excellent opportunity to earn credit toward your degree while living and studying in a foreign city. All GSE affiliated universities are fully accredited and credits received are transferable to domestic universities. GSE will help to guide students through all of the necessary steps that they will need to take with their home university to ensure that all credits are properly accepted and received by their home universities. GSE will arrange for their overseas host universities to send all transcripts and certificates to both the student and their home university (upon request). If you have questions about any aspect of course credit transfer, contact a GSE advisor toll free at (866) 756-2443 or by emailing info@GSEabroad.com
Recommended Credit Transfer Steps
1. Choose your program and courses
Decide which program you want to attend and select your courses from GSE's comprehensive webpage. Detailed course descriptions may be sent to you upon acceptance into your desired program. It is always advisable to select alternate courses in the event that you do no not place into your desired level or a class becomes unavailable.
2. Obtain transfer credit approval before your departure
Meet with your school’s study abroad or international office to begin the process. Your campus office will give you all necessary credit transfer pre-approval forms and instruct you on which departments you should visit to have them properly approved. This will typically include your academic advisor, department chair, and possibly others. You will need to present detailed course descriptions for your chosen courses in order for your advisor to determine how much credit you will receive for your time abroad with GSE. It is advisable to obtain pre-approval for multiple language levels in the event that you do not place into your anticipated level. Once you have obtained pre-approval for your courses, you are ready to go!
3. Attend and pass your courses while abroad
While abroad, it is your responsibility to attend class, complete exams, and keep up with your studies, as receiving credit will be based upon the evaluation by your host institution instructor(s) at the end of the term. Also, it is imperative that you keep all syllabi, books, class notes, homework, exams, or any other acquired course materials. Though students will receive transfer credit approval prior to leaving, these documents will be extremely important in the event of any discrepancies in credit transfer upon return to your home university.
4. Receive your foreign transcript
Upon completion of the program, GSE will arrange for your host university to send your official transcript/certificate to your home university. GSE will also send you an unofficial copy of your transcripts and certificates to keep for your records. Once your home university receives and processes your transcript, your credits will appear on your transcript.
Passport and Visa Information
For summer programs less than 90 days, only a valid passport is required (with the exception of Italy and sometimes France, where students attending a study abroad program for any duration are required to obtain a visa). Semester, quarter, trimester, and year students attending programs (or expecting to stay) in excess of 90 days are required to obtain proper visa documentation from the appropriate consular office of their host country. GSE will guide students through this process and direct them to the appropriate consular office. However, it is the responsibility of each individual student to obtain necessary visas. GSE can not intervene for students who do not acquire appropriate passports or visas. While each country has its own specific requirements, issuance of a student visa generally requires verification of enrollment in a foreign institution of learning, a financial statement guaranteeing the student will have access to adequate funds during their stay, and other forms or documents required by the consulate. All students applying for a visa should do so no sooner than 90 days prior to and no later than three weeks before their date of departure from the United States. If all documentation is accurate and adequate, visas can usually be issued in the same day (students traveling to Spain or Italy must leave their passports at the Consulate and wait for the Consulate to mail the passport and visa back to the student, so advance planning is essential). Please go to the consular website that corresponds to your country of study for more information.
US Passports:
Passports
Visa Information:
Barcelona/Granada
Buenos Aires
Florence
London
Paris
Sydney
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States:
Spanish Consulates
Argentine Consulates
Italian Consulates
British Consulates
French Consulates
Australian Consulates
Insurance
All GSE participants will be required to enroll in the HTH Worldwide Health Select Overseas insurance plan. GSE Program Advisors will enroll students in this health insurance for an additional fee, which will appear on the student's invoice. HTH Worldwide insurance coverage may be waived if the student can produce evidence of a comparable health care plan that will cover him/her while traveling overseas. With this insurance coverage, students have internet access to their own account at hthstudents.com as well as assistance via the HTH toll-free, multi-lingual customer service center (1-800-242-4178). Using these access tools, every student has the opportunity to check the status of pending claims, download claims forms, search for doctors overseas, use medical drug and phrase translation guides, and receive health and safety messages. Specific policy information will be included in acceptance and confirmation materials. For more information contact a GSE advisor toll free at (866) 756-2443.
Financial Aid
Did you know that GSE students may use most forms of federal, state, and private financial aid or loans while studying abroad?
What types of expenses can financial aid cover?
Financial aid may be allocated to cover all reasonable expenses of your study abroad trip. These include program tuition and fees, passport and visa fees, round-trip airfare, and other costs of living that may be incurred while abroad.
What are some of the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid?
Generally, in order to receive financial aid a student must carry at least a part-time load at the foreign institution and receive transferable credit for the program toward his or her degree. Credit received on a study abroad program does not have to fulfill major requirements, but can be recognized as elective credits that advance the student toward a degree (i.e. language credits). In order to be eligible for most types of aid, you must also be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, hold a valid Social Security Card, be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate, and be registered for the selective service if you are a male.
What is a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and why you should fill one out?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, it is used by most states and schools to award non-federal student financial aid. You can use your federal student financial aid to fund your study abroad experience on the condition that your home institution provides pre-approval for the credit you can earn abroad.
How do you complete your FAFSA?
For more complete information on how to complete a FAFSA visit www.fafsa.ed.gov . It is important to keep in mind that each state has its own individual deadline dates by which the FAFSA form should be completed for the next academic year. Contact your financial aid office to see if you are close to a deadline date for your FAFSA application. Bring all information that you received after completing the FAFSA to your financial aid office. Your FAFSA information will help your home institution guide you through possible financial aid options.
What information do your financial aid and study abroad offices need?
Once your home institution approves the program, Global Student Experience will sign a “Consortium Agreement” with your home University. As part of this agreement, GSE will provide your school’s financial aid office with an approximate budget for your study abroad program in order to help determine how much aid you will receive.
What other types of aid are available?
Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are usually a foundation of financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. The maximum Pell Grant for the last award year was $4,050.
Gilman International Scholarship Program
Established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 this congressionally funded program provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at their college or university. For more information about applying for a Gilman Scholarship visit www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants)
An FSEOG is given to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs and the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) number. Those students who receive Federal Pell Grants are given priority. An FSEOG is not a loan and does not have to be paid off. Apply for FSEOG by completing a FAFSA form.
Federal Perkins Loans
A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial needs. Your school acts as the lender and the loan is backed by government funds. You must repay this loan to your home institution. Depending on when you apply, your level of need, your Expected Family Contributions (EFC), and the school’s funding level, you can borrow up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study. Ask the financial aid office at your home institution for more information.
Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans, also known as a Direct Loan or a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), come as subsidized or unsubsidized loans. A subsidized loan is awarded based on financial need and the recipient does not pay interest until the repayment period, usually arranged after graduation. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded based on financial need and the recipient will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Completing your FAFSA form is the first step in applying for a Stafford Loan. More information about direct loans can be found at www.ed.gov/directloan or by visiting your financial aid office.
Federal PLUS Loans
These are loans taken out by your parents to pay for your educational expenses. Types include Direct PLUS Loans and FFEL PLUS Loans. Your parents may apply if you are a dependent and if they pass a credit check. Your parents must complete and submit a PLUS Loan application, available from your school or lender. After the school completes its portion of the application, it must be sent to a lender for evaluation. For more information visit your school’s financial aid office.
You can explore scholarship options at these websites:
www.fastweb.com - Free scholarship search engine offering over $1 billion through over 600,000 scholarships.
www.collegenet.com - Search a $1.6 billion database for scholarships.
www.scholarships.com –Search college scholarships and financial aid information including Federal Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans, and Federal Consolidation loans.
www.iefa.org - Resource for financial aid, college scholarships, and grants.
www.studentaid.ed.gov – U.S. Department of Education information about federal student aid.
GSE Study Abroad Scholarships
Scholarship Application Requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. or Canada
- Send GSE an official college or university transcript
- Must be accepted into a GSE program
- Meet the GPA and other listed requirement assigned to each scholarship
- Complete an essay of at least 400 words answering the Scholarship Question
- Follow all of the GSE Policies; GSE reserves the right to revoke any scholarship if a GSE participant does not adhere to the GSE policies.
- Students may only apply for one GSE scholarship
Deadlines:
- Fall 2008 Program: May 1, 2008
- Spring 2009 Program: September 1, 2008
Please send all Scholarship Essays and information to:
Global Student Experience Scholarships
17752 Skypark Circle, Suite 235
Irvine, CA 92614
Below is a complete list of available GSE Scholarships:
GSE Language Development Scholarship
Amount: $500
Minimum GPA: 2.7
For any student who will be studying on a GSE quarter, semester, or year long foreign language program to any location.
Scholarship Question
Why is it important for Americans to acquire a second language? What is the main benefit you expect to gain from the GSE language development program you will be participating in?
GSE Business Studies Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Open to any GSE student studying Business courses in London, Sydney, Paris or Barcelona for a semester or year.
Scholarship Question
International business and globalization are growing trends. How do these factors influence your life everyday in America? How do you expect them to influence your daily life abroad?
GSE Liberal and Studio Arts Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Minimum GPA: 3.0
For any student who will be studying on a GSE semester or year program to Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence, London Metropolitan University, or Macquarie University (Sydney) with academic studies focused on courses in studio arts, liberal arts, fine arts, or performing arts.
Scholarship Question
Florence, London, and Sydney each have their own distinct historical and contemporary climates for artistic expression. Describe how the artistic heritage of your chosen study abroad destination will influence your personal growth.
GSE Academic Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Minimum GPA: 3.0
For any student who will be studying on any GSE semester or year long academic program to any location.
Scholarship Question
Research a major political, scientific, social or economic issue surfacing in Europe, South America, or Australia today. Explain and support your point of view on the topic.
GSE Summer Scholarship
Amount: $250
Minimum GPA: 3.0
For any student who will be attending a GSE summer program in any location.
Scholarship Question
What do you believe will be the most important thing you are going to take away from the GSE summer program?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I afford to study abroad?
Yes!! Numerous scholarships are available and federal loans, scholarships, and grants can be used to study abroad. Check out the GSE Financial Aid Information.
If I am receiving financial aid can I study abroad?
Yes, GSE students may use most forms of federal, state, and private financial aid or loans while studying abroad. Financial aid may be allocated to cover all “reasonable” costs for a study abroad trip. Generally, in order to receive financial aid a student must carry at least a half-time load at the foreign institution and receive transferable credit for the program toward his or her degree. Credit received on a study abroad program does not have to fulfill major requirements, but must be recognized as elective credits that advance the student toward a degree (i.e. language credits).
Do you have to be a language major to study abroad?
No, students who study abroad can have any major. All domestic educational institutions require students to satisfy general education courses. By studying abroad students have the opportunity to continue to fulfill these requirements even at a foreign institution.
Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad with GSE?
In almost every program it is not required to speak a foreign language. GSE does provide recommendations to students on how long they should study a language prior to studying abroad to ensure a more comfortable transition into a foreign university.
Is my GPA high enough to study abroad?
The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.5 for all Florence, all Paris programs, and the University of Barcelona. Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) requires students to have 3.0 GPA. All London programs have a minimum requirement of a 2.7 GPA.
Can I receive transferable credits while studying abroad?
Of course! In order to receive transferable credits while abroad it is important to follow the GSE guidelines on Transfer Credits.
Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?
By planning ahead carefully and consulting an academic advisor there is no reason why studying abroad will hinder a student from graduating on time. In fact, some students return from their programs ahead of their studies!
What level of college (year) must I complete before I can study abroad?
Once you have completed one semester/quarter at your home institution and do not have any academic restrictions it is feasible to study abroad at any time.
Do I have to study abroad for a full year?
No, program destinations offered by GSE are structured for long and short term programs. For students who wish to avoid taking a semester/quarter or year off from their home institution GSE provides four to six week long summer programs. Also there is the option of enrolling in semester or quarter programs. This option allows students more time to experience a foreign city. Semester and quarter programs are two and half to four months in length.
Passport and Visa
Do I need a passport even if I’m only going for a month?
Yes. Always bring a passport with you when traveling to a foreign country. Remember: make lots of copies of your passport! Leave one behind with your emergency contacts and put a copy of your passport in each piece of luggage you take with you, including your carry-on.
Do I need a visa if I’m only going for a month? What about if I go for a quarter or semester?
For summer programs it is unnecessary to obtain a visa before departure because the program duration is under 90 days in length. However, if you plan on extending your stay or doing independent travel after your program ends, you may need to obtain a visa if your time abroad will exceed 90 days. All quarter, semester, and year students are required to obtain a visa from the appropriate consulate or embassy before departure. Please be aware of when to apply for your visa by looking at our Passports and Visas information page.
Should I keep my passport with me every place I go during my time abroad?
No. Leave your passport and other important documents in a safe place at your apartment. However, you should carry a COPY of your passport at all times. That way, should you misplace your wallet or purse, you will not lose your most vital information.
What should I leave behind for my parents/emergency contacts?
Leave your correct contact information, a copy of your airline tickets, a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable), and your Onsite Program Director’s contact information.
Eligibility
All students participating in GSE programs must be high school graduates and at least 18 years of age. Fluency may be used to determine eligibility to enroll in some courses and programs. GSE strongly recommends that students have at least one semester of college level language classes in the language of their preferred host country. For UB Barcelona programs, all Granada programs, all Florence programs, all Sydney programs, and all Paris programs students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, while there is no minimum language requirement. For UAB programs in Barcelona, students must have a 3.0 GPA. All London students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
The following is a list of the Admissions Requirements & Recommendations for each foreign university:
Barcelona
| University of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona (UB) |
 At least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level Spanish or equivalent (recommended) |
| Autonomous University of Barcelona, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) |
| At least 18 years of age |
| 3.0 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level Spanish or equivalent (recommended) |
Granada
| University of Granada, Universidad de Granada (UG) |
| At least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level Spanish or equivalent (recommended) |
Buenos Aires
| University of Belgrano, Universidad de Belgrano (UBel) |
| At least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level Spanish or equivalent (recommended) |
Paris
| University of Paris IV - Sorbonne, Universite Paris Sorbonne - Paris IV |
| Must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level French or equivalent (recommended) |
| Ecole Superieure du Commerce Exterieur (ESCE) - La Defense, Paris |
| Must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level French or equivalent (recommended) |
| The American Business School in Paris |
| Must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level French or equivalent (recommended) |
Florence
| Lorenzo de' Medici |
| Students must be at least 18 years of age (there is no maximum age limit) |
| Must maintain a 2.8 GPA in all college work attempted |
| Must submit an official college transcript |
| Must have a high school diploma, or equivalent G.E.D. |
| University of Florence, Universita degli Studi di Firenze |
| Must be at least 18 years of age (there is no maximum age limit) |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an official high school or college transcript |
| One semester of college level Italian or equivalent (recommended) |
London
| Middlesex University |
| Must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.7 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
| London Metropolitan University |
| Must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.7 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an unofficial high school or college transcript |
Sydney
| Macquarie University |
| Students must be at least 18 years of age |
| 2.5 cumulative GPA |
| Must submit an official college transcript |
| May need to submit a Statement of Purpose (Contact GSE for more information) |
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