Global Studies

Be Adventurous With GCU’s Global Opportunities

As a college student at Grand Canyon University, you have several opportunities to embrace adventure and explore the world. You can start by considering a traditional study abroad program, where you can spend a summer, semester or full academic year fully immersed in another culture while earning credits toward your GCU degree.

You might also choose to complete a short- or long-term international internship, gaining professional, practical work experience that can enhance your resume while experiencing life in another country.

Additionally, GCU offers short-term faculty-led programs, which provide a focused, immersive experience abroad with a group of peers and experienced faculty leaders. Finally, you can serve on an international mission trip, traveling with a team of GCU students to perform ministry and serve the Lord.

Traditional Study Abroad Programs

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 Abroad (CIS) and 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.

Short/Long Term International Internships

For an international internship, GCU partners with The Intern Group and CIS Abroad. Internships across many disciplines are available for a range of 4-24 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.

Short-Term Faculty-Led Programs

Short-term faculty-led programs at GCU offer an exciting opportunity for students to travel abroad with experienced faculty and a group of peers for a focused and immersive academic experience. These programs are typically one to three weeks long and are designed around a specific theme or area of study, providing students with the chance to directly engage with the subject matter in an international context.

Whether exploring environmental science in Costa Rica, studying business in London, or delving into ancient cultures in Greece, students can gain hands-on learning experiences that complement their coursework. Participants often have the option to earn academic credit for these programs, enhancing their degree progress while enjoying a transformative global experience.

International Mission Trips

Mission trips at GCU provide students with the incredible opportunity to travel internationally and make a meaningful impact through ministry and service. These trips are centered on sharing the Gospel, serving communities in need, and experiencing personal spiritual growth.

Students work alongside a team of their peers to support local communities through activities such as teaching, building projects or providing medical relief. Opportunities for mission trips are available through GCU’s Spiritual Life and Global Outreach departments, which organize Christ-centered trips designed to align with the university’s mission.

Additionally, the Honors College offers specialized mission trips tailored to its students, combining ministry with leadership and academic enrichment. Wherever you feel called, GCU’s mission trips are a life-changing way to grow in your faith, broaden your global perspective and serve others.

Contact Us

Global Studies Office
602-247-4050
globalstudies@gcu.edu

GCU supports study abroad opportunities for students across a range of colleges within the university. From Spring 2014 to Fall 2024, over 500 GCU students completed a study abroad program or an international internship.

Quick Checklist

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We offer various global studies programs that support academic and co-curricular engagement around the world. To begin, follow the steps below to get started on this incredible experience. Contact us at [email protected] for more information or to set up a meeting to talk about your options.

Students should start preparing for a global studies experience 9-12 months in advance, so it’s always a good idea to start early!

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

Discuss with your student services counselor (SSC) and the Global Studies Office 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 Global Studies Office to complete the University Home Approval Application. Make sure to login to the application with your @my.gcu.edu email.

Upon receiving approval of your University Home Approval Application through GCU, complete the secondary application through your global studies 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 a traditional study abroad experience 9-12 months in advance. For an international internship, short-term faculty-led program, or mission trip, the timeline can be shorter, but preparation is still required. Talk to the Global Studies Office about the deadlines for those programs.

For a traditional study abroad program, 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 and the Global Studies Office 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 another short-term global studies experience.

If traveling through a GCU-approved study abroad provider, the Global Studies 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 travel to a designated foreign consulate within the U.S. (GCU students can often use the ones in Los Angeles). While this process is not as daunting as it may sound, you will need to plan accordingly. Talk to your study abroad provider or the Global Studies Office for more information.

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

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 with a local on-site emergency contact 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

Before going abroad on a long- or short-term global studies program, researching your destination country is essential for a successful and enriching experience. Understanding the local culture, customs and practicalities helps you prepare for new environments and avoid misunderstandings.

To get started, visit the U.S. State Department's travel alert site for up-to-date safety information and country-specific tips. Explore social media and travel blogs for firsthand insights from travelers and locals. Additionally, utilize resources provided by GCU’s global studies partners, such as country guides, cultural workshops, or alumni testimonials, to gain a well-rounded perspective. Being informed ensures you can navigate your host country with confidence and make the most of your time abroad.

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