DEI Abroad Resources
George Mason University is a member of the Diversity Abroad Network: Diversity Abroad: Where Diversity, Inclusion and Global Education Intersect
Every student should have the opportunity to study abroad. George Mason University has pledged to build and sustain an inclusive campus community. As such, GEO is committed to increasing the number of students studying abroad and encourages every student to consider spending sometime abroad.
George Mason University is a member of the Diversity Abroad Network: Diversity Abroad: Where Diversity, Inclusion and Global Education Intersect
It is important to not only focus on a program that matches your goals and interests but also how you will budget for your study abroad experience. Many programs are financially comparable to studying on campus for a semester, therefore program selection is crucial especially if you are on a tight budget.
Finding funding for your study abroad excursion can seem challenging, however, not impossible. There are a number resources at your disposal. It is important to research carefully and EARLY to secure appropriate funding. Remember the more you apply, the greater your chances are for funding your study abroad experience.
View available scholarshipsOnce you have decided to study abroad and have met with your academic advisor, you will need to consider costs. If you are a recipient of financial aid, this means meeting with your counselor.
We recommend checking in with your 529 Plan contact for specific guidance. General information on studying abroad with a 529 Plan can be found here.
"Study abroad expenses such as tuition and fees, program fees, room and board, and required textbooks are eligible to be funded with a 529 plan, just like they are in the United States. Study abroad expenses that are not able to be covered with 529 plans include transportation, international health insurance, medical costs not covered by U.S. health insurance, basic living expenses, and any costs associated with an international cell phone."
GEO staff is not able to advise on your specific 529 Plan. However, many students used their plan successfully towards some or most direct program expenses.
Check the Cost Sheet tab on your program page for a cost breakdown, including what is considered "Billable" and "Non-Billable."
Learn more about Payment PlansWhen you meet with your financial aid counselor, bring a copy of the budget sheet found on your program's page. Do not simply drop off the form: you and your counselor will review your financial aid package together with this additional information. After your meeting, you will have an idea of what can be covered by aid and how much you will have to contribute.
Federal financial aid is always awarded through a student's home university. If you are a George Mason student intending to participate in a qualifying non-Mason affiliated program, you must still go to the Mason Financial Aid Office. If you attend another university and you are participating in a George Mason study abroad program, you need to visit the Financial Aid Office at your home school.
Things to Remember when Requesting Financial Aid
- You MUST meet with your counselor. They will review your financial aid package with you.
- Financial Aid MAY cover spending and living costs. It depends on the aid package you have.
- Bring the BUDGET SHEET of your desired program with you to see what your billable and non-billable costs are.
- Your financial aid package will not be released in time to cover expenses that must be prepaid like your airline ticket and other out-of-pocket expenses.
We are committed to providing study abroad opportunities that do not jeopardize the health and safety of our students. For this reason, we monitor global news each day and remain in regular contact with the U.S. State Department, embassies or consulates, the Center for Disease Control and on-site experts and hosts in the countries where our students are located. Additionally, the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC ) oversees all University travel to “higher-risk” locations.
In case of emergency
call +1-703-993-7500
Many health insurance plans do not cover general health care while abroad. Students participating in a George Mason study abroad programs (including external study abroad) are covered under a Mason-sponsored international emergency insurance. George Mason University requires all students traveling abroad on university-sponsored or related travel to obtain international emergency medical and repatriation/evacuation insurance coverage through Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Service. Global Education Office (GEO) programs include the required insurance coverage.
It is recommended that you investigate and, if needed, purchase insurance to cover these events. Check with your homeowners insurance to see what items – camera, phone, computer – might be covered from theft or damage.
Important Exclusions
Benefits will not be paid for loss or injury that is cause by or a result of:
- Commission of or attempt to commit a felony
- Commission of or active participation in a riot or insurrection
- Medical benefits will not be paid for any loss, treatment, or services resulting from:
- Injury caused by or resulting from travel in or on any off-road motorized vehicle not requiring licensing as a motor vehicle, or a motor vehicle not designed primarily for use on public streets or highways
- Injury resulting from off-road motorcycling; scuba diving; jet, snow or water skiing; mountain climbing (where ropes or guides are used); sky diving; amateur automobile racing; automobile racing or automobile speed contests; bungee jumping; surfing; or parasailing.
- Additional exclusions apply. Read the Summary of Benefits for more information.
- When participating in any of these activities purchase additional insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions at this Stage
How long does my passport need to be valid?
To be on the safe side while traveling on any program, you should make sure you have a passport with a minimum validity of six months from your return date to the US. Some countries will not issue visas or stamp passports if they expire before six months.
Can I drive overseas?
Due to the major liability that this entails, we ask that participants on all programs refrain from driving any motorized vehicle while abroad. All participants sign the Motorized Vehicle Agreement form located within their MasonAbroad application.
Before you depart for your program, it is important that you understand your coverage and how it works. Be aware that in many countries, the cost of medical services must be paid in advance by the patient (and then reimbursed by insurance).
The international emergency insurance provided by the Global Education Office (GEO) only covers you through the duration of your program. If you will be traveling independently before or after your program and wish to extend your insurance coverage, please contact your Program Administrator.
It is recommended that you also look into liability insurance to cover any valuables you will take on the trip, such as a laptop computer, camera, or video recorder. You can also consider tuition, trip, travel, and luggage insurance.
Continue to 'While Abroad'Make sure you understand all the restrictions and costs that apply to your fare. Many tickets are non-refundable or you cannot change your return date. Often additional taxes and fuel surcharges apply.
Culture shock refers to the anxiety a person feels when moved to a completely new environment. The anxiety manifests as a physical and emotional discomfort. Culture shock is a process that evolves over a period of time, and its stages affect people differently. It covers the progression from not knowing what to do, how to do things, or what is appropriate in a new environment to a sense of understanding. Although one can experience real pain, culture shock is also an opportunity for redefining one's self and learning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of one's self and stimulate personal creativity. Most feelings of culture shock are normal and many often don't realize they're experiencing it in the moment. Everyone experiences culture shock differently but symptoms include, but are not limited to, homesickness, isolation, mild depression, hyper-irritability, change in sleep or eating patterns, excessive reactions to host culture, etc. Although extremely rare, you should seek medical or psychiatric help immediately if your symptoms become worse.
Students who have spent time abroad often experience a similar process upon their return home, which is known as reverse culture shock or re-entry.
Learn more about Re-entry hereOnce you have explored the various Mason study abroad programs, you may find that you have an academic need that is not met by our programming. Mason will allow students to participate in any accredited program and bring back transfer credits (see External Study Abroad).
The following resources are a great way to get a quick overview of a country's political and social structure (CIA World Factbook) as well as useful information on health, safety, U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, and tips on how to prepare for your trip.
If you do not have a passport, apply for one as soon as you have decided to study abroad. Many countries also require a visa for entry. A visa is a document issued by a country allowing an individual to enter the country for a specific purpose during a specific period of time. It can be stamped inside a passport or issued as a separate piece of paper. You will need your passport to apply for a visa. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country where you are planning to study abroad for specific information regarding visa requirements and how to obtain one if required.
A currency converter can help you figure out local currency costs in US dollars.
Travel Resources