Once students have been approved by CGE to study abroad on their chosen program, there are additional required forms to complete in our CGE portal. CGE will clearly communicate via email and in-person the deadline for these required forms. These forms provide CGE with important information, including but not limited to emergency contacts, stipend and airfare preferences, etc.
The semester prior to going abroad, students are required to attend one of our CGE Pre-Departure Orientations. CGE will offer students a choice of several dates and times, but attendance at one of these orientations is mandatory.
The program provider will also require additional forms once students are accepted into their program. They will also host virtual orientations prior to departure.
- All students need a valid passport to study abroad. Passports must be valid at least six months past the end of the study abroad program. Some countries (e.g. Spain) require that the passport be valid for a full year past the end of the study abroad program.
- CMC requires all students to be in possession of the proper student visa or legal residence documentation required by the host country to be approved to participate in study abroad. Whether or not a visa or residence permit is required depends on numerous factors, including the destination country and city, the student's country of citizenship, region of permanent residence, and length of the study abroad program. Where, when and how to apply also depends on these same factors.
- The study abroad program provider will issue each student personalized and detailed instructions regarding the student visa or legal residence process. Once students have those instructions, CGE can assist with color copies, printouts, scans, etc., but we rely on the program providers and their teams of experts to provide students with the most current and accurate instructions. It is the student's responsibility to watch for visa or legal residence information from their program provider (either via email or in the program provider portal.)
- Often the application process for student visas or legal residence permits involves appearing for an in-person appointment at a consulate or embassy for the destination country. Often the student is required to surrender their passport along with other required documentation at this appointment and does not receive the passport back until the application has been fully processed and the visa or permit issued. Processing times vary widely, but can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This means that students should expect to be without a passport for approximately three months prior to studying abroad. Unless a student has a secondary valid passport, they should not plan international travel during this time.
- Students will have the option of receiving an airfare stipend and booking their own flights, or working with our affiliate travel agency.
- CMC’s contribution to a student’s flights are based on the cost of flights that are:
- round-trip,
- from the international airport nearest the student’s permanent address to the program location at the start date, and returning at the program end date,
- Economy class, and
- inclusive of 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on bag.
Note: Any additional costs for class upgrades, extended travel dates, or additional luggage are the financial responsibility of the student.