How to Apply to Off-Campus Programs

Steps to Going Abroad

Step 1: Review approved programs and meet with your advisor

Meet with your academic advisor and discuss which semester is best for you to study at an off-campus program. Discern which program requirements you need to fulfill during your semester away. Browse our off-campus semester programs, and see which ones fit your academic needs as well as your personal goals. If you are looking for an international seminar, review the short-term international seminar page.

Step 2: Select a Program

Confirm that the program can fulfill the requirements you need. Attend info sessions and learn as much as possible about the program. Finalize your program choice.

Step 3: Submit a Seat Application on Horizons

Horizons is the GEO's online application management system. Submitting a seat application here requests approval from Gordon to study abroad for a semester. Once you are approved you will receive instructions to move forward with applying to your chosen program directly. If you are applying to Balkans or Orvieto, only one application is required.

Please note: You may not apply directly to a program until you have been approved by the GEO to study abroad.

Deadlines

September 30 - Balkans & Orvieto spring semester applications due.

February 15 - Fall semester program applications due. (Also spring semester deadline for petition programs, see below).

April 15 - Spring semester program applications due (with the exception of Orvieto and Balkans spring semesters).

Qualifications & Preparing to Travel

To be eligible to study abroad you must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
• Have Sophomore standing or above
• Possess a strong commitment to academics and Christianity 

Preparation

After you have been accepted, we will help you prepare for your study abroad experience. Through preparatory dialogue and ongoing reflection, we will help you make the most out of your experience.

Please note: Gordon students studying on international programs are required to attend a safety and security meeting and a pre-departure seminar (this is often combined). A welcome back dinner is highly encouraged for returning students.

Financial Aid

Cost and financial aid vary by program. Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for details on billing and aid specific to your program. If cost is a concern, explore programs with costs similar to an on-campus semester. Federal and private aid remain unchanged (with the exception of federal aid in Israel). After program approval by the GEO, you will receive a cost and financial aid estimate. Note: Students in the Orvieto or Balkans programs are guaranteed to receive their regular financial aid award.

Studying at Non-Approved Programs

Students are allowed to petition to study at non-approved programs. Students whose applications are approved through the petition process below will be billed Gordon College tuition, housing, meal plan, and fees. Institutional financial aid will be reassessed. If the petition program costs exceed Gordon College's semester costs, the excess charges will be billed to the student.

Gordon College reserves the right to deny approval for student study that the Global Education Committee judges to be of inferior academic quality, or for which there are concerns for student safety and well-being. Petition programs must have a direct link to the student's academic program.

The petition application includes:

1. A meeting with GEO staff to review approved programs.
2. A completed seat application in Horizons.
3. A completed petition program application which includes program details such as dates, housing, orientation, accreditation, etc.
4. A completed & signed advisor approval form.

After the application deadline, the Global Education Faculty Committee will meet to review petition applications.

Students must complete all application elements by the deadline of February 15 for fall and spring semester programs.

As with approved and Gordon programs, 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.