Study Abroad Checklist

Interested in studying abroad but don't know where to begin? Follow along using the checklist below that'll take you step-by-step on what you need to do and you'll be abroad in no time!

First things first, you'll need to decide on a study abroad program! Short-terms programs are offered during the winter (January) and summer sessions, while semester-long programs run in the fall and spring. There are many programs available to John Jay students whether they're run directly by John Jay, another CUNY college, or by a trusted study-abroad provider. You can begin your search by taking a look at the Study Abroad page which breaks up programs based on the term. Please note that you must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and not have any pending disciplinary issues in order to be eligible.

 

You can join one of our info sessions to learn more about upcoming programs. These info sessions are offered either in-person or via Zoom during community hour (1:40-2:55pm).

All students planning to study abroad must also schedule a meeting with a study abroad advisor. We will advise you on programs that match your fields of study and places of interest, whether you have a program in mind already or are interested in exploring your options. You can schedule an advising below:

 

Daniel Braslavsky Study Abroad Coordinator

Each study abroad program has it's own cost that you can find on the program's page. It's your responsibility to be aware of the costs and payment deadlines associated with your program. The cost associated with study abroad is usually split into 3 parts:

  1. Program Cost
    • this includes housing, excursions, travel insurance, some meals, etc.
    • to be paid either to JJC, host university, or provider
  2. Tuition
    • if it's a John Jay or CUNY program you will be responsible for tuition for the number of credits that you are taking
      • paid through CUNYfirst
    • if it's a provider program the tuition will be built into the program cost
  3. Out-of-pocket expenses
    • these are costs that are not already included in the program cost such as airfare, meals, visa, and personal expenses

Below is a sample breakdown taken from our Mexico, January 2025 program. Please note that each program has a different program cost.

program cost breakdown for Mexico study abroad, January 2025

Students are eligible (and encouraged) to apply for a variety of study-abroad scholarships. If you have completed a FAFSA and receive financial aid* you may use it toward your study abroad program. You can also take out a student loan. We host Financing Study Abroad info sessions in conjunction with the Financial Aid office where we go through scholarships, financial aid, and loans. This is a great opportunity to speak to a financial aid advisor. You may also reach out to an advisor via email (see below) or stop by the Financial Aid office located in BMW 607.

Student should meet with the Financial Aid offices to discuss adjustments to federal and state awards. This can be determined by printing and filling out the JJC Financial Aid Budget Worksheet for Study Abroad.

 

*The program must be 6-credits or more in order to be eligible for financial aid. If you're an ACE, SEEK, CUSP, or Macaulay Honors student you maybe eligible for additional funding, please check with your advisor.

For John Jay programs:

  • complete the JJC study abroad application as instructed on the How to Apply to Study Abroad page
    • you will find the online, fillable application linked on that page
  • if you have any questions reach out to a study abroad advisor for clarification
  • JJC study abroad applications for winter/spring 2025 programs are due Friday, November 8

For other CUNY programs:

  • complete the study abroad application of the college that's running the program
    • note that each college has a different application deadline
  • once accepted, please meet with your study abroad adviser at JJC (this step is mandatory)
  • complete the non-JJC study abroad application as instructed on the Non-JJC Study Abroad Application page

For provider programs:

  • if you're applying through a Third Party Provider (API, CIEE, IES, SIT, USAC, etc.), you must meet with a study abroad advisor before finalizing the application
    • Daniel Braslavsky Study Abroad Coordinator
      • your application won't be approved until this step is complete
  • once accepted to your program, please notify your study abroad advisor at JJC
  • complete the non-JJC study abroad application as instructed on the Non-JJC Study Abroad Application page

All study abroad courses must be pre-approved to guarantee transfer credits. In order to obtain credit for your study abroad courses, you must stop by the OISP (Office of International Studies & Programs) to pick up a registration form in Haaren Hall 530. This step should be completed once you've chosen your course(s) and prior to your departure. You may receive either Major, Minor, General Education, or Elective credit for a course.

  • Major/Minor credit: the course(s) must be approved by your major/minor coordinator, who will sign off and provide the JJC equivalent
  • General Education/Elective credit: the course(s) must be approved by Dean Killoran in Academic Programs, located in Haaren Hall 532

 

Please note that JJC students going on a JJC faculty-led program do not need to complete a registration form and will instead receive separate instructions for course registration.

Once you've completed your registration form and submitted all of your required documents to our office, you're all set for your study abroad program! Make sure to post your travels using the #JJCabroad and to take lots of photos for our annual photo contest. Our advisors are here should you ever need assistance while you're abroad. Bon voyage!

Study abroad students in Cuba