Study Abroad
The Study Abroad program at SHSU offers the opportunity to engage in a cultural and education experience. Students have the opportunity to study through one of our 32 exchange universities in 13 countries, study through an independent accredited organization, or register for a faculty-led summer courses.
While abroad, students may be able to earn credit hours toward their degree. In addition, students who meet the minimum requirements, may be eligible to receive study abroad scholarships.
Exchange Agreements
An exchange agreement entails paying SHSU tuition, fees and scholarships, while attending a foreign university. Students may take courses in a foreign language or in English.
Each student may have to complete an exchange agreement form with appropriate signatures from professors and chairs. This process is necessary for approval to take a course overseas and receive credit hours upon return to SHSU. Please use "Study Abroad Students with Student Exchange Agreements" form.
Exchange Agreements Procedures
Study Abroad Students with Student Exchange Agreements form
More detailed information on our study abroad program with exchange agreements can be found on the following link.
Independent Study Abroad Options
If a student's desired study abroad option is not under our exchange agreements, he/she can create an individualized independent abroad program. There is a variety of well recognized and affiliated programs with SHSU for a student to study abroad.
Sam Houston State University is a member of the Texas International Education Consortium(TIEC) for study abroad. The TIEC endorses the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). AIFS offers semester and summer programs through universities all over the world.
The student will pay tuition and fees to the respective independent program. The student has to get approval from Undergraduate Admissions, professors and deans in order to pursue the independent program.Please use "Study Abroad Students without Student Exchange Agreements" form.
Independent Program Procedures
Study Abroad Students without Student Exchange Agreements (form)
More independent study abroad options can be found at:
Faculty-led Courses
Students are given the opportunity to enroll in a faculty-led summer program and earn credit hours while overseas.
Professors of different departments at SHSU travel overseas and take prospective students for a two-week, a month, or a summer session. Please use the following link to view the courses offered through our faculty-led summer programs.
Faculty-led Programs Study Abroad Course Development and Approval: (for faculty use only)
Rules for Approval of Distance Education
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) annotated list for Out of State and Country Courses
Certification Form for Courses
SHSU Scholarship Opportunities
Financial Questions
Scholarship Application Information
Scholarship Award Disbursement QuestionsScholarship Application Forms:
Non SHSU Scholarship Opportunities
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Awards of up to $5,000 to support U.S. citizen undergraduate receiving federal Pell Grant funding at 2-year or 4-year undergraduate colleges or universities in study abroad. Students studying in Critical Need Language may receive a $3,000 supplement for at total possible award of $8,000. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Satte, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Deadlines: October 9, 2007; April 2, 2008
Contact: gilman@iie.org
Website: www.iie.org/gilman
Freeman-Asia: Awards for study in Asia
Open to undergraduate students to study in East and Southeast Asia. Fall, Spring, and Summer cycles. Awards amounts vary from $3,000 for summer term, $5,000 for semester and $7,000 for academic year programs.
Deadline: October 17, 2007; March 5, 2008; April 2, 2008
Contact: Freeman-Asia@iie.org
Website: www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-Asia
Boren Scholarships & Fellowships
Funding from the National Security Education Program (NSEP) supports U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests: Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Up to $20,000 for undergraduate and $30,000 for graduate students depending on cost and length of program.
Deadline: January 30, 2008 (graduate students); February 12, 2008 (undergraduate students)
Contact: nsep@iie.org
Website: www.iie.org/nsep
This information was provided to us by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Houston, TX.
Prior to departure please view the postedtravel warnings
Current U.S. Department of StateTravel Warnings
Third Annual Study Abroad Photo Contest
Are you studying abroad this summer? If so, don’t forget your camera! The Office of International Programs is sponsoring the second annual Photo Contest for students who submit photographs taken during their study abroad experience.
To enter all you need to do is:
- Be a full-time student during the Fall 2007 semester;
- Participate in an SHSU-approved study abroad program;
- Take lots of photographs during your study abroad experience;
- Submit your THREE BEST photos to The Office of International Programs no later than October 5, 2007. (Farrington Building, Room 116 or SHSU Box 2150, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2150)
- On the back of each photo, write your name, telephone number, email address, a description of the photo content (i.e., Great Wall of China), and the city and country where the photo was taken.
Your 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 photos and/or your digital files (taken with a 4 megapixel or higher camera) will be judged by Dr. Jack Barnosky of the Photography department and, if one of your photos is chosen, you will need to submit an 8 x 10 of that photo.
First and Second Place winners will receive special recognition and cash awards of $100 and $50, respectively.