Military-Affiliated Students

As a student veteran, service member, spouse or child of a veteran/service member, or an ROTC Cadet, you may have special considerations related to study abroad. Discussing your plans early with relevant university officers and Education Abroad is key to choosing the right program, ensuring you can use any funding for which you are eligible, and ultimately having a successful and rewarding experience abroad. 

Some questions to ask 

  • Can I use military assistance and/or benefits for my study abroad program?

    • If you are interested in using any VA assistance or benefits to help you fund your study abroad experience, you will need to work closely – and early on - with the Military and Veteran Services Center (MVSC), specifically the School Certifying Officials, to determine your eligibility to use assistance and/or benefits and the processes for doing so. 

    • Note: the use of assistance and/or benefits for certain study abroad programs, such as many external programs, may not be possible.  
       

  • What military, work, family and/or home, responsibilities do I need to take into consideration when choosing a program? For example, do I need to maintain a fitness regimen, and what facilities will be available?  

  • Has the U.S. military been involved in prior action with or in my host country? What is the perception of those military actions among my host community?  

  • How is the military viewed in my host country? How will I discuss my military experience with members of my host community, and how might it be perceived?  

  • Will I need to list my military service on a visa application, and how will I do so? 

  • How will I manage the transition from military life to studying abroad?  

  • What student support services are available abroad?  

  • Will I need to keep track of my foreign contacts for future security clearances? 

  • What other financial resources are available to help fund my experience abroad?  

Resources

Stories

Read about Temple student veteran Jes Scott's experience studying abroad in Rome.