Step 4 Prepare

Identities Abroad

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Abroad (DEI Abroad)

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.

DEI Abroad Resources Updated July 2023

Cost and Funding

What is the cost of study abroad?

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.

The cost of studying abroad varies greatly depending on your program's type, length, and location. It can pay off to take time and compare costs at Mason with those that incur abroad.

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 scholarships

Once 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."

Source

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 Plans

Financial Aid

Budget Sheets

When 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.

Visit the Financial Aid Office

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 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.

Health and Safety

Is it safe to study abroad?

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


Mercer Campus Travel Assistance

Many health insurance plans do not cover general health care while abroad. Students participating in a 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.

  • Coverage starts the day before the start date of a program and ends the day after the end date of a program.
  • If a student is traveling before or after a program, they are advised to purchase additional emergency medical insurance.
  • Insurance covers medical expenses in cases of accident or sickness.
  • In most cases students will have to pay the cost-of-care at time of service and file a claim with Mercer for reimbursement.
  • Medical and security evacuation must be pre-approved and authorized. Evacuations are based on specific trigger events.
  • See Summary of Benefits for more information
  • Travel interruption/cancellation insurance (Conditions apply. $1000 limit. Summary of Benefits for more information)
  • Personal liability

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.
Students will have access to the Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Portal which provides important information on in country health and safety considerations, finding doctors, finding out about vaccinations, in-country emergency numbers, U.S. Embassy locations and contact information and more.

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.

Prior to Departure

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).

Coverage

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.

Liability Insurance

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'

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