Independent Student Travel

What is IST?

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 featured on our "Programs" page.

IST students must register with the Study Abroad Office 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.

Below you will find links to explore programs, explanations of special circumstances, and a list of what every IST student must submit to the Study Abroad Office.

Back to "Study Abroad Programs"

IST Paperwork Process:

The Study Abroad Office has an online registration system, Terra Dotta. All Independent Student Travelers will need to complete their registration with our office via the link below. 

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.

Independent Student Travel Registration

The following information will be needed to register (you do not need all information to start the process):

  • Student contact information
  • Program information
  • In-country contacts
  • Flights
  • Lodging
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport picture
  • Emergency contacts
  • Participation Agreement & Waiver
  • Medical Profile (in case of an emergency)

Everything is explained in further detail within the registration process. Please contact the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@augusta.edu) for questions.

Please also complete the following actions that do not require documentation sent to the Study Abroad Office a month before you travel:

  1. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with the Department of State.
  2. Read the Department of State's information on the location you will be traveling.
  3. Read CDC Traveler's Health information.

Finding a Program:

Please be patient as we update this section of our website. Email Study Abroad for any questions you may have.

External Programs: VariousMedicine: Global Health OpportunitiesDental Medicine and Physical Therapy

Other Information:

TRAVELING ABROAD, BUT NOT FOR CREDIT?

Are you an INDIVIDUAL who is traveling abroad (to any location with any program) but not receiving course/clinical credit? Please complete the steps in the "IST Paperwork Process" listed below.

Are you taking a GROUP abroad, though not receiving course/clinical credit? Please refer to the Non Credit-Bearing Program Proposal on the "Information for Faculty" page.

LEVEL 3 AND 4 TRAVEL ADVISORY COUNTRIES/AREAS

If you are considering traveling to a Level 3 Travel Advisory country or area, additional paperwork and approval will be required and must be completed no later than 3 months before intended departure. Travel to Level 4 countries or areas is not permitted. Please email Study Abroad as soon as possible for forms and any questions you may have.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

In general:

  • 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 to participate in the Augusta University Study Abroad Office fundraisers and Undergraduate Study Abroad/Away Scholarship.