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International Programs at Mercer University

Policies and Procedures

 

Acceptance Criteria

MERCER IN OXFORD

  • G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher
  • Two letters of recommendation from Mercer faculty members
  • Acceptance given by Mercer University, per review of student's application by the Oxford Overseas Study Course

MERCER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

  • G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
  • Two letters of recommendation from Mercer faculty members
  • Acceptance by the Mercer partner institution

MERCER FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD

  • G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
  • Student meets pre-requisites (if any)
  • Acceptance given by the faculty program director

MERCER ON MISSION

  • G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
  • Students write a reflection essay
  • Students meet pre-requisites (if any)
  • Acceptance given by the faculty program director and Dean of Chapel

NON-MERCER PARTNER PROGRAMS (TRANSIENT)

  • Minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 for most programs.
  • Please consult with a study abroad advisor for more information.

 

Procedures

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Receive pre-approval forcourses abroadfrom appropriatedepartment heads
  • Agree to Mercer Study Abroad policies and submit all relevant forms
  • Purchase mandatory study abroad insurance
  • Attend Study Abroad Orientation

SEMESTER PROGRAMS

  • Explore your study abroad options in the Office of International Programs.
  • Make an appointment with a study abroad advisor; investigate your academic options.
  • Talk to your academic advisor to see if the study abroad program fits within your Mercer major/minor.
  • Complete all application materials; return them to the Office of Study Abroad.
  • Get academic approval for your courses abroad.
  • Meet with your financial aid counselor (if applicable).
  • Attend the Mercer University Study Abroad Orientation (mandatory).
  • Pack your things and set off for the experience of a lifetime!

MERCER ON MISSION & FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS*

  • Get approval from the faculty member directing the study program.
  • To apply, meet with the faculty-led study abroad program assistant in the Office of Study Abroad.
  • Make the appropriate travel and program deposits by their scheduled due dates.
  • Complete all applications and send to them to the Office of Study Abroad.
  • Attend the group study abroad orientation (mandatory).
  • Join your professor and peers for a Mercer experience unlike any other on campus!
*Mercer On Mission students must first complete an on-line grant application and submit a competitive essay at http://www.mercer.edu/mom prior to completing all appropriate paperwork in the study abroad office.
 

Every student who studies abroad must get approval from his or her academic advisor and the coordinator of study abroad programs.

 

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM FEES

Mercer Student Exchange Programs

  • Mercer Tuition
  • Room & Board
  • $500 Exchange Program Administrative Fee
  • Study Abroad Insurance Plan
  • Travel-related costs are separate

Mercer in Oxford

  • Fall Semester (September - December): Mercer Tuition
  • Spring Semester (January - mid-June): Mercer Tuition plus the excess of the costs of the Oxford program (approximately $7,000)
  • $500 Study Abroad Administrative Fee
  • Study Abroad Insurance Plan
  • Travel-related costs are separate

Mercer Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs

  • Mercer Tuition
  • Travel-related costs
  • $50 Study Abroad Administrative Fee
  • Study Abroad Insurance Plan

Mercer On Mission

  • Six hours of Mercer credit (required)
  • $50 Study Abroad Administrative Fee
  • Study Abroad Insurance Plan
  • Note: Students receive a competitive travel grant

Mercer Partner Study Abroad Programs (Transient)

  • Pay overseas tuition
  • Pay overseas room and board
  • Study Abroad Insurance Plan
  • $250 Administrative Fee
  • Travel costs

**Note: These explanations of program fees are a general indicator of student costs and do not accurately reflect the actual program costs or their related travel expenses. All fees are subject to change. Financial aid could be available to eligible students who elect to study abroad. Mercer institutional scholarship aid is available only for those students enrolling in an exchange program or in the Oxford Overseas Study Course. Financial Aid may be applicable to International Study Abroad Transient Programs. Students who are uncertain about whether or not their aid is applicable to a study abroad program should see a study abroad advisor and a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Planning. Students interested in studying abroad can obtain further information from the Office of International Programs in Ryals Hall. General telephone and e-mail inquiries can be made at (478) 301-2573 or at studyabroad@mercer.edu .

 

Mercer On Mission Policies

Visit the Mercer On Mission website for more specific program and refund policy information.

 

Study Abroad Refund Policy

Mercer University must pay charges to various international institutions and organizations to hold places for study abroad students. Other program expenses are incurred well before the program begins based on the number of students who sign up. Therefore, it is sometimes impossible for payments to be refunded in full if a student chooses to withdraw from a program. All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Office of International Programs..

 

The following policies apply to Mercer study abroad programs. Please note that only in exceptional circumstances can these policies be modified.

  • The study abroad administrative fee ($50 for faculty-led programs, $250 for transient programs, and $500 for Mercer semester programs) is not refundable, unless the student's application is rejected.

 

  • A student who withdraws may apply the study abroad administrative fee to participation in a different program in the same year.

 

  • If a student voluntarily withdraws from a study abroad program after application to the program but prior to the start date of the program, the student will be refunded the program cost, excluding application fee and any portion of the program cost which is unrecoverable* (pre-paid meals, pre-paid room reservation deposits, etc.). Even if the student has not yet paid the full program balance, he or she is obligated to pay Mercer for any unrecoverable expenses incurred on the student's behalf. This may require the student to pay part of the program cost to Mercer, even if he or she does not attend the program. It is therefore in the student's best interest to notify the Office of Study Abroad immediately when making a decision to withdraw.

 

  • If a student voluntarily withdraws from a study abroad program after the program officially begins, no money will be refunded.

 

  • If a student is required to withdraw from a study program for academic or conduct reasons after the program officially begins, no money will be refunded.

 

  • Students in any program who choose NOT to participate in a program activity, either mandatory or non- mandatory, (such as a field trip, excursion, cultural event, etc.) will NOT be refunded any portion of the program cost.

*Unrecoverable costs may include expenses for both individual and group services. Individual expenses are items such as airline tickets or pre-paid room reservations. Group expenses may include bus rentals or payment to guides. For example, if the program budget is based on a minimum of 15 participants, and the 15th student withdraws, then a portion of the cost for some group services also becomes an unrecoverable loss. The Office of Study Abroad is not responsible for students who are denied visas for entrance into their host countries. It is imperative that students apply for a visa in a timely manner prior to program expenses being paid to the study abroad provider. Please consult with either the study abroad advisor or faculty member leading program if a travel visa is required.