Academic Advising
Why is advising for study abroad important to university priorities?
Academic advising plays a vital role in advancing Virginia Tech’s commitment to global education. Thoughtful study abroad advising ensures that students can integrate global experiences into their academic journeys while staying on track for graduation. Together, academic advisors and the Global Education Office (GEO) can help students navigate their options, fulfill degree requirements, and gain global and intercultural awareness.
Academic Advisors and Global Education Advisors: Who Does What?
The Role of the Academic Advisor
Help students identify how study abroad fits into their degree path.
Approve and integrate transfer credits.
Encourage early planning and reinforce GEO as a partner in the process. Refer students to GEO for study abroad advising.
The Role of the Global Education Advisor
Offers general advising, peer mentoring, and program matching to students interested in global learning.
Supports pre-departure preparation and global credit approvals.
Manages relationships with international partners and study abroad providers and affiliates.
The 3 Steps
to helping your advisee pursue a study abroad opportunity:
Step 1:
Refer a student to the Global Education Office for general study abroad advising.
(Do so through Navigate Referral or encourage them to meet a GEO Peer Advisor during Advising Hours.)
Our trained peer advisors—students who have studied abroad—offer firsthand insight, help students explore programs, and answer initial questions about the process.
Step 2:
Meet with your student to discuss the following;
- Degree plan alignment
- Course substitutions and credit transfers
- Program-specific academic guidance
Step 3:
Support transfer approvals
(See Key Tools below for the forms used in the credit transfer approval process.)
Your Students' Most Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia Tech offers a variety of programs, such as programs created by Virginia Tech faculty:
- Faculty-Led Programs
- Faculty-Facilitated Programs
- Virginia Tech and ISEP Exchange Programs
- ISEP Direct Programs
- Partner Programs
Explore each type of program on the Program Types and Credit page.
Yes. GEO works closely with departments to identify programs that align with rigorous curricula. Check out these examples:
Or, browse our listing of faculty-led programs by college.
Yes, with advanced planning.
The earlier a student discusses study abroad options with GEO and their advisor, the easier it is to find programs that align well with their academic plan. Last minute placements to a study abroad program is possible, but communicating with GEO and an academic advisor will be even more critical in these instances.
Yes. Academic advisors play a key role in guiding students through the study abroad process. They help students determine the most appropriate time to go abroad while staying on track for graduation. Advisors also assist in reviewing course equivalencies and understanding how credits earned abroad can fulfill major, minor, Pathways, or elective requirements.
Before departure, students must complete the Global Credit Approval (GCA) form, which ensures that courses taken abroad will transfer back appropriately. Advisors work with students to review proposed courses and determine how they fit within the student's academic plan.
Yes. Most forms of federal aid can be applied to any study abroad program. However, state aid and institutional aid—such as Virginia Tech scholarships—are generally only applicable to programs where students pay tuition directly to Virginia Tech (e.g., Faculty-led programs and VT/ISEP Exchanges). You can find more inforamtion on our Financial Matters page.
Yes. The Global Education Office (GEO) offers scholarships primarily based on financial need, typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. To learn more and apply, students should go to GEO's scholarships page.
Key Tools for Advisors
(Filed with the student’s college dean’s office before travel)
(Note: Database is a guide and may not reflect all course equivalencies)
