Independent Student Travel (IST) is a broad term for any student/resident seeking an opportunity to participate in an international experience that is not one of our faculty-led programs.
IST students must register with us as early as 3 months before departure, so plan ahead. In order for the student’s travel and work abroad to be approved, all additional required forms and information must be completed before the student travels.
We've compiled links to explore programs, explanations of special circumstances, and a list of what every IST student must submit to the Study Abroad Office.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL UPDATES
Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:
International travel developments are reviewed continuously by the Study Abroad Office and Institutional Study Abroad Committee. However, it is the student's responsibility to research worldwide & regional travel safety conditions, and use available resources to make informed decisions.
US DOS Travel Advisories by Country
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
AH E134
All Independent Student Travelers must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a Junior-level standing by the time of departure to be considered. Please email studyabroad@augusta.edu if you have any questions or concerns about the requirements.
Individuals who are traveling abroad (to any location with any program) but not receiving course/clinical credit should NOT complete IST Paperwork Process.
Students who fail to complete and submit the required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office will not be recognized as an enrolled Augusta University student eligible for academic or clinical course credit or be eligible for international health insurance through CISI.
Independent Student Travelers are ineligible for the Augusta University Study Abroad Office Scholarship.
All independent student travelers will need to complete their online registration using our Terra Dotta portal.
Please begin this process no later than 3 months before your departure. Please complete the registration no later than 1 month before departure, as we know that some itinerary items may be unknown at three months prior. Everything is explained in further detail within the registration process. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Information you will need to start the registration process
Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with the Department of State.
Read the Department of State's information on the location you will be traveling.
Read CDC Traveler's Health information for travel notices, advice and resources.
Please complete the IST Pre-Travel Risk Assessment at least 1 month before your intended departure. This is used by the SAO and Emergency Response Team as part of the IST Petition process when determining if AU-sponsored travel is possible to countries with a level 3 or 4 advisory.
