Planning for Off-Campus Courses

Whether you are planning an Independent Study, Team Initiated Study, Internship, Domestic Exchange Program, or a Short Term Catalog-course involving off-campus travel, there are special considerations. Below is information concerning Financial Aid, the Labor Program, Immunizations, and other matters to consider when planning to take a course off campus.

Financial Aid

As early as possible, students should begin financial planning for additional costs that will be incurred for an off-campus Short Term course or study opportunity, including an excursion course listed in this Catalog, Independent Study, Team Initiated Study, KIIS, Internship, or Exchange.

Travel Grants and Need-Based Loans

The Office of Student Financial Aid Services will assist students in finding all grants and loans for which they are eligible. Some projects (including Independent Study, Team Initiated Study, and Internship) may require additional approvals, but students should not wait until the course or project has been approved before applying for financial aid. Funds will be awarded upon receipt of documentation of the necessary approval(s). For courses requiring permission of the instructor, please obtain his or her signature before applying for grants or loans (and no later than the applicable deadline).

New Horizons Grant Funding (for International Travel)

Students taking a Berea International Short Term (BIST) course—or participating in other opportunities abroad during Short Term—may have applied for a New Horizons Grant, the deadline for which was Oct. 1, 2008. Information on these grants and other scholarships for international study, including eligibility requirements and applications, is available from the Web site of the Center for International Education (CIE). Applications are processed in the Center for International Education. For information about the status of an application, please contact Soren Peterson, Education Abroad Adviser, at (859) 985-3924, in 207 Woods-Penniman Building, or by e-mail at .

Discovery Fund Grants (for Domestic Study)

Students taking Short Term courses with a domestic (United States and its territories) travel component may apply for a Discovery Fund Grant. Please read the information on the cover sheet of the application form to determine if you should apply for these grant funds. Applications are available in the Student Financial Aid Services (SFAS) Office (120 Lincoln Hall) and in the #Academics and #Short Term public folders on Outlook. The deadline to apply for Discovery Fund domestic travel grants and need-based loans is Nov. 10, 2008.

Exceptions to this deadline will be made for students who are accepted into projects, programs, or trips after Nov. 10 and up to Nov. 19, the end of the Short Term registration period. Contact Brandi Tauffener at (859) 985-3315 or by e-mail at for more information.

Additional Financial Assistance for January Short Term Off-Campus Experiences

Based upon financial need, there may be additional financial assistance (generally loan funds) available for class-related expenses greater than $100. No room or board refunds will be given for Short Term because there are no room or board charges for students staying on campus that month. Please speak with financial aid counselors in 120 Lincoln Hall to determine your eligibility for additional assistance.

Labor Program

As stated earlier in this Catalog, students are responsible for notifying their labor supervisors if they will be enrolled in a course that meets off campus for all or part of the Short Term period. Students involved in international travel who will meet on campus for a brief orientation period are not required to work during that period. Students whose courses include domestic excursions are required to work, but may be excused from labor as follows: the requirement may be reduced by two hours for each excursion day for up to ten (10) hours per week. Work is required throughout the Short Term period, even in cases where the course ends early. All of these factors will be taken into consideration for students whose hours fall below the probationary cut-off.

Policy on Medical Immunization for International Study/Travel

Students participating in international study/travel opportunities are required to receive from Berea College Health Service (CHS) or a recognized travel authority such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or similar body all immunizations recommended for travel to a particular region. Exceptions to this policy will be made only for a student who has had a waiver from immunization for religious reasons on file with the College from the time of initial enrollment. Any student requesting exemption must receive counseling from Berea College Health Service concerning the risks they are assuming prior to signing a special waiver form before every international trip. For more information or to make an appointment, contact CHS at 985-3212 or visit them on the 2nd floor of St. Joseph Berea Hospital.