Global Education
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GEO FAQs

Where can I study?
We encourage students to choose a program that furthers academic and career goals and meets Gordon College's curriculum requirements. We recommend the following programs:

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) offers the following program options:

  • American Studies Program (Washington DC)
  • China Studies Program (Xiamen)
  • Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, MA)
  • Latin American Studies Program (Costa Rica)
  • Los Angeles Film Studies Center
  • Middle Eastern Studies Program (Cairo, Egypt)
  • Russian Studies Program (Nizhni Novgorod)
  • Scholars' Semester in Oxford (two-semester program)
  • Uganda Studies Program (Mukono)

*On-line applications and additional information is available at www.bestsemester.com.Students must provide the Global Education Office with a copy of all application materials as part of the approval process.

Gordon College also accepts transfer of credit from:

*Before beginning any program application, students must fil;e a seat application by the official deadline and talk with the Global Education Office.  As a part of the seat application process, students will also provide the Global Education Office with an official transcript, copies of reference letters, a CSD (Student Affairs) report and a $30 application fee.

Students interested in short-term programs are encouraged to explore Gordon's International Seminar opportunities:

NOTE: Some international seminars are offered only occasionally, so check with the Global Education Office for program dates.

*On-line applications and additional information is available at www.gordon.edu/geo
Most programs require junior or senior standing. Some programs will consider second semester sophomores with excellent academic records and references.

What are the GPA requirements?
They vary from program to program but most require a 2.5 or better. CCCU programs usually require 2.75 with the exception of the Scholars' Programme in Oxford program which requires a minimum 3.5.  Most programs weigh motivation as well as GPA. In all cases, Gordon requires a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered for participation in any off-campus program. 

How can I find out more information about a particular program?
Speak to the Global Education Office staff and with people who have already been there! We can refer you to faculty and students with first-hand knowledge. Our office is located in Jenks 426.

Can I study in a program not listed as one of your approved programs?
Pike, International Affairs majors and language majors may be approved for study in programs that are recommended by their advisors. The Global Education Advisory Committee will consider alternate program proposals if the student's curriculum requirements are not met by any of the programs currently approved. Speak to a Global Education staff member if you need more information about participating in a program other than Gordon, CCCU, or the aforementioned approved programs. 

What about internships and practica related to my major?
In consultation with the major advisor the student may choose an internship or practicum not listed under the current list of approved programs.  (In 2006-7, for example, several Social Work majors worked and studied in Romania.) Major advisors should consult with the Global Education Office. 

How do I apply for a program?
In all cases, your application must be reviewed and approved by the Dean of Global Education. Please see the GEO for the documentation required to support your application.  The GEO deadlines for fall or academic year off-campus study are as follows: 

  • For Gordon students, "Seat Applications" (online) for fall programs are due by January 30th ;  for spring programs September 30th.  Non-Gordon Seat Applications must be filed by February 15th and October 15th respectively.
  • Students applying for non-Gordon programs must first file a seat application and be approved before completing the program application.  Specific program application deadlines vary.
  • February 15th is normally the deadline for applications to summer International Seminar programs. March 15th is normally the deadline for the Sustainable Tropical Agriculture course offered the following January.
  • NOTE: The Global Education Office reserves the right to deny participation in off-campus programs due to academic or social probation--or to a negative report from an academic advisor or from the Center for Student Development (CSD).

How do finances work?
Please read all application materials for information on the cost of your program. Never send any payments directly to a program without first checking with the Global Education Office. In most cases, students participating in a Gordon College or CCCU affiliated program are billed Gordon's basic term expenses (block tuition, double room, meal plan #1, and comprehensive fee). Financial aid is applied and any remaining balance is paid by you to the Gordon College Student Accounts Office which then coordinates the payment to your program . (Please note: the Urban Semester costs at Westmont College are generally $1,000 above Gordon College semester costs.)

How much does it cost to study abroad?
If you plan to attend an off-campus program and you receive financial aid (need-based or merit), speak with your financial aid counselor about your plans and how those plans may impact your financial aid eligibility. In general, students applying to any of the approved programs are charged Gordon College costs. They are eligible to use all their financial aid (including any Gordon College grant/scholarship monies) to cover the cost of the program for one semester. (Students approved for year-long study in Aix and at Oxford may be approved for two semesters of financial aid.) This is referred to as "going abroad through Gordon" or "registering through Gordon."

Beginning in the Spring semester of 2008, only Pike Scholars, CIEE students (Spanish) and International Affairs majors will be offered the option of paying for programs directly.  This is know as going "Abroad Direct."  Students going Abroad Direct are charged the direct costs of the program and continue to receive Federal financial aid and loans, but do not receive any internal Gordon scholarship.  Students in these categories should work closely with the Student Financial Services Office to determine which payment path is best for their individual circumstances. (See below for further information)

Also be aware that students who go "abroad direct" will be billed an administrative fee of $500. Gordon College will continue as the financial aid recipient for all federal and state aid for the student and for any loans negotiated by the student or the parent. Students should speak with their Gordon financial aid advisor early in the process to obtain a clear picture of the true costs of participation.

Costs for Pike, language and international affairs majors/minors only :

  • If you are a Pike Scholar and an off-campus program is approved in your Pike proposal, you may be eligible for your federal, state and Gordon College financial aid even in a non-approved program. 
  • If you are a language major/minor, then your program requires language immersion, and you may be eligible for your federal, state and Gordon College financial aid even in a non-approved program for up to 2 semesters of off-campus study. 
  • If you are an international affairs major/minor, and your program requires a semester of international study, you may be eligible for your federal, state and Gordon College financial aid even in a non-Gordon program for one semester of off-campus study.

In these cases, you may choose either to go "abroad direct" or "through Gordon." Your financial aid counselor will be able to help you determine the less expensive of the two options. Remember that program costs vary significantly. Also there is a $500 administrative fee applied to going "abroad direct." If you are not the primary bill payer, you should discuss financing your study abroad with the person who is responsible for payment of your tuition bill.

What if I receive tuition remission?

Tuition Remission benefit is not available for off-campus programs. Full time degree candidates otherwise eligible for tuition remission (Gordon College or other Christian College Consortium or Council for Christian Colleges & Universities faculty/staff dependents) may participate in one of the College's semester or academic-year Global Education programs in one of two ways:

  • Students pay the actual cash costs of such programs if space is available and a tuition-paying student is not thereby eliminated.
  • Students with scholarship awards (e.g. A.J. Gordon Scholars) may apply the award to a Global Education program by withdrawing from tuition-remission status for the appropriate semester(s). They will be billed the full Gordon basic term expenses (tuition block, double room, meal plan #1, comprehensive fee) and credited the scholarship (and other aid as appropriate).

If you receive Tuition Remission, then Student Financial Services to discuss your options.

Who approves my participation in an off-campus program of study?
Eligibility to participate in an off-campus program is approved by the Dean of Global Education. Review of candidates' applications and acceptance into individual programs is determined by the program director. The Global Education Office reserves the right to deny participation in off-campus programs due to academic or social probation--or to a negative report from an academic advisor or from the Center for Student Development (CSD).

What do I do after I've been accepted to a program?
Once you've been accepted, contact GEO to let them know. GEO has an acceptance packet for you to complete containing contact, medical and billing information. You will also need to meet with your advisor, select courses and complete a registration card.

How does my credit get applied?
In all cases, grades and credit hours earned are reflected in your transcript. The grade is factored into your GPA if you are earning direct Gordon credit.

Do I defer or withdraw from Gordon for the semester or year that I am away?
If you are accepted for study in an approved program, GEO notifies the appropriate on-campus offices that you are studying abroad and you retain your status as a Gordon student during your off-campus study experience. If you decide to attend a program that is not approved by the GEO, you may do so by deferring your admission at Gordon.  GEO personnel can advise you in this matter.

Will I need a Passport or a Visa to travel?
In most cases, yes. Please check with the embassy or consulate for the country to which you are traveling. If you have a passport, check the expiration date. If you need a passport, the GEO has information on the application process which can take six weeks and requires your birth certificate. Do not wait until you've been accepted to a program to apply for a passport. Some programs even require that you show proof of a passport in the application process.

Can faculty or staff dependents participate?
Yes, but tuition remission and tuition exchange do not apply. Check with the Dean for Global Education for specifics about costs.