Study Abroad Programs

Short-term programs led by Ferris State faculty that combine coursework with international travel and cultural engagement.

Faculty-led short-term programs usually range from two to four weeks, and you can earn three to six credits. Ferris State tuition is charged and course credits are registered for the term in which the program takes place.

Exchange programs allow students to study at international partner universities for a semester or academic year while remaining enrolled at Ferris State University. These programs offer deeper academic immersion and long-term cultural engagement. Through exchange agreements, students enroll directly at a partner institution abroad and transfer approved credits back to Ferris State. Exchange programs provide a cost-effective way to gain international academic experience.

• Finland: Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) 
• France: Y Schools
• Germany: Hochschule Rhein-waal
• Japan: Aichi Shukutoku
• Japan: Kansai Gaidai University
• Japan: OIDAI/Oteman Gakuin University
• Netherlands: Hogeschool Utrecht
• Netherlands: Saxion University
• South Korea: Dankook University
• South Korea: Kookmin University
• Spain: University of Salamanca

Ferris has many study abroad options through affiliate program providers. There are short-term, semester, and year-long options in many countries across the globe. Participants can take courses in a variety of subject matters and approved credits can transfer back to Ferris.

Starting a study abroad program application is simple:

• Log into the Ferris study abroad portal
• Choose to login with SSO (Ferris login)
• Create a profile (this will connect you with other students with similar interests)
• Search programs (found within the left column)
• Apply!

Note: Eventually you’ll need a passport that is valid for 6 months past your return date. Many airlines won’t let you board if your passport expires sooner. Also, your passport should have at least two blank pages in it (for visas, entry permits, etc.) If you don’t have a passport now or have one that will expire soon, get started on getting/renewing one early! 

• Minimum GPA and academic standing requirements
• Approval from academic department
• Completed application materials
• Valid passport and required documentation
• Adherence to application deadlines

Financial aid eligibility varies from student to student and determining your specific aid for a study abroad program is part of the application process. Ferris students enrolled in a study abroad program for approved credit may be considered enrolled at Ferris State University for the purpose of applying for federal student financial aid. For faculty-led and semester programs we will supply a budget sheet to you and assist you with getting an estimate of the total program costs. This form can be collected in the Office of International Education and signed by the Financial Aid office. In most cases, program costs may be covered by financial aid, but we also encourage students to apply for outside scholarships. Below are links to organizations that supply scholarships to study abroad students.

Barbara Chapman International Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into a faculty-led short term or semester program. See application details on Scholarship Universe.

Study Abroad Endowment Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into a faculty-led short term or semester program. See application details on Scholarship Universe.

Vizina-Roubal Family Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who have been accepted into a faculty-led short term or semester program. See application details on Scholarship Universe.

Check out the Ferris Scholarship website for more information regarding scholarships.

If you are an admitted student (you have a Ferris360 user name and password) please follow these instructions to submit your applications: Log into Ferris360 and search for "Scholarship Universe," then click on the search result of the same name.

American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS)
American Institute for Foreign Studies offers grants to affiliate institutions and scholarships to students. Students from affiliate institutions may automatically receive $400 grants for semester programs and $200 grants for summer programs. Applicants must be accepted into an AIFS program to qualify. Please see the AIFS website for more scholarship opportunities

Center for International Studies (CIS)
The Center for International Studies Overseas Partner University Scholarship Program was developed in conjunction with selected overseas universities. Applicants must be accepted into a CIS program to qualify. Individual scholarships are available through Ferris as well as through the overseas partners. Scholarships vary according to location.

Denmark International Study Program (DIS)
The DIS Board of Directors has allocated need-based scholarship funds to enable you to study abroad in Denmark. 40% of all students receive a DIS study abroad scholarship or discount! Applicants must be accepted into a DIS program to qualify.

Japan Center for Michigan Universities scholarship program

All students from JCMU consortium members receive the JCMU scholarship. Amounts vary according to time of participation. See the additional scholarship resources on the JCMU website specifically for Japanese studies.

• Fund for Education Abroad
• Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
• DAAD (Germany)
• Economic Club of Grand Rapids
• Freeman Asia Scholarship (East and Southeast Asia)
• Marshal Scholarships (United Kingdom)
• Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
• Grand Rapids Community Foundation
• The World Trade Association
• Rotary International
• Diversity Abroad

When students participate with one of our partner schools, they pay Ferris State tuition and other fees to Ferris State University. For this type of program, federal, state, and institutional aid apply. When participating in an affiliate program, students will pay a program fee directly to the program provider, and federal financial aid only will apply. Both types of programs offer quality experiences for students to study a variety of disciplines across the globe. For more information on our partners and affiliates, click on the links below. Meeting with the Education Abroad Coordinator can help you find the right program to suit your academic and personal interests.

If you would like to arrange an advising appointment to discuss future study abroad opportunities, please contact: [email protected]

The Travel.State.Gov (by the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs) passport website has information regarding the eligibility, materials, and application to apply for a U.S. passport.

Where to Apply

Please call these locations before visiting to confirm their current availability of passport related services.

Mecosta County Clerk's Office

400 Elm Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 | (231) 592-0783 | M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm
The Register of Deed's office accepts check or money order and can also take photos for $8 extra. The breakdown for payment would be: $140 US State Department, $25 to Mecosta Register of Deed's Office. Express service is extra.

Big Rapids Post Office

826 Division Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 | (800) 275-8777 | M-F 10:30am - 3:30pm
The Post Office accepts check, cash or debit and can also take the photos. The breakdown for the payment would be: $75 US State Department, $25 fee to Postmaster and an extra $15 for the pictures. Express service is extra.

Walgreens

1010 S. State Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 | (231) 592-0385 
Walgreens can do passports photos ONLY and cannot process the applications.

 

Note: For many programs you’ll need to submit a copy of a passport that is valid for 6 months past your return date during the application process. Many airlines won’t let you board if your passport expires sooner. Also, your passport should have at least two blank pages in it (for visas, entry permits, etc.) If you don’t have a passport now or have one that will expire soon, get started on getting/renewing one early! Failure to provide a copy of your passport as required by program application deadlines may result in your being unable to participate in that study abroad program.

Students can go almost anywhere!

At Ferris State, we maintain exchange and affiliate agreements with many international institutions. These institutions and organizations have program options in a variety of fields, and students can choose to go abroad for an academic year, semester, and for a short-term/summer program. In addition, FSU faculty-led study abroad programs typically run during the summer or during spring break and are academic classes led by Ferris State professors and staff.

An overview of programs can be found on the Ferris Global Hub. To explore program details, check application deadlines, learn about upcoming study abroad learning events, connect with study abroad alumni and more, log in to Campus Community with your Ferris 360 login info.

Ferris State Study Abroad
Phone: (231) 591-2450
Email us at: [email protected]  

1301 S. State Street IRC 134
Big Rapids, MI 49307

Students can go almost anywhere! At Ferris State University we maintain affiliation and exchange agreements with many international institutions, and there is also the option to study abroad on short-term programs led by FSU faculty and staff. With locations around the world in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia and Oceania, students have many exciting opportunities to study abroad.

No, there are many programs taught in English all over the world.

Yes! With the appropriate approval signatures on your study abroad application, credits you receive while studying abroad can be transferred back to Ferris State. Grades are not averaged into your cumulative average unless the program is faculty-led and organized by FSU.

You can study for just a few weeks in the summer, one semester, or one full academic year. The choice is yours.

Eligibility will vary from program to program. In general, programs will require a 2.0 or better cumulative average (some faculty programs may require a higher GPA). A strong start in your freshman year will be very helpful, but there are programs of study or work abroad for all students. When in doubt, come in and talk to us about requirements for different programs.

Housing arrangements vary among the study abroad programs. Some offer a room in a residence hall, or with a host family. Others offer a shared apartment. Meals may be provided in a dining hall, or kitchen facilities may be provided so that you can prepare your own meals.

Deadlines vary according to the program. For semester programs, a semester ahead of time is usually appropriate. For summer programs, you should begin the application procedure in the Fall semester.

Study Abroad Information for Parents

We hope this experience for your student will be fulfilling and transforming. Students comment on their experiences as being completely life changing. These programs can affect the academic, professional and personal aspects of their life.

As part of the study abroad process, students are instructed to:

• Seek financial assistance
• See their advisor for assistance in choosing courses
• Obtain a passport or ensure the existing one does not expire within 6 months of the program departure date
• Obtain necessary VISA requirements according to program specifications
• Attend a required pre-orientation before departure
• Keep in contact with the Office of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator on any new developments
• Provide a copy of their passport and flight schedule
• Request a transcript from the host school two weeks before departure

We would like to discuss your student's study abroad opportunities with you. Please verify that your student has formally authorized you to access information about his or her financial and academic records at Ferris (per Family Education Rights and Privacy Act guidelines) and contact us at (231) 591-2450 or [email protected].