Study Abroad

As a college student at Grand Canyon University (GCU), you have several opportunities to embrace adventure and explore the world. If you choose to serve on an international mission trip, you will travel overseas with a team of GCU students to serve the Lord and perform ministry. Alternatively, you may also consider a traditional study abroad program for a summer, semester or full academic year, where you can fully immerse yourself in another culture while also earning credits toward completing your degree at GCU. GCU students can also complete a short- or long-term international internship to gain professional, practical work experience that may help enhance your resume while also getting the cultural immersion experience.

During a traditional study abroad program, you have the opportunity to venture to another country and attend classes at an approved international university. GCU currently partners with the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), Semester at Sea (SAS), Students International (SI), Center for International Studies (CIS) Abroad, Living and Learning International (L&LI). We encourage you to visit the program provider’s website for more information, including program start dates, costs, program requirements, co-curricular opportunities and available academic coursework and internships.

For an international internship, GCU partners with The Intern Group. Internships across most disciplines are available for a range of 2-12 weeks throughout the year. This is a great option for students seeking more professional and leadership development rather than academic coursework, while still engaging in a global experience.

Contact Us

Study Abroad Office
602-247-4050
[email protected]

Quick Checklist

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We offer various global education programs that support academic and co-curricular engagement around the world. To begin, access the University Home Approval Application and be sure to log in with your @my.gcu.edu email. Work with the Study Abroad Office to complete your application and to obtain more information on the next step(s) in the process. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Students should start preparing for their traditional study abroad experience 9-12 months in advance. Follow these quick steps to get started!

Research your options and select your program and term of choice. Attend a study abroad weekly information session or visit the GCU Study Abroad Office to learn more about our various partners and their unique programs and offerings.

Discuss with your student services counselor (SSC) your interest in participating in a traditional study abroad program, and discuss your selected program of study and remaining credits required for graduation. Work with your SSC and the Study Abroad Office to complete the University Home Approval Application and submit to [email protected].

Complete the secondary Study Abroad Application through your study abroad provider of choice. An application fee or deposit may be required at this time.

Finalize your financial aid options (if applicable) and start applying for scholarships through your study abroad provider and third-party websites.

Secure all required travel documents and prepare for departure!

Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience

GCU students are strongly encouraged to start researching and preparing for their traditional study abroad experience 9-12 months in advance. Use the information and links below to help you prepare for departure.

A long trip overseas takes planning, even with the support of the university. You will need to have a valid passport throughout the duration of your respective program, and the expiration date must extend throughout an additional six months upon your anticipated return to the U.S.A. Learn more about how to apply for a passport and what the current expected wait time is at the U.S. Department of State's passport website.

For most of the programs partnered with Grand Canyon University, there is no prior language proficiency requirement. Most study abroad programs will offer classes taught in English. If you wish to complete a language immersion program or take individual classes to learn the language, that is an option through many program providers.

Depending on your specific degree program, the number of general education and elective credits you have remaining in your degree and other factors, a study abroad program may increase your time to graduation. Work with your SSC to reliably determine how a study abroad program may affect your anticipated graduation date.

Low on open elective credits or space in your program of study? Consider a summer term study abroad program or an international internship through The Intern Group. The Intern Group combines professional, resume-building work experience with the study abroad experience.

If traveling through a GCU-approved study abroad provider, the Study Abroad Office will work with your SSC and respective college dean to review all anticipated academic coursework and review for transfer eligibility. Students will know which study abroad courses have been approved or denied prior to departure.

Many countries also require you to acquire a student visa prior to entry. If you are required to apply for a student visa on your own, you will need to plan ahead. You may need to either travel to a designated foreign consulate within the U.S. (usually in Los Angeles or San Francisco), have a family member appear in your stead or work with a third party like Travisa. While this process is not as daunting as it may sound, you will need to plan accordingly. More information can be found on Travisa.

While participating in a traditional study abroad program, GCU students will not be obligated to pay tuition and fees to GCU. The student, however, is responsible for paying all program-related tuition and fees directly to the study abroad provider. This cost may differ from that of GCU’s tuition and fees. Most program providers offer an estimated cost calculator or budget sheet resource for prospective students to explore during the research process.

If you are interested in a study abroad program, talk with your SSC to determine your financial obligations and what aid you can apply to the costs. GCU institutional aid and scholarships cannot be applied to a study abroad program; however, federal financial aid could be if certain criteria is met. You may need to personally finance a portion of the program costs directly. The more you plan ahead in securing the necessary funds, the more likely you will be able to pay any program fees and costs beyond what your federal financial aid provides. Your GCU institutional aid and scholarships will not pay for you to take courses at another institution — even through a GCU approved study abroad program.

Your study abroad program provider will further discuss payment plan options, in-house scholarship opportunities, on-site student worker positions and other methods for making your study abroad program as affordable as possible. For more information about third-party scholarships, take a look at these opportunities.

Students are responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses while abroad, which may include housing, meals, household items, public transportation and alike.

View Scholarships

Most providers offer a variety of housing options to traditional study abroad students. These may include on-campus dormitories, apartments or flats in neighboring communities, a homestay with a local host family or similar.

Not all housing options exist with every program provider or location, so if a specific housing option is required or desired, students should research the various program providers for the desired option.

Meal plans may be included in your housing selection, but contact your study abroad provider to confirm daily and weekly spending limits (if applicable).

Health and Safety While Abroad

In addition to academic and financial considerations, you will also need to think about health and safety factors while abroad. Browse through the following factors to get a better understanding of how to prepare.

You will be provided a local, on-site emergency contact information during your program orientation and you should share this information with family members. If your family needs to contact you due to an emergency while you are abroad and cannot reach you, they can use the emergency contact provided. However, the contact is for emergencies only.

Before leaving for your program, you may need to acquire appropriate immunizations and medications in order to travel safely to your destination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your doctor. You may have to plan several months ahead as some immunizations are administered in stages. More information about traveler's health can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Students on study abroad programs through GCU might have overseas medical insurance built into their program fees. However, this insurance is designed to supplement personal insurance, so having your own insurance is still necessary. It is your responsibility to verify your medical insurance and ensure you have adequate coverage while abroad.

If you have any physical, emotional or learning disabilities that require special assistance during your study abroad program, contact [email protected] and the Student Disability Services at [email protected] at least 60 days prior to your program departure date to request accommodations and learn more about your options.

While abroad, you must follow the laws of the country in which you are traveling. Additionally, you are still subject to the GCU Student Code of Conduct. The breaking of national laws and the Student Code of Conduct can result in penalties up to, and including, dismissal from the study abroad program and any other appropriate academic penalties upon return. GCU does not provide legal counsel if you are arrested or jailed while abroad.

Explore Your Country

It is important for you to understand the area of the world in which you plan to study. Visit the U.S. State Department's travel alert site but also start looking through national news channels for the latest information. Continue to explore the webpages of our study abroad providers for updates and travel resources as well. Learn more about travel resources and program opportunities.

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