Resources
Study Abroad Resources
If you're interested in studying abroad, you've come to the right place. On this page, you'll find resources to help you explore academic success, funding, travel preparation, travel safety, and more. If you have any questions about these resources, please feel free to contact our team; we're here to help you reach your goals and thrive on your study abroad journey.
Academic Success
Think studying abroad will set you back? False. With careful planning students can graduate on-time while having a study abroad experience. What’s more, studying abroad provides you the unique opportunity to exploring academic options you can’t find here in Baton Rouge while meeting your degree requirements.
There is a wide range of courses available on our study abroad programs. You may take gen ed courses, courses for your major and minor, elective courses or a combination of all. There is a lot to consider when thinking of your degree and how your study abroad will apply.
Knowing how your credit will apply to your degree is essential. Study Abroad encourages you to start planning early, so that you can design your graduation plan appropriately. The Tiger Transfer Tables house courses approved for previous study abroad students at the transcribing institution; however, this list is not exhaustive and is updated constantly as more approvals are received.
Credit approval is the process that determines the LSU equivalent for the foreign courses you will take. Articulation is a vital component of planning your experience and should begin before your study abroad commences. Course evaluations may take between four to six weeks depending on the department. Appropriate forms may be found in your study abroad application or by clicking here.
Credits may take up to 4-6 months to post to your LSU transcript after your study abroad, based on transcript release date, appropriate course approvals on file, and Admission processing times. Students may not study abroad their final semester, as grades will not be processed in time for graduation.
Your senior college determines if you are able to seek satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grades and for which course(s). After speaking with your college, if you decide to take a course S/U you must complete the S/U form found on your study abroad application, including all required signatures prior to your program start date.
Many host universities record course credits based on the local education system. For example, European schools uses the European Credit Transfer System. A six ECTS credit course is equal to a three LSU credits.
Below is a guide to help translate common types of foreign credit into LSU credits.
| Foreign Credits | LSU Credits |
| 6 ECTS | 3 US Credits |
| 45 Contact Hours | 3 US Credits |
| 20 UK Credits | 5 US Credits |
| 4.5 Australian Credits | 3 US Credits |
This chart serves only as a guide for credit conversion. Grades will also be converted back to US equivalents and students may us World Education Services Grade Conversion to view how their international grade may convert to a US equivalent. For transcripts received from a non-US university, LSU Admissions has final say on the conversion of international credits and grades to the US equivalent.
Funding, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Studying abroad can be more affordable than you think. Many study abroad programs are the same or similar cost as the cost of attendance at LSU, and you may be able to use your existing financial aid, including TOPS. Scholarships and grants may be available to help with any extra costs. Learn more about funding at the links below, and find the estimated cost for your program by viewing its page on our portal.
Using Your LSU Financial Aid and Scholarships
A note for veterans and their dependents: The GI Bill may apply to some study abroad programs. Speak with the LSU Veterans Affairs Office to learn more.
TOPS
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents. TOPS typically applies to semester-long programs. In some cases, it may also be applied to summer programs, such as faculty-led programs.
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant may be used for any type of study abroad program.
For additional study abroad scholarship funding, Pell Grant recipients are invited to apply to the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program.
Institutional Scholarships
Most LSU merit-based scholarships, including out-of-state fee waivers, apply to semester study abroad programs. Make sure to speak with Louisiana State University Financial Aid and Scholarships to see if these institutional scholarships apply to your study abroad program.
Loans
Current loans apply to your study abroad experience. Cost of attendance can be adjusted to provide access to additional funding.
Additional Study Abroad Funding Opportunities
Louisiana State University is proud to offer a wide array of scholarships opportunities for students studying abroad. Please visit our webpage to explore study abroad scholarships across LSU.
Did you know? LSU Study Abroad has our own $1500 scholarship for study abroad students. Check it out here!
Nationally competitive scholarships for study abroad offer incredible opportunities for students to gain global experience while receiving financial support. These prestigious awards are designed to help students study, intern, or research in countries around the world, broadening their academic and cultural.
The scholarships listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to funding opportunities for students! Check out these additional resources and scholarships that could help take your study abroad experience to the next level!
Applying For a Visa
Steps for Studying Abroad
Obtaining a visa is your responsibility. It is important that you know what is required of you before attempting to enter a country. Failing to obtain a visa (or the correct visa) could result in a denial of entry into a country, and even criminal charges.
Before you can apply for a visa, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months after your program end date. Find your program dates on the webpage for your program.
A consulate general or embassy is a government office operated by your host country in the U.S. To find out which consulate(s) you can apply to, identify which one serves the jurisdiction of your home and/or school address. Talk to your Study Abroad adviser for more info.
The cost to apply for a visa varies by country, but typically includes a fee paid directly to the consulate (ranging from $55-$1,000). These fees are set by the consulate, not by Louisiana State University, and can fluctuate.
Visa processing procedures vary by country. In many cases, you are required to appear in person at the consulate. Consular appointments are limited, so plan ahead! Keep in mind that your consulate may be out-of-state, requiring you to fly, drive, and/or stay overnight to make your appointment.
Most consulates accept visa applications 90 to 120 days before your program begins. When requesting an appointment, account for your program start date, the application window, and the processing time required for the consulate to issue your visa, which can take up to 8 weeks.
Other Considerations
It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements and complete the visa application for citizens of your home country traveling to your study abroad country. In most cases, students holding non-U.S. passports can still apply for their visa in the U.S., since you are studying in the U.S.
Be sure to contact Louisiana State University International Student Services to ensure you understand any requirements and that you do not jeopardize your residency status by participating in a program abroad.
Be aware that it may take non-U.S. citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early on in your planning.
It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements and complete the visa application for citizens of your home country traveling to your study abroad country. In most cases, green card holders will still apply for their visa in the U.S.
Be sure to contact Louisiana State University International Student Services to ensure you understand any requirements and that you do not jeopardize your residency status by participating in a program abroad.
Be aware that it may take non-U.S. citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early on in your planning.
USCIS International Travel as a Permanent Resident: Information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Reentry permit or refugee travel document (I-131) application: Application for Travel Document
Permanent residents (Green Card holders):
- You must travel with the passport of your country of citizenship, or obtain a reentry permit or refugee travel document (form I-131).
- You cannot travel abroad on a “green card” alone. To determine your education abroad visa requirements, check the requirements per your passport/citizenship.
- Your “green card” must be presented for reentry into the U.S.
Be aware that it may take non-U.S. citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early on in your planning.
Visa Resources
These resources are helpful for checking basic entry requirements. Visa processing services are also listed.
NAFSA's Visas for EA
Country-specific student visa information for common study abroad destinations
U.S. Department of State Travel
Entry requirements for U.S. citizens; best for tourism as it does not give student
visa information, but still provides a good snapshot
Visa processing services
- Prices vary; most allow for expedited service at an extra fee
- Student visa category is typically available only for U.S. citizens
- These sites are very useful for quickly determining whether you are required to obtain a visa and whether an in-person appointment is required. This is especially useful when researching non-U.S. citizen situations.
Health, Safety, and Security Abroad
Regardless of where your program is located, it's important to prepare the appropriate travel documents and to research your destination before you go so that you can feel confident in your surroundings. The resources below will help you prepare for your program and consider safety precautions that you may want to take..
Insurance and Travel Assistance Coverage
Study abroad offers many opportunities for growth and exploration. However, travel and study abroad always involves some elements of risk. The Office of Study Abroad at Louisiana State University urges students and families to discuss their potential health and safety concerns, then learn about the insurance coverage available through their families, Louisiana State University, and their study abroad programs.
Maintaining U.S. Coverage
You are strongly recommended to retain your U.S. health insurance even while overseas. This will cover you both
before you leave and after you return from your program. Should you have an accident
or illness overseas that requires long-term care, you will have insurance upon your
return to cover these expenses. Please also note that since you will be an enrolled,
full-time Louisiana State University student while you are abroad, the same insurance
regulations that affect you while you are in Baton Rouge will still apply.
On Call Travel Assistance Program
Every student on an LSU Study Abroad - approved program in the summer, fall, spring,
or academic year is covered on an international sickness and accident plan known as
On Call International. Please note that all LSU-run study abroad programs automatically enroll students
in On Call Travel Assistance for the duration of the program. Prior to traveling, students should either download on their mobile device, or print
out and carry the Student Travel ID Card with them at all times while traveling. Check
with your health insurance carrier to ensure your domestic coverage extends internationally.
On Call International Coverage Policy
On Call International ID CARD and Plan SUmmary
On Call International Pre-Departure Resources
Mental Health Support
If you are hoping to access therapy support while abroad, we recommend planning in
advance for this when possible. Many programs have mental health support available
as part of their insurance plan, including On Call, but also keep in mind that access
to therapy can look different in many different countries (some plans might include
a few visits or virtual services; others might not).
Travel/Personal Property Insurance
We strongly encourage you to obtain insurance against theft and/or damage to your
personal effects for the period of time you will be abroad. Most programs do not provide
insurance for your possessions, like stolen cell phones or laptops. Unfortunately,
theft of these items is the top incident abroad so don't let it leave you stressed
out financially! Your family's homeowner's insurance or rental insurance may provide
coverage.
Independent Travel
Keep in mind that if you have special insurance needs, or if you plan any travel before,
during, or after the program, you are responsible for obtaining appropriate coverage.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, please contact us. We're happy to help!