USAC Study Abroad Program Overview
Institution
For 30 years, USAC has provided university students with affordable, valuable study abroad programs and contributed to the internationalization of universities in the US and abroad. USAC’s mission is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in the global society of the twenty-first century. We strive to provide an authentic, quality context in which students may grow into engaged citizens of the world, not only in the classroom but also through field trips, integrated living and academic experiences, sports, internships, and volunteer and service learning opportunities.
USAC offers 2 different program models:
Specialty
Partnership
Locations
USAC offers programs in 26 countries. Below is a link to a select list of USAC programs that we have identified as good curriculum or location matches for Appalachian students. Students are welcome to apply through this page for other USAC programs.
Housing
Housing options will vary by program. For more information please visit the specific USAC program page. USAC will bill students directly for housing costs.
Financial
Program Costs
Students participating on USAC programs will be billed through Appalachian the USAC tuition and fee costs. This will replace the Appalachian tuition & fees for the term they are abroad. In addition to the USAC costs students will also be responsible for submitting a $200 OIED Program Development Fee upon acceptance by the Education Abroad Office. The fee payment confirms your spot and is non-refundable. Students will also be billed a $60 International Health Development Fee after program confirmation.
Students should also plan for additional program related costs. The table below lists some of the common categories that students should plan for.
| Estimated Additional Costs |
Semester |
| USAC Application Fee |
$100 |
| USAC Confirmation Deposit |
$500 |
| Housing |
Varies |
| Meals |
Varies |
| Airfare |
Varies |
| 1Personal Expenses |
Varies |
| Books and Materials |
Varies |
| Local Transportation |
Varies |
| Visa (for US Citizens) |
Varies |
| Passport |
$150 |
| 2US Based Health Insurance |
Varies |
| 3Personal Travel and Spending |
Varies |
1Personal expenses includes but is not limited to: toiletries, cell phone, emergency funds, laundry, clothing, utilities, basic travel and entertainment, etc
2Students are encouraged to maintain a US based health insurance plan while abroad (to exempt out of AppState insurance students must follow the App exemption process - proving that they have insurance coverage for the entirety of the semester.
3Personal Travel and Spending amounts will vary by student and will be affected by how often a student goes out, travels, and the items they purchase.
Please note that non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.
Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. Please use the Student Financial Planning Worksheet to help estimate your anticipated expenses and your anticipated financial resources. When planning for estimated additional costs students are encouraged to research currency conversion rates.
Financial Aid
The majority of financial aid and scholarships can apply to semester and year-long study abroad programs. For more information please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid web page.
Scholarships
USAC Scholarships
USAC offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1000.
OIED Scholarships
Each semester OIED offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $2000.
Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program application is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Fund for Education Abroad
Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
For information about additional scholarships please visit our External Scholarships web page.
Academics
USAC programs will offer either USAC designed courses, host university courses, or a combination of both. For more information about the courses and structure of the program please visit the USAC website. Students can also use the USAC Program Search feature.
All students are expected to maintain at least the equivalent of a full time course load according to Appalachian State and the host university while abroad (whichever is greater). Each USAC program will have a different minimum credit requirement. For more information about study abroad enrollment policies, credit approval, and credit and grade conversions please visit the Academics section of our website.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the listed deadline. Each year applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer will open up on August 1st. Once open the deadline will be listed below and an Apply Now button will be available at the top and bottom of this page. Most applications will have a 2 part application process so students are encouraged to complete their OIED application well before the listed deadline.
Students applying to a USAC program should complete the
USAC application while also completing the Appalachian application.
For more information about deadlines and how to apply please visit our
Guide Me web page.