What is GEO?
As the University of Oregon’s study abroad office, GEO guides your student on the path to studying abroad.
What is study abroad?
Study abroad encompasses a variety of programs in which students attend school or complete an internship in a country outside of the US and receive UO academic credit. At the UO, 25% of students study abroad at some point in their college career.
How does the cost compare to tuition at UO?
When students study abroad, they don’t pay their regular UO tuition—instead, they pay the cost of the program. Program costs range widely depending on program type, length, and location. For in-state students, there are some programs that are comparable to the cost of attending the UO, and there are some programs that are more expensive. For out-of-state students, many programs are comparable to the cost of attending the UO, and some programs may even be less expensive. Our website includes comprehensive budgets for all of our programs, and we work closely with students to ensure that they select a program that will be financially feasible for them.
Can financial aid be used for study abroad?
Most forms of financial aid and scholarships can be applied towards the costs of study abroad. The UO financial aid award will be adjusted to reflect the costs of participation, which may make it possible, for example, to increase a student loan to help offset the costs. It’s important for your student to meet with a financial aid counselor in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to learn how his/her specific aid package could be applied towards study abroad.
Are there scholarships for study abroad?
There are a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships available specifically for students who are studying abroad. Some of these scholarships are tied to a specific program and others are available to any student. We encourage all students to plan well in advance for study abroad and for applying for scholarships.
Can my student still graduate on time?
If students plan early, work closely with their academic advisor(s), and select an appropriate program that fits within their academic plan, they can still graduate on time. In fact, some studies show that students who study abroad are more likely to graduate on time than non-study abroad students.* The key thing is for your student to start planning early.
When should my student go abroad?
There is a lot of flexibility in terms of when students can go abroad. While some programs require junior standing, many are open to sophomores, and there are even a few programs that are open to freshmen. Many students choose to go abroad during their junior year, but others go during their sophomore or senior year.
How long are the programs?
Programs range in length from just a few weeks over the summer, to a ten-week term, a semester, or a full-year. Students can select a program with the length that fits their interests and academic plan.
Does my student need to have studied a foreign language in order to study abroad?
Some of our study abroad/internship programs have a language requirement, but many others do not. We offer English-language programs everywhere from the UK to Singapore, and even in many countries where English is not the national language (Italy, Sweden, Thailand, etc.).
What safety measures are in place?
Maximizing student, staff and faculty health and safety while abroad is GEO’s top priority. GEO has a number of health and safety protocols in place to support this priority, and draws on more than 50 years of experience supporting students and faculty abroad. Students receive information about health and safety preparation prior to departure. We also arrange comprehensive travel health insurance for each program participant and work closely with on-the-ground staff to ensure the safety of our students.