Resources for Non-Traditional Students

Non-Traditional students naturally face non-traditional concerns when considering a study abroad program. Students may be apprehensive about leaving the country for an extended period of time, which is why over half of non-traditional students at GVSU who studied abroad in 2008-2009 did so through short term faculty-led programs. These programs are designed to provide a profound international experience in a short amount of time, and are often the perfect way for non-traditional students to go overseas.

As a non-traditional student you may be concerned with the:

• Cost of study abroad program
• Duration of program
• Housing—types of accommodation (Host family, apartment, shared housing)

You may be curious if you can:

• Bring your spouse, your children, or your whole family along while you study abroad
• Receive credit for short term, non-traditional international educational experiences
• Receive financial aid for short term summer programs

The Padnos International Center has helped students study abroad with their children, and often counsels non-traditional students on appropriate programs for their major, their financial constraints, and their timelines. PIC provides:

• Study abroad advising by phone so that you don’t have to come to our office in Allendale. Please call (616) 331-3898 M-F between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm for answers to your questions.

• An online application system and frequent updates to accepted students through our OASIS program. To begin the application process, simply click on the red ‘Apply’ button in the upper right corner of your screen. Start your application today!

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.

For more resources for non-traditional students, explore this section of our website, or visit the non-traditional student page.