Travel is rooted in Schreiner University. Charles Schreiner’s family were French immigrants in Texas in the late 1800s. More recently, study abroad at Schreiner dates back for decades. There are multiple ways Schreiner students can travel in the U.S. or abroad. They can participate in a faculty-led trip, engage in independent study abroad at an international university for a summer or semester, or enroll in a student exchange program.
If you are a Schreiner University student, you may be interested in one of the following:
- participating in a faculty-led trip
- studying abroad for a summer or semester
- participating in a student exchange program
A faculty-led trip is any trip officially led by Schreiner University staff or faculty members in the U.S. or abroad. The U.S. or international destination is selected by your instructor(s), who consults his or her department chair and the coordinator of Changing Global Society. The trip occurs after the semester or during fall, winter, spring, or summer breaks, lasting from a few days to four weeks. Most faculty-led trips are course-related, which means that you ought to enroll in the course attached to the trip.
Upcoming Trips
For information about upcoming trips, please visit the Changing Global Society page at the Schreiner Experience site.
How Much Does It Cost?
Travel is a part of the Schreiner Experience. Most trip costs range from $1500 to $3500 after Changing Global Society subsidies are applied to the trip/student account.
What’s Included (and not included) in the Trip Costs?
Airfare, accommodation, essential ground transportation, and whatever on-site expenses may be required for the class are included
International health care coverage is included, whether the trip participant is a student or not
Some meals may not be included
Personal expenses and some activities are not included; talk to the trip leader
How Can I Sign Up?
Speak to either the trip leader (see list of scheduled trips above for contact information) or contact the coordinator of Changing Global Society.
Why Should You Study Abroad?
- It’s an opportunity to build cultural awareness, a soft skill valued by employers in today’s changing global society. Some research indicates that students who study abroad will have better job opportunities; for instance, one study found that most study abroad alumni found their first job within six months of graduation and earned thousands of dollars more in their starting salaries than students who had not studied abroad.
- Studying in a different cultural context with different lecturers will make your major come to life in new ways. For example, you could take engineering classes in England, biology classes in Scotland, or business classes in Italy.
- It’s an opportunity to take classes in another language. For instance, you could study Spanish in Madrid, German in Berlin, or Korean in Seoul. If you’re interested in studying in a non-English-speaking country, you can prepare by studying a foreign language at Schreiner.
- It’s often more affordable than you might expect. Your Schreiner financial aid will cover you abroad, and there is additional external funding you can apply for.
- You will have a chance not only to visit a country, but to make friends abroad!
Who Is Eligible?
- Schreiner students in good academic standing (note: many study abroad programs require a minimum 2.75 or 3.0 GPA)
- Students in good financial standing
- Students in good judicial standing
- It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED but not required you have the equivalent credit standing of a second-semester Sophomore
What About Funding?
- Your Schreiner University financial aid package will apply to your studies abroad.
- Your federal aid will also apply to your studies abroad.
- You may be eligible for CGS, API, AIFS, or ISA grants.
- You are encouraged to apply for additional external funding:
- Fund for Education Abroad (January deadline)
- Boren Awards for International Study (February deadline)
- Fulbright (October deadline)
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (October & March deadlines)
- Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (March & April deadlines)
- And many more listed here, here and here
What Do You Consider When Looking at Study Abroad Programs?
Type of Program:
Which classes do you want to study abroad? Do you want to take general electives or classes in your major? Is there a possibility that you might have to take independent classes? Will all class credits transfer back to Schreiner?
(Note: talk to your advisor and the Registrar about transferring international credits)
Summer or Semester:
How long do you want to study abroad? A summer session typically lasts 1-2 months while a semester abroad typically lasts 4-6 months. You may also study abroad for a January term, sometimes called a “J-term,” which is only 3-4 weeks long.
Time Table:
If you’re spending a semester abroad, which semester? Many international universities’ semester dates conflict with Schreiner’s semester dates. Check to confirm.
Language:
Do you want to study or improve a language you’re studying? If so, consider which countries would be best to study this language.
Living Situation:
Do you want to live in a student dormitory or with a host family?
Readiness:
How ready are you to study abroad? Do you need a visa and/or a passport? How will you react to being away from home? What about your loved ones? Do you have any health or other concerns that could complicate your travels? Are you prepared for the local weather, food, religion(s), or other factors that differ from where you live now?
Your Application Process
- Speak with the Coordinator of Changing Global Society.
- Consider your choice of study abroad programs (note that these programs will consult you):
- Academic Programs International(API)
- American Institute for Foreign Study(AIFS)
- International Studies Abroad(ISA)
- Another program (please consult the Coordinator of Changing Global Society)
- Speak with the Schreiner University Registrar and your advisor about the transferability and curricular fit of classes you’re considering.
- Speak with your loved ones about time apart, finances, and any concerns you may have.
- Apply to your study abroad program online, which usually includes a deposit:
- API online application form; deadlines vary
- AIFS online application form; deadlines vary
- ISA online application form; deadlines vary
- Complete the Schreiner University Term Abroad or Away Funding Application Form and email the completed form to the Coordinator of Changing Global Society (see below for the application deadlines).
- Wait for your responses, both from Schreiner’s Changing Global Society and from the study abroad program provider.
- Begin to prepare for your time abroad, including applying for a passport, which typically takes 6 weeks, but can take longer.
Application Deadlines
- September 1 for study or intern abroad between the following Winter and Spring terms.
- March 1 for study or intern abroad between the following Summer and Fall terms.
- Early applications are also welcomed (e.g., if you’re planning ahead a year or more)
Note: Schreiner University will evaluate all program locations based on recommendations and advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State.
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