Study Abroad hosted a launch party from 5 – 7 pm at the GATA Fountain for students to begin their Study Abroad applications on Tuesday. 

The first 150 students to arrive at the launch party received food vouchers for the Toasted Traveler Food Truck and Shaved Ice Shack to use during the event. In order to receive this, students must check in and fill out a boarding pass provided by the Study Abroad Department. 

Applications for the summer and fall of 2020 and the spring 2021 programs opened on Tuesday and were announced by Study Abroad coordinator Bradye McQueen, sporadically throughout the event starting at 5:30 p.m.

McQueen recommended students bring a laptop to the event to make applying easier, but a cell phone or tablet could be used to apply as well.  

Due to the high demand of certain programs, applications are based on a first come first serve basis.

“For those who are eligible, we rank them by the date of their application,” McQueen said. “That’s kind of why we’re doing it all publicly.” 

To be considered eligible for study abroad, students must complete two semesters but can apply before completion. Freshman can apply for the summer of 2020 and all study abroad programs that follow.

Applications for study abroad cost $250 and are non-refundable unless a student gets waitlisted and is not accepted to study abroad. However, if a student applies between Sept. 24 to Oct. 24, they will receive $50 off their application fee.

There is no set deadline date to turn in applications but the study abroad department recommends applying 120 days before departure at the latest. 

Study abroad takes place during the fall and spring semesters and for 3-6 weeks during the summer, depending on the classes being offered and which department the student is traveling and studying with.  

Students have the option of studying in Oxford, England, Leipzig, Germany, or Montevideo, Uruguay. 

Students studying in Leipzig, Germany, are required to take 6 hours of German on top of their general education courses and students who choose to study in Montevideo, Uruguay will participate in all immersion, Spanish speaking courses. Students who choose to study in Oxford, England will not have to take a language component.

“I loved all of [study abroad],” sophomore Josephine Lee said. “It becomes your home so fast and you truly feel as if you are home.”

For more information about study abroad or to start and application, go to acu.edu/studyabroad.