Studying or Interning Abroad as a non-U.S. Citizen

The Education Abroad team encourages all students to consider building an international study or internship experience into their degree plan at Coastal Carolina University. We welcome non-U.S. citizens who meet CCU Education Abroad eligibility requirements to participate in our programs. As a non-U.S. citizen, you may have some specific concerns regarding education abroad. The Center for Global Engagement believes these concerns should be addressed early and should not prevent you from studying or interning abroad, if it is your desire to do so.

It is important for non-U.S. citizens to verify whether participating on a education abroad program will affect their U.S. student visa status, U.S. immigration status, or eligibility to re-enter the U.S. upon return. Verifying this information can take some time, so it is critical that non-U.S. citizens plan early – at least nine months to one year prior to their expected study abroad start date –to make sure that all questions are answered accurately. Please follow these guidelines to ensure that you better understand your ability to study abroad with CCU:

• Schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor and share the following information with them:
  • Your current citizenship status and country of origin
  • Your desired education abroad destination
  • The duration of your preferred international study or internship program and the classes you want to take, if applicable
• Schedule an appointment with your International Student Services Advisor and complete the following steps:
  • Verify whether studying or interning abroad will affect your U.S. visa/immigration status
  • Confirm all requirements, restrictions and/or deadlines
  • Ensure that you know about all required documentation you will need to bring with you while studying or interning abroad
• Be sure to maintain any minimum requirements while studying or interning abroad (for example, undergraduate students must take the equivalent of 12 U.S. credits to be considered a full-time student)
• Research student visa requirements and deadlines for the host country of your international study or internship program as well other countries you plan to visit
  • Some countries require you to renew your U.S. visa before you can obtain their student visa
  • Renewing your U.S. visa may require returning to your home country either before or after your education abroad program