APPLICATION PROCESS

• Apply to your program (i.e., IES or CIEE) by October 1 (for spring), February 15 (for summer) or March 15 (for fall). 
• Complete the Credit Approval Form with the help of your academic advisor, department chair, dean, and the Financial Aid office. Be sure you understand how your credits will be applied, as well as how your financial aid and scholarships may apply. 
• Students pay TCU tuition and a program fee for the additional location-specific program costs, such as housing, on-site services, and insurance.  Contact Dr. Tracy Williams to confirm costs for your program.

VISAS

• Many countries require a student visa for you to study there. You will need to apply directly to the consulate in Texas or in your home state’s region. We have no control over how consulates work or whether they will grant you a visa. 
• Visas can be expensive. You may need proof of financial support, photos, birth certificates, police reports, medical reports, and an application fee of as much as $100.
• You will need to send in your passport in order to obtain a visa. The visa is stamped in your passport and can take 4 – 8 weeks.
• Some consulates require a personal visit, so you’ll have to travel to the consulate. Our office cannot travel on your behalf.  Be sure to check ahead of time their hours and days of operation.
•  The Center for Intl. Studies may be able to answer questions about visas or provide names of Visa Processing Companies. 

• Attend the pre-departure orientation.
• Submit 1 passport-sized photo to the Center for International Studies (consider getting a full sheet of passport-sized photos & take extras with you for passes, IDs, etc).
• Submit a copy of your itinerary to the Center for International Studies.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance.
• Consider obtaining identification and discount cards, such as the International Student Identification Card, Trip Plus card and the International Youth Hostel Pass.
• Read health and safety information provided in the program’s handbook and State Dept: www.state.gov. See a doctor and dentist for check-ups and to discuss health-related issues for traveling. Request enough prescription medicine for your entire stay & verify health insurance.
• Forward your TCU mail home & TCU email if you plan to use another one while abroad.
• Determine how you will pay expenses and/or receive money while overseas. Make an emergency plan for lost or stolen credit cards.

• Because you are not enrolled in TCU classes, you will not be on the TCU system. Please be understanding if snags arise when trying to change email password, register for classes, etc. Most problems are easily solved – please contact our office for advice.
• Be aware that your classes will not transfer back to TCU until 8 – 10 weeks after the semester ends. This may appear to impact your financial aid (your aid will be reinstated after the courses transfer in).