Non-Traditional Students

More and more students are identifying themselves as non-traditional, and many juggle the challenges and demands of busy personal, professional, and academic lives. While there are responsibilities at home, obligations at work, and expectations in the classroom, these students are still managing to study abroad in record numbers. You can too! This site will provide resources and information to show you how, and will encourage you to join your non-traditional peers and venture out into the world.

• Did you know that for the 2008-2009 academic year 11% of students studying abroad were non-traditional?

• Study abroad participants ranged in age from 24 to 57 and the study abroad hot spot for this academic year was China.

• The most popular programs for non-traditional students were the short term faculty-led programs because they accommodate a diverse range of student needs. Over 50% of non-traditional students who studied abroad in the 2008-2009 academic year participated in a faculty-led program.

GVSU non-traditional students are defined as:

• Students who are employed with either part-time, full-time, or multiple jobs
• Students who are returning to a learning environment after a three year absence
• Students with spouses, children, ailing parents

• First generation college students
• Veterans

We welcome and encourage non-traditional students to apply for a study abroad program. We provide a variety of resources to enable students who are not on the Allendale campus to receive the same kind of advising and guidance as those who are able to visit our office regularly. The resource section will offer tips and tools to help you choose an appropriate program and navigate the application process.

Inclusion and Study Abroad

The Padnos International Center believes Study Abroad is a profound educational experience that should be accessible to all. PIC works to support students from a variety of backgrounds, encompassing ethnicity, gender orientation and expression, socioeconomic circumstances, non-traditional students and persons with disabilities.