Expand Your Journey
Step out of your comfort zone, develop independence, and build valuable skills that are highly regarded in today’s interconnected world. Study abroad programs offer a transformative experience that extends your classroom experience, providing the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and gain a global perspective.
Research shows that studying abroad brings multiple benefits to students, including language learning, intercultural understanding, enhanced career skills and employability, and improved GPA*. Study abroad credits may apply to Baker College programs once approved. Qualified undergraduate students are welcome to apply for these study abroad opportunities.
* Independent Research Measuring the Impact of Study Abroad by NAFSA
Our Study/Intern Abroad Partner AIFS
Baker College and AIFS Abroad share common goals to shape globally minded future leaders and advance student development through experiential academic programs. As an organization with 60 years of experience, the AIFS Abroad program has demonstrated it is a responsive, forward-focused partner with a proven commitment to long-term student success.
Founded in 1964, AIFS has supported 1.6+ million students participating in their educational and cultural programs worldwide.
Study/Intern Abroad Eligibility
Study/intern abroad opportunities are open to undergraduate students who have completed one year of college. Different study/intern abroad programs may have specific requirements on academic standing (e.g., sophomore, junior or seminar status), GPA (e.g., minimum of 2.5 or 3.0 GPA), language or other factors.
Choosing a Destination
The world is vast, offering many fantastic study/intern abroad destinations to consider. Before choosing the best place to study or have an internship experience abroad, it’s beneficial to think about your future aspirations. Do you have a specific career goal or particular study abroad courses you want to take? Do you have a specific field that you want to work in? If so, let that guide your search. You can explore options based on academic discipline.
AIFS Abroad offers a wide range of programs from business to sciences in 20 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa, and the Americas.
Study/Intern Abroad Application Process
Finding an internship abroad opportunity or fitting a study abroad experience in your academic plan takes time. Start your research and study/intern abroad application process early, especially if you are interested in financial aid and scholarships. Estimated deadlines to consider are:
Spring Semester
September and early October
Summer Semester
Early March or early April
Fall Semester
April and May
Get Started
Dr. Na Li, Director of Education Abroad & Global Programs, will guide you through the study/intern abroad application process.
Take the first step today to learn more and start planning your international experience!
Select a Study/Intern Abroad Program
Review the study abroad and intern abroad programs on the AIFS Abroad website. Along with Dr. Li, your academic advisor, program director, financial aid advisor, and Registrar will help guide you to appropriate study abroad opportunities and courses or exciting internship abroad opportunities that align with your goals.
Fill out a Study/Intern Abroad Application
The study/intern abroad application form will provide the selected program and courses needed in order to get approval from the Baker College Registrar’s Office. Dr. Li will provide the application link when you’ve selected your study or intern abroad program.
Apply Through AIFS
When you decide on the study abroad or intern abroad program best for you, and have received approval from Baker College, the next step will be to apply through AIFS. Review the AIFS application FAQs.
Once approved by AIFS Abroad, Baker College will help coordinate your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn another language or improve your foreign language skills. But it’s not necessary to speak a second language to study abroad. Some programs and courses have language requirements and some don’t. Many overseas study programs offer English as the language of instruction even in non-English speaking countries.
If your study abroad or intern abroad program requires a visa, it will be noted on the AIFS Abroad website. Once admitted to the program, your AIFS Program Manager will share the required documents on your AIFS Student Portal and will provide guidance on how to apply for your visa.
In order to ensure study abroad credits are applied to your Baker College program, you are advised to spend one full semester abroad, e.g., Spring, Summer, or Fall term.
Study abroad and intern abroad students generally live in university residence halls, homestays or apartments depending on site facilities.
Study Abroad Program Fees cover tuition, housing, health and safety support, on-site program director support, and other activities. Program Fees vary by program, typically between $15,000-$25,000 for studying abroad for a full fall or spring semester. Summer Study Abroad Program Fees are less. Some programs partially cover meals.
Intern Abroad Program Fees cover internship placement, housing, global career readiness program, health and safety support, on-site program director support, and other activities. Program Fees vary by program, typically between $7,000-$9,500 for summer internship experience.
There are additional costs you will need to consider (visa applications, flight, meals, additional excursions, etc.).
Studying abroad offers Baker College students a unique opportunity to gain international experience and enhance their educational journey. To make this enriching experience more accessible, eligible students may be able to utilize financial aid funding to help with the costs associated with study abroad programs. However, it is essential for students to understand the study abroad eligibility criteria, financial aid processes, and available study abroad funding options to ensure a smooth transition and successful participation in their chosen program.
- Eligibility: Financial aid funding may be used to assist with study abroad costs (through a contractual agreement) if the courses are used to fulfill their graduation requirements. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor and Registrar to verify if the study abroad credits can be applied to their program.
- Cost of Attendance Adjustment: Due to the typically higher costs of study abroad programs, the student’s Cost of Attendance calculation will be increased. This adjustment may allow students to qualify for additional financial aid funding, usually in the form of student loans.
- Payment Process: Although Baker College administers financial aid funding via a contractual agreement with the study abroad agency, students are responsible for paying study abroad charges directly to the agency.
- Additional Funding Options: Study abroad scholarships and payment plans are available through the AIFS.
- Financial Aid Review: Before registering for a study abroad program, students need to work with their Financial Aid Advisor to determine the amount of study abroad financial aid funding available.
Yes, the Baker College Alumni Community sponsors our Study Abroad Scholarship which may provide students with $500-$1,500 to assist with funding their study or intern abroad experience. Visit the scholarship website for full details.
Yes! AIFS scholarships and grants are available for AIFS study abroad and/or internship students.
In addition, there are other external scholarship opportunities. For example, you may find a Study Abroad Scholarship List at the USA Study Abroad website.
It varies. Most full-time internship programs are 8 weeks long in the summer and 12 weeks long in fall or spring. Check the AIFS website for internship programs.
Get Started
Get ready to embark on a journey that will broaden your horizons, enhance your education, and create unforgettable memories.