Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) (BS)
Why YOU Should Participate in a Global Education Program
Global Education programs provide an opportunity for you to develop a valuable skill set that can give you an advantage over the competition by:
- Exposing you to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide;
- Expanding your knowledge of how science impacts society in a variety of cultures;
- Challenging you to adapt and persevere under sometimes difficult and harsh social and cultural circumstances;
- Improving your language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication across populations;
- Enhancing your portfolio of experience through the kinds of hands-on research, community-based opportunities, or critical thinking learning space you will need to compete and succeed in today’s competitive workforce or graduate level programs.
A Message from the School of Life Sciences
“I strongly believe that study abroad provides the opportunity and means to set yourself apart from the pack. I meet with hundreds and hundreds of students who are interested in the health professions. I think professional schools appreciate and are attracted to those students who are willing to get outside their everyday comfort zone. Study abroad provides exposure to different cultures, ways of thinking, and approaching scientific challenges.”
- Scot Schoenborn, Associate Director of Academic Services
Planning Your Program
When to Participate in a Global Education Program
When to Participate in a Global Education Program
With advance planning, and working closely with your academic advisor, you should be able to fit a Global Education program within your four years at ASU. As a School of Life Sciences major, there are a number of terms available for you to participate in a Global Education program. Check out our recommended options below:
| Year | Term | Recommended Student Action |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall -Spring | Begin researching Global Education programs |
| Year 2 Optimal year to participate in a Global Education program |
Fall- Spring | Ready to participate in a Global Education program? Apply to Global Education programs Option 1: Complete a fall, winter break, spring semester, spring break or post-spring Global Education program |
| Summer | Option 2: Complete a summer Global Education program | |
| Year 3 Optimal year to participate in a Global Education program |
Fall - Spring | Option 3: Complete a semester, winter break, spring break, or post-spring Global Education program |
| Summer | Option 4: Complete a summer Global Education program | |
| Year 4 |
Fall - Spring | Option 5: Complete a fall or winter break Global Education program |
General Advice
General Advice
Advice from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
The ASU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has generated a list of required and recommended courses for entry into medical or professional schools. There is no certainty of earning direct credit for these courses at a foreign institution so it is generally advised that students take these requirements at ASU. Typically, Global Education courses are best applied directly toward your upper division (300 or 400-level) major electives.
Advice from the Global Education Office
Be sure to view the list of recommended steps for getting started on your study abroad journey.
Attend a Study Abroad 101 info session to get all the basic information from a GEO Student Recruiter on program types, eligibility, housing, finances, searching for and choosing a program and the application process. Discover times and locations.
Attend a Financing Your Global Education Program workshop to get information on program fees and deadlines, how financial aid can apply to Global Education programs, how to utilize community-based funding and tips on finding and applying for Global Education scholarships. Discover times and locations.
Meet With Your Academic Advisor
Meet With Your Academic Advisor
How to make an appointment
Call (480) 727-6277 to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
Visit an advisor during available express appointments each semester by visiting Life Sciences A Wing Room 189.
Key questions to ask
What are my remaining degree requirements?
How many upper-division credits do I still need to complete for my degree?
How many elective credits (lower vs. upper division) do I have left to complete my major?
What remaining prerequisites must I fulfill, and how will a Global Education program impact my progress?
Which of my remaining degree requirements could I complete abroad? Are there any that I cannot take abroad?
Can I receive academic credit for an internship abroad?
Are there any in-residence requirements I need to be aware of before I go abroad?
Meet With the Global Education Office
Meet With the Global Education Office
Meeting with a Peer Advisor
Peer Advisors are ASU students who have participated in various types of programs and who are here to help you get started on a journey of your own! They are prepared to help you understand the different types of programs offered, narrow down your program options, guide you on the application process, discuss program costs, and speak about student life abroad.
No appointments are necessary to meet with a Peer Advisor.
- Stop by the Global Education Office anytime Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Contact a Peer Advisor by email or Live Chat with them on the Global Education Office website.
- Call a Peer Advisor at (480) 965-5965.
Meeting with an International Coordinator
Your International Coordinator can answer your questions about specific programs, can talk you through the application process, and can help you find funding resources for your particular program on the Global Education Office website. Your International Coordinator is happy to meet with you multiple times to answer your questions, and he/she would be glad to schedule meetings in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- Find the name of your International Coordinator listed on the Global Education Office webpage for your program of interest.
- Schedule an appointment online. Click on the International Coordinator name for your program of interest and follow the prompts to schedule your appointment.
- Visit an International Coordinator during walk-in hours in Student Services Building, Room 278.
Key questions to ask the Global Education Office
- What are the eligibility requirements for my program(s) or interest?
- What is involved in the application for my program(s) of interest? Is admission to the program competitive?
- How will I get ASU credit and grades for the courses I take abroad?
- What courses are available on my program? How can I get courses approved for my program(s) of interest?
- What is the cost of participating in my program(s) of interest? What do I need to consider in preparing an estimated budget for my program(s) of interest, and what expenses do I need to plan for upfront?
- Where can I find more information about scholarships for Global Education programs?
Research Your Funding Options
Research Your Funding Options
Pursuing a global experience is an investment in your future. Like any other type of investment, it requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets, and financing when selecting and preparing for your global experience.
Review Cost Sheet
You can find a Cost Sheet for your program on the Cost Info tab of the Global Education Office webpage for your program. The Cost Sheet will highlight the costs that are billed to your student account as well as additional estimated costs that are not billed to your student account but that you might expect to spend while participating. Be sure to note what expenses are included in the fees charged by the Global Education Office, and remember to budget additional money for airfare, passport and visa fees and personal expenses as needed since these are not included in any Program Fee.
Research Funding
Once you have reviewed the Cost Sheet for your program and are aware of the costs you might expect to spend on your program, you can begin to make a plan for financing your global education program. You can receive funding for your program through financial aid, scholarships and grants, and community-based fundraising efforts. We encourage you to:
- Speak to Financial Aid and Scholarship Services (FASS) about financial aid;
- Use our Scholarships and Grants page to search for general global education scholarships and scholarships that are unique to your program;
- Read the Community-Based Funding Guide for creative ways that past ASU students have funded their programs.
Financial Aid
We encourage you to speak to a Financial Aid Counselor, who can help you figure out how your financial aid might be applied to your global education program. Be sure to seek answers to the following questions from a Financial Aid Counselor:
- How do loans work for my global education program? What kinds of aid/loans do I currently receive, and are there any restrictions on this aid if I participate on a GEO program?
- Have I reached the maximum of (insert name of) loan allowed per academic year?
- When will funds be released for my semester of participation?
- How will additional scholarships impact my ASU financial aid?
Major-Specific Scholarships
The School of Life Sciences offers scholarships for which you may apply.
Community-Based Funding
Check out the Global Education Office website to learn more about community-based funding, including tips and tricks for crowd-source funding. There is funding out there… you just have to ask!
Attend Financing Workshop
Would you like help learning about your financing options? We offer Financing Your Global Education Program Workshops through fall and spring semesters. Join us to learn how to finance your global education program through financial aid, scholarships and grants, and community-based funding.
Helpful Links
SOLS Student Testimonial
“Studying abroad was as much a cultural experience as an academic experience. I learned quite a lot about myself, about people, and about culture. An irreplaceable experience!”
- Ariana Henkel, Biological Sciences Major
Recommended Programs
Although students in any major in the School of Life Sciences can participate in any ASU study abroad program, the School of Life Sciences recommends the following programs.
