Special Note Regarding Covid-19 and 2020-2021 Programs
Current international travel restrictions have delayed our ability to approve faculty-led programs for this coming academic year. However, the Study Abroad Office is preparing a select group of programs to run in the event that these restrictions are lifted and programs can occur safely. To give students more time and flexibility to make plans, we are making adjustments to our application and payment deadlines and refund policies. If you are interested in participating in a faculty-led program this year, click on the program page and fill out the “Interest Form” for your program. Also, feel free to schedule an appointment with an advisor through Calendly, call 660-785-4076, or email studyabroad@truman.edu.
Program Overviews
With a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program at Truman, you can experience the Truman classroom transported abroad! Faculty-Led programs are designed to combine the professors, classmates, and academic excellence you’ve come to expect at Truman with immersive cultural experiences and unique on-site learning. As past students attest, the results are nothing short of life-changing! This May Interim or Summer, take your Spanish to the next level in Spain. Participate in preservation work with large African mammals in South Africa. Get clinical experiences with CMDS in Mexico. Dive into the language and culture of Japan or sign up for a service learning opportunity in teaching there. With Truman’s faculty-led programs, you’ll take all that’s best about the Truman experience abroad as your professors make the world your classroom. Explore our programs below, reach out to course instructors to learn more about a program, or contact the study abroad office to help you get started.
Summer Spanish Language & Culture Immersion in Spain
Destination: Spain
Credit Hours: 12
Tentative Dates: May Interim: May 21st – July 15th, 2021
Program Directors: Profs. Matthew Tornatore and Jose Carreno
Modern and Traditional Japan
Destination: Japan
Credit Hours: 6
Tentative Dates: Summer: June 28th – August 9th, 2021
Program Director: Prof. Masahiro Hara
Conservation and Management of African Mammals
Destination: South Africa
Credit Hours: 3
Tentative Dates: May Interim: May 9 – 25, 2021
Program Director: Prof. Stephanie Foré
Service Learning in Japan
Destination: Japan
Credit Hours: 4
Tentative Dates: Summer: May 26th – June 26th, 2021
Program Director: Prof. Masahiro Hara
Communication Disorders Experience in Mexico
Destination: Mexico
Credit Hours: 3
Tentative Dates: May Interim: May 15th – May 23rd, 2021
Program Director: Prof. Andrea Richards
Other Faculty-Led Programs
Explore Additional Programs
in Development for Future Terms
From a Variety of Departments
Financial Aid
Affordability is one of Truman’s core values and there are several ways to make international study an affordable option, especially through our Faculty-led Programs. With the help of Truman’s academic scholarships, federal financial aid and other financial assistance, a study abroad experience may be more attainable than you think. This is an investment that will pay you dividends for years to come. Take a look below for information regarding various forms of financial aid available to Truman students studying abroad:
The Foundation awards over $80,000 every year to students studying abroad on faculty-led study abroad programs. Awards vary in amount from $1,200-$3,000, and are designed to help those with financial need to participate in these programs. Details regarding the application process for the 2020-2021 academic year will be announced at the time that program applications are opened. So please check back for additional details. The exact criteria for the scholarships awarded varies, but all scholarships require demonstrated need (student must have a current FAFSA on file) and the completion of the optional scholarship questions included in the study abroad program application.
Students who receive a Foundation Scholarship will also be expected to give one hour of service to the Study Abroad Office after the completion of their program. The Study Abroad Office will communicate with award recipients regarding opportunities to complete this hour of service that may include opportunities such as: volunteering at the study abroad fair, giving a presentation, meeting with a prospective student, sharing photos or pictures with the office, etc.
The Cultural Loan Program is a loan administered by Truman State University of up to $6,000 towards qualifying study abroad program costs. To receive a Cultural Loan, students need to complete and return a Study Abroad Funding Sheet and Cultural Loan Application to the Study Abroad Office.
Some Pell Grant recipients may be able to receive grants towards programs with 3 credits or more. For programs of 6 credits or more, all students receiving FAFSA aid may be eligible to receive grants and/or loans through federal aid programs. In order to apply for and receive this aid, student must have a completed FAFSA on file and complete a Study Abroad Funding Sheet and return to the Study Abroad Office.
Students who are on track to graduate one semester early may apply to have one semester of their regular Truman Scholarships apply towards a faculty-led study abroad program. In order to do so, you must complete both a Study Abroad Scholarship Renewal Form and write a special letter of appeal explaining your plans (for guidance on this letter, please consult with the Financial Aid Office). Students should be sure to consult with the Financial Aid Office since there are some limitations on the ways that Truman Scholarships can apply to faculty-led study abroad trips. Students should also be aware that generally it is not possible to use Truman Scholarships during a May Interim or Summer term if this term will be the student’s last term before graduation.
Students who receive Pell Grants (full or partial) as a part of their regular federal aid qualify to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a government sponsored program awarding scholarships of up to $4,000 to study abroad. To learn more about the Gilman Scholarship and to apply, visit their website here. Gilman Scholars are also required to complete post-program requirements that should be arranged with the Study Abroad Office.
Recipients of the Pershing Scholarship can be awarded up to $4000 towards a Truman faculty-led study abroad program, but they must complete the Pershing Scholarship to Study Abroad form and return it to the Study Abroad office in order to receive these funds.
In addition to the scholarships listed here, you may also wish to seek out additional scholarship sources beyond Truman State University. Each will have its own requirements and application process, but please be sure to communicate any expected awards to both the Financial Aid Office and the Study Abroad Office.
Payment Information
Faculty-Led Programs have a payment structure that differs from the regular billing students experience through Student Accounts in that payments are typically made prior to charges appearing on the student’s account. Therefore, rather than waiting for charges to appear, students will need to make payments according to the schedule listed on their program page. Please make arrangements to ensure that all payments for your program are made on time. You can make your payments through your online Truview account in the Student Account Suite (with the “eDeposits” option), by mailing a check, or processing your payment at the cashier window. Please allow several days after payment for changes to be reflected in TruView. If you anticipate any late payments, want to discuss alternate payment arrangements, or expect part of your program to be covered through Financial Aid, please contact Student Accounts as soon as possible to discuss your situation:
Student Accounts
staccts@truman.edu
McClain Hall 105
(660) 758-4074
Participant Cancellation and Refund Policies
Students wishing to withdraw from their program or withdraw an application must complete the on-line program withdrawal request form in order to make their withdrawal official. Students who withdraw from faculty-led programs on or before the commitment deadline are eligible to receive a full refund of any payments they have made regardless of the reason for their withdrawal. Students who withdraw after the Commitment Payment Deadline but on or before the Final Payment Deadline will not receive a refund of their Deposit or Confirmation Payment unless Truman State University cancels the program (see details in the Program Cancellation Policy below), however they will receive a refund of any payments made towards the Final Payment for the program. Student who withdraw after the Final Payment Deadline will not receive a refund of any payments they have made towards the program unless Truman State University cancels the program (see details in the Program Cancellation Policy below).
Program Cancellation Policy
The Center for International Education Abroad (CIEA) works for the success of all study abroad programs; however, it reserves the right to cancel any program at any time and for any reason it deems necessary for the good of the participants in the program or the interests of Truman State University. Generally, there are two situations under which a faculty-led study abroad program might be cancelled by CIEA. First, programs may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. This occurs when a program fails to reach the minimum number of confirmed participants by the Confirmation Payment Deadline or when other events lead a program to have to be cancelled before it is confirmed. Since program funds are never spent until the program is confirmed, participants in programs cancelled before or as of the Confirmation Payment Deadline will all receive a full refund of all program fees they have paid to that point. The second circumstance is cancellation due to unforeseeable circumstances after a program has been confirmed. While CIEA attempts to avoid cancellation wherever possible, there are certain times when it is unavoidable, such as global pandemic, changes in local conditions, or even if a large number of late withdrawals makes a program financially non-viable. Under these circumstances, CIEA will issue all participants a refund of all program fees which have not already been paid in non-refundable payments to a third party vendor. CIEA will do its best under such circumstances to recover all costs and mitigate any losses for students, but cannot guarantee a full refund. In the extremely rare event that a program were cancelled while in progress, the Executive Director for International Education in consultation with the VPAA, the Comptroller, and University Council would review the circumstances and make a determination regarding any refunds.
Student Dismissal Policy
Students who participate in faculty-led study abroad programs agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the Student Conduct Code, all related Truman Policies, and with all rules and expectations articulated on the Study Abroad Website, program webpage, or by their program director through the course syllabus, pre-departure orientations, and other handouts or communications. Students who fail to conduct themselves according to these standards may be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal from the program. When a student is dismissed from a faculty-led program they will not receive a refund of any program payments they have made. Additionally, such students will be liable for all expenses related to their early departure from the program and return home (including, for example, all flight change and transportation costs). Students who are expelled from their program will also receive an automatic failing grade for the the credits attempted on the program.
Special Note for Flights in 2020-2021
Due to current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic, most programs during the coming year will require students to purchase their own airline tickets (check the list of programs below for what type your program is and read more about Individual Flights below). In order to mitigate financial risks, we highly recommend students take the following precautions when making airfare purchases:
Do not purchase airfare until the Study Abroad Office notifies you that your program has been confirmed!
- Programs that have not yet been confirmed may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollments. Once the Study Abroad Office verifies that a sufficient number of participants have paid their deposits and confirmation payments for a program, they will send out an email officially verifying that the program has been confirmed. Purchasing airfare prior to confirmation is a financial risk due to the possibility of cancellation.
Purchase cash-refundable tickets.
- Individual airlines and third-party sellers offer a wide variety of ticket-types with varying amounts of flexibility. While it can be attractive to select the least expensive flight, such budget options often come with little or no flexibility for making flight changes or cancellation. Students should also be aware that some refundable tickets are only refundable in vouchers towards future flights with the same ticket-seller and should investigate whether cash- refundable tickets are available to mitigate financial risk. Always carefully read the fine-print and ask questions of your seller to ensure you have an amount of financial risk you feel comfortable with when purchasing airfare.
Purchase a trip insurance or flight insurance policy
- . Another way to mitigate financial risks is to purchase an insurance policy through your seller or a third party. Many major insurers (including CISI who provides student health and emergency coverage for Truman’s programs) offer a range of coverage options for study abroad trips which can cover such items as flights and non-refundable costs paid to Truman in the event of cancellation. Students should assess such policies and obtain sufficient coverage to ensure they feel comfortable with the amount of financial risk they are carrying to study abroad.
Pay attention to the fine print.
- Many airlines and insurers have changed their policies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many options advertised as “refundable” or “insured” may have various conditions that are not covered, or settlements may come in non-cash forms. Read carefully before making a purchase and contact your seller to ask questions to ensure that the coverage or tickets you are purchasing meet your needs.
Flights Differ by Program
For some Faculty-Led Programs the entire group travels together to the destination abroad (Group Airfare), while other programs require students to purchase their own airfare and the group convenes at a designated time and place abroad (Individual Airfare). Students do not have a choice regarding which type of airfare to participate in, this choice is made in advance for an entire program and participants must conform to their program’s requirement. Additional information about flights and travel arrangements can be located on each program’s webpage.
Group Airfare
Programs with Group Airfare INCLUDE the cost of international airfare in the program costs which are billed to the student. Students participating in these programs will be required to participate in this Group Airfare. The program will officially start at a designated meeting point and at either the St. Louis or Kansas City airport ahead of the group flight. Students will be responsible for getting to the airport for this designated meeting. Students who experience delays or other issues arriving on time should communicate with their program directors as soon as possible. Likewise, the program will conclude at the airport after the return group flight has landed. Program airfare will be purchased with the “Confirmation Payment” and therefore refunds of the payment are subject to the terms and conditions of the airline from which airfare has been purchased. Students will receive the exact details of their flights and ticketing information from CIEA after tickets have been purchased. CIEA is unable to guarantee the ability to allow any travel deviations in advance. Students wishing to request such a deviation must speak with CIEA no later than the confirmation date of the program. Students who arrange alternative travel without the approval of CIEA are subject to program dismissal.
Individual Airfare
Programs with Individual Airfare DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of international airfare in the program costs which are billed to the student. Students participating in these programs will not have their flights arranged for them, but must purchase their own tickets. Students should never purchase tickets until they receive notice from the study abroad office that their program has been confirmed. Additionally, students are highly encouraged to investigate travel or flight insurance options or purchase cash-refundable tickets according to their need to mitigate risk of financial loss should the program or flights be cancelled. Students must share a copy of their tickets or an itinerary of travel with the study abroad office at least one month prior to departure. Students are free to arrange with one another to travel in groups to the destination, but the Study Abroad Office will be unable to assist with such arrangements. The program will officially start at a designated meeting point in the country where the program takes place. Program directors will give students detailed instructions on the exact time and place where the group will convene and any necessary logistical information about how to get there. Students will be responsible for getting to the designated meeting place at the indicated time. Students who experience delays or other issues arriving on time should communicate with their program directors as soon as possible. Similarly, the program will conclude at a designated time and place in the country abroad and students will be responsible for their return travel home.
Study Abroad Office Information
While your instructor will be your primary point of contact for your program, the Study Abroad Office is here to help you navigate all the administrative and safety aspects of your study abroad experience. We can work with you, advocate for you, and help guide you as you complete all the various steps involved in study abroad. Schedule a meeting today through Calendly, email, or calling (660) 785-4076.
Will Storm
Coordinator for Faculty-Led Programs
storm@truman.edu
(660) 785-7455
Center for International Education Abroad
106C Baldwin Hall