Q: I want to study abroad, what do I do next?
A: Visit your European Council representative on your home campus. They will give you any forms you need and the information you want. You should consider how the various program will help you to achieve your personal, academic and professional goals. You may want to consult past student and faculty participants as well as your study abroad adviser and academic adviser. Then you can make a good decision about which experience is right for you. It is worth remembering that the European Council study abroad programs are reviewed annually by the member institutions, and we have been offering study abroad programs to USG students for more than a decade.
Q: Can I use my financial aid or HOPE towards the cost of my trip?
A: Yes, all financial aid can be applied toward study abroad. You will need to visit your financial aid office on your home campus to talk about your individual circumstances.
Q: Are there scholarships available for study abroad?
A: Visit www.usg.edu/oie for scholarship information. You may also visit the financial aid and international education offices on your home campus for information about institutional scholarships that are offered for study abroad.
Q: How do I register for classes?
A: Normally you will register for classes on your home campus if you are a student in the University System of Georgia. This process is separate from your application for the program. Once you have designated your course selection(s) on your study abroad program application, and the European Council office has received the application, you will still need to ensure that you are registered for classes at your home USG campus. Make sure that you discuss this with your European Council representative.
Q: How do I know that the classes I take while abroad will count towards my degree?
A: Only the study abroad or academic advisor on your home campus can tell you exactly how the classes will count towards your degree. You should schedule an appointment with your study abroad or academic advisor and talk to him or her about this.
Q: How much does study abroad cost?
A: All programs are different prices, so you can look at the individual program sites. The programs fees do not include tuition because you will register for courses and pay tuition at your USG campus. You will also need to anticipate the correct amount of spending money while abroad. This and other issues will be addressed during the program orientation.
Q: Are our study abroad programs safe?
A: We carefully consider safety when planning programs and we evaluate each program annually. You should look at the U.S. State Department website for safety information about a particular country. All of the European Council programs operate in countries that the State Department considers safe for U.S. visitors.
Q: Will I need a visa to go abroad? Will I need shots and special medicine?
A: Everyone who travels abroad needs a passport. Different countries have different entry requirements, so your individual program director will let you know if you need a visa but most of our programs do not require a visa. You should consult your individual physician to receive medical advice about travel.
Q: If I don't speak a foreign language, can I still study abroad?
A: Yes. The European Council offers all of its courses in English except for foreign language classes.
Q: What are the requirements to study abroad with the European Council?
A: All participants must be in good standing with their home institution, and must be enrolled at a University System of Georgia institution.

Q: Can out-of-state students, and students of private institutions participate?
A: Yes, students from outside of the University System of Georgia can participate if they register through a member USG institution.

Q: When will I know if I've been accepted?
A: After you have submitted your application, you should expect to hear something within two weeks time. At that time, the European Council will send, to the address provided on your application, a letter informing you of your status.

Q: Where do I make my payments?
A: TUITION should be paid to your home institution, just as it is for on-campus study.
PROGRAM FEES should be made by personal check, money order, or cashiers check payable to Valdosta State University and mailed to;
European Council (CIP)
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698

Q: Can I travel while I'm in the program?
A: Yes. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, and students have three-day weekends.  Programs also usually offer excursions on weekends.

Q: Do I get a rail pass or metro pass while I’m on the program?
A: London students receive a Britrail pass, Paris students receive a Eurail pass and a metro pass, and Bonn students receive a Eurail pass.