Frequently Asked Questions

The GEO application is the college's internal application through the Terra Dotta portal (which is often referred to as the College's study abroad portal). A GEO application is required for any student wishing to study abroad. A GEO application comes below a program-specific application. 

You only submit one GEO application per term.  

Yes, you are allowed to make edits until the application deadline. After the deadline, no edits are allowed.

Exceptions to this policy can be made on a case-by-case basis.

For summer programs, we aim to have decisions out within 1-2 weeks after you submit your GEO application.

For semester programs, we aim to have decisions out within a month after the deadline.

You will receive notification via email.

• December  1 of the previous calendar year for Fall programs
• April 1 of the previous calendar year for Spring programs
• March 1 of the same year for Summer programs

No late applications are accepted for semester programs. Late summer applications can be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Please review our Steps page and guide.

Please review our financials page.

Overall, financial aid and scholarships can be applied toward a semester program; however, summer programs are an out-of-pocket expense and aid cannot be applied. That being said, many summer programs do offer their own scholarships and grants, and there are some external scholarships, like the Gilman Scholarship, that can help offset some summer costs. 

Yes, financial aid can be applied toward approved semester programs. Please refer to our Financials page.

Yes!

Internal scholarships: There are numerous study abroad scholarships available through the College. All eligible students are automatically considered, and no separate application is required. LFC scholarship decisions are made by the Global Engagement Office in coordination with the Office of Financial Aid.

External Scholarships: Most programs offer their own scholarships, and all eligible students are encouraged to apply. There are also a variety of other external scholarships available. You can review a sample list at the bottom of our Financials page; please note that this list is not exhaustive.

It depends on the program.

Over 95% of programs include housing. For programs that do not, assistance is provided to help study abroad students find local apartments.

All exchange programs include meal benefits. For direct programs, it is much more common to have meals be an out-of-pocket expense.

Yes, the majority of credits will transfer back to Lake Forest as long as you earn a passing grade in the course. There are some exceptions, including courses in hospitality and physical education. If you have concerns about whether a specific course will transfer back for general credit or to fulfill a Forester Fundamental Curriculum requirement, please contact transfereval@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College has a unique credit system: for most programs, one course does not equal 1.0 LFC credit. Students are provided with a credit equivalency guide to help determine how many courses they need to enroll in to return with 3.0–4.0 LFC credits.

Potentially! The chair of the relevant department is responsible for approving whether a course taken abroad can transfer back toward a major or minor requirement. You should discuss with your academic advisor which courses in your major the department allows students to take abroad, as each department has its own policies.

For questions regarding Forester Fundamental Curriculum approval, please contact transfereval@lakeforest.edu.

For semester programs:

Course titles and grades will appear on the student’s Lake Forest College transcript and be considered Lake Forest credit.  However, the grades will not count toward the GPA except for Dean’s List and honors calculations.  Students may not opt to take these courses as Pass/NoPass through the College, but may elect to do so if allowed by their host program.  Not all host programs allow Pass/NoPass, and students should confirm with their departmental advisor at Lake Forest to determine whether their department will accept Pass/NoPass courses toward the major or minor.

For summer programs:

Participants in any other programs, including summer programs, will earn transfer credit for courses completed with grades of C- or better. All programs must be approved by the College before transfer credit can be earned; certain programs may have been pre-approved for transfer credit and students can consult with the Global Engagement Office for details.  Course titles and grades earned for transfer credit will appear on the College transcript, but those grades will not be calculated in the GPA except for honors calculations.  Transfer credit is not eligible to count for the Dean’s List.

It should not delay your graduation, but advance planning and careful course selection are crucial. For a semester abroad, it is best to plan for a term in which you only need to complete general graduation requirements.

A visa or residency permit is an official authorization issued by the country in which you will study or the countries you intend to visit. This authorization grants permission to enter and remain in that country for travel, study, or internship purposes for a specified period of time.

Students are responsible for obtaining their own visas, residency permits, and for complying with all immigration processes and regulations.

Our office cannot assist with applying for visas or residence permits; however, many programs provide their own guidance and support for visa or residence permit applications. What our office can assist with includes:

1. helping you begin researching whether you need a visa or residence permit, and

2. providing an official letter from Lake Forest College confirming your enrollment in a study abroad program, which is a document required for many visa application processes.

Please refer to https://travel.state.gov 

Health and safety of our Forester community remains of utmost importance. An overview of all health and safety resources can be found on our health and safety resources webpage.

Your program will also have health and safety information that is specific to the program. Make sure to review any health and safety resources that your program provides.

Lake Forest College students participating on approved study abroad programs have access to EIIA International Travel Insurance. Their website has numberous resources, including this FAQ: International Travel Program FAQs.

Our office will share additional country-specific information with students prior to departure. However, while exploring which countreis may be a best fit for you, please utilize resources such as the Department of State's International Travel site or the Government of Canada's Travel advisory site.

You should, if possible, bring a supply to last throughout your time abroad -- and consider the following:

• Check the Regulations: Some countries have strict rules about bringing medications, especially those that are prescription-based. Research the specific regulations for the country you're visiting. 
• Get a Doctor's Note: Carry a note from your doctor that explains your need for the medication, especially if it's a controlled substance. 
• Keep medications in their original packaging: This helps to avoid any confusion with customs and ensures you have clear documentation. 
• Travel with a Sufficient Supply: Bring enough medication for the duration of your time abroad, as refills may not be easily accessible. 

Please review Northwestern helpful site about studying abroad with medication: Traveling Abroad with Medications

It will depend on your host country if additional vaccines are required. Please consult your physician and research the CDC guidelines.

Before you go abroad on your program, make sure to review what specific mental health resources your program offers.

Many great resources are available from various sources, including this from our partners at the University of Minnesota: Mental Health Abroad Resources for Students

Potentially! There are a few semester-long programs that include an internship as part of the program. There are numerous summer international internship programs where you can earn academic credit - they are like the College's ACTIVATE program but abroad!

For program-specific questions, your specific program will be best equipped to help. Each program has student support staff who can assist you. Please feel free to copy GEO staff on your outreach emails, and we will answer if we are able.

Deferrals are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Absolutely! Numerous athletes study abroad every year. 

Winter athletes: A summer program does work best for your season, but there are a few semester options that may work for your situation. Please contact GEO if you are interested in a semester program.

You can make an advising appointment or stop by during drop-in hours. Please visit our contact page here.

Our GEO staff would be happy to help! Please make an appointment or stop by during drop-in hours.

Lake Forest College's approved semester off-campus programs fall into two categories: Exchange and Direct-Enroll. Please read more here: Semester Programs

Nope! While there are a handful of programs where knowing the local language is a requirement, the vast majority of programs do not have a language requirement. That being said, we always recommend taking a local language course while on your program. 

Yes! F-1 international students can participate in study abroad programs. For questions about studying abroad and your F-1 visa, please reach out to the International Student Support office.

Please read more about program eligibility here: Program Policies

They can be. It's important to submit a complete application in a timely manner.

GEO applications for semester programs: There has been an increase in interest in semester-long study abroad programs, making the application process more competitive. Students are strongly encouraged to put thoughtful care into their applications, as meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval.

Junior year is the most common option for students; however, it can depend on a variety of factors on "when" is the best time for you.

It is not recommended to study abroad during your last semester at the College but it is allowed. 

Before your semester abroad, you will either not sign a housing contract or submit a housing withdrawal form, depending on the semester you are abroad. Please reach out to the Office of Residence Life if you have additional questions.