Course-based study-travel projects integrate travel with course readings, reflections, and lectures. Travel can last anywhere from one to three weeks. Most course-based study travel projects are offered during Exploration Term. However, some projects are offered during the regular term and in the summer session, with students travelling near the end or halfway through the course.  Students in any major and at any class standing may participate in course-based study travel projects. Travel expenses range from $2,500-$5,500, which includes airfare, lodging, and most (if not all) meals.

Exploration Term travel projects will be promoted in the spring prior to the scheduled Exploration Term.  Students can begin securing spots in these projects in the spring, but projects will remain open until full or until late September, whichever comes first. Students secure a spot by placing a deposit and completing a travel agreement form. Additional information about Exploration Term travel projects can be found here. If you have questions, reach out to Krulak Institute staff.

Regular and summer-term travel projects will be indicated in Self-Service, announced in Monday Morning, and promoted through other campus message boards. To enroll in a regular term or summer term project, students register for the course during the regular registration process and then complete a travel agreement form.

Reach out the instructor of the course or to the Krulak Institute as soon as possible if you are interested in completing a regular or summer term travel project.

Studying abroad means that students enroll at colleges or universities outside of the United States for a single term or a full year. Courses completed transfer back to BSC. Credits earned can be used to fulfill BSC graduation requirements and, with prior approval, may be used to fulfill major, minor, distinction, and general education requirements. Students can study abroad during the fall, spring, or summer terms, or they may consider a full academic year from the fall through the spring.  Students have two different program options for studying abroad: exchange and direct enrollment.  

Exchange : In an exchange program, students pay tuition to Birmingham-Southern at the same rate as if the student were enrolled on campus. Room and board expenses are not typically incorporated into the exchange. However, when students participate in an exchange program, federal loans or scholarships students receive through BSC will apply to the tuition and fees. BSC maintains exchange agreements with several institutions located within the UK, Western Europe, and east Asia. 

Direct Enrollment : In direct enrollment, students enroll directly with the international institution or one of our partnership programs. Students pay fees directly to the institution or program. Prices range from $4,000-$16,000, depending on destination and length of study.  Need-based financial aid may be applied in some cases; merit-based scholarships do not apply. Students can select from a wide range of programs worldwide. 

How do I study abroad for a term or year?

Deciding when and how long to study abroad can be a big decision, but with the support of your academic advisor and Krulak Institute staff, your decision will be easier. The sooner you start planning for your study abroad experience, the better.  The main steps to studying abroad include: meeting with faculty and staff to get advice; reviewing the exchange and program options; completing the study-abroad application, organizing your finances and travel needs.

• Seek advice from faculty or staff.Plan early by making an appointment with your academic advisor and Krulak Institute staff. With your academic advisor, review your degree requirements to discuss how studying abroad can help you fulfill expectations.
• Review program options. On your own and in conjunction with Krulak Institute staff, review the different program options. Consider the institution or program's location, cost, academic programs and majors, and campus life. A list of our program options and institutions can be found here
• Complete the Study Abroad Application.Once you have clarified your plans, complete the BSC application for study abroad available on ENGAGE. This application gathers the necessary information for application to your specific program, as well as initiates your application for scholarships and aid.
• Make a financial plan.Once you have applied, review the costs associated with your selected program and how you plan to pay for expenses. Contact Krulak Institute staff for specific tools to assist in your financial planning. Travel scholarships are available to all BSC students. The deadline for the scholarship application coincides with the application for study abroad. More information about paying for study abroad experiences can be found here.
• Fulfill visa or passport requirements. Every country has a different set of visa or passport requirements. Review these requirements early in your process. Getting your first passport can take 10-12 weeks; applying for a visa can be quicker, but you will want to apply well in advance of your program departure. A passport fund is available to defray costs. Contact the Krulak Institute staff for information.

Students can initiate a contracted, independent study experience abroad for any academic term.  Students might choose this option if they have a specific project or destination in mind, but the existing program options do not fit their needs.  Recent projects have included an internship at a hospital in Colombia and working at a rhino sanctuary in South Africa.  Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in any major may contract a travel experience for academic credit. 

How do I complete an individualized study-abroad contract?

Contact a staff member in the Krulak Institute for assistance in writing a study abroad proposal, identifying funding opportunities, and finding the right destination and itinerary to suit your needs. Contracts are due during registration for a given term.  Most students contract a study-abroad experience for the Exploration Term or summer. During the regular terms, students might contract a virtual international internship. Tuition for study during Exploration Term, fall, and spring is covered in standard tuition. Summer tuition (if applicable) as well as the cost of flights, lodging, and meals would be determined by the student. Students contracting an experience have access to scholarship and other aid through the regular application process. 

Information on contracting an experience is available here

Exchange - Student pays BSC tuition and fees. In some cases, housing and meal plan are also covered.

Direct - Student pays host institution tuition, room, and board. Need-based financial aid may apply, merit aid does not.

Partner - Third party organizations offering study abroad programs; students pay program directly.

Cost Breakdown 

Resources are available to help students study abroad. The specific source of funding can vary from year to year, but the application is the same. Complete the Study Abroad Application on ENGAGE to access funding for regular and summer term study abroad experiences. A separate application is required for Exploration Term travel projects. The Student Government Association provides additional support for summer travel expenses.

Sklenar Travel Scholarships. These scholarship funds are available to students pursuing overseas study during the semester, summer or academic year. Travel funds are awarded based on need and/or merit. The deadline for the scholarship coincides with the application for study abroad. The application can be found on ENGAGE.

Dickerson Award. This award honors the memory of Mr. Shanon Dickerson (BSC ’96), a member of the first class of Leadership Studies graduates who inspired others with his passion for international experiences and commitment to service. The Dickerson Award is a competitive scholarship that supports students at BSC who have a strong desire to study abroad. Selection for this award once during fall term and once during spring term each year. Contact Krulak Institute staff and monitor Monday Morning for specific deadlines. The application can be found on ENGAGE.

Exploration Term Travel. Details about financial support for Exploration Term travel can be found on the Exploration Term page.

SGA Funding. The Student Government Association provides support for students completing summer travel projects. Contact a representative of the SGA for details.

Faculty may be interested in developing travel project or pursuing an experience as a Fulbright Scholar.  The Fulbright Scholars program offers teaching and research programs in over 125 countries.

For faculty interested in developing a travel project, reach out to Krulak Institute staff for assistance in identifying potential partners and designing your program.