MSU Faculty Led Short-Term Study Abroad Institutes Forms

Faculty-Led Programs Airfare Policy
Most faculty-led programs are packaged to include group airfare, with the faculty director travelling with the group of Montclair students. A photocopy of the passport identification page, showing the official name and citizenship, must be received no less than 60 days prior to departure to ensure that the plane ticket matches the passport. Any penalties incurred for name changes after the 60 day point are the responsibility of the participant.

Most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the return date. Participants without passports or with passports that will not be valid for 6 months beyond the program date should start paperwork immediately.

If a student wishes to “opt out” of the group airfare, that cost will be deducted from the program cost and the student arranges to meet the group at the overseas destination. A limited number of students may request to depart with the group airfare but return on a different date.

Requests for a change from the group travel should be in writing and should be received no less than 60 days prior to the departure date. They are subject to availability of airline space, any applicable airline penalty or change fees, and a $50 service charge to the Global Education Center.

Participants who decide to travel separately from the group may lose some group services such as airport and hotel transfers, group hotel accommodations, meals, tours and domestic flights. Participants will not be compensated for lost services that result from the requested change.

Medical Insurance Policy
A limited amount of medical insurance through the International Student Identification Card is included in the program cost for all participants in faculty-led programs.  All participants will be required to complete a medical information form identifying their regular medical insurance coverage and any pre-existing conditions. A release from a personal physician may be required for some conditions. Participants may wish to supplement the ISIC insurance with additional short term coverage and should confirm whether their usual insurance covers them while overseas. The medical and personal information forms are due at the Global Education Center no less than 60 days prior to departure.

Passports and Visas
Most short term programs do not require visas for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may need visas and should check with the consulate appropriate for their destination. Documentation and any visa charges are the responsibility of the individual participant. The Global Education Center does not arrange visas for programs unless the destination requires a visa for every participant. Neither Montclair State University nor the University’s travel agent may be held responsible if the individual fails to obtain the necessary visas.

Non-MSU Students
Short term faculty led summer programs are open to non-MSU students from other institutions. Non-MSU students should request an official transcript to be sent to the Global Education Center and include an additional $100 application fee. Non-MSU students will need to provide two reference forms completed by faculty at their home institution. Once all materials have been received, students will be informed of their acceptance into the program. Upon completion of the program, non-MSU students will need to request an official Montclair State University transcript to present to their home institution.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Global Education Center itself awards a limited number of scholarships to Montclair State University students for study abroad. Visiting students from other universities are not eligible for these scholarships. The deadline for spring program applications is November 15 and the deadline for summer program applications is March 15.
Application forms
Students may be eligible for financial aid for both program travel costs and tuition, depending on their individual financial aid status. The student should pick up a budget form outlining the cost of that particular program from the Global Education Center and then contact the Financial Aid office to confirm the amount for which they are eligible and the timing of the disbursement.

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing and are subject to a penalty. There is a non-refundable fee of $100 on any cancellations. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 20% of the program cost. Cancellations received less than 60 days prior to the departure are subject to 50% of the program cost.
Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to departure are non-refundable.