Bing Overseas Studies Program
Sand dune in Namibia

Global Seminars FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Global Seminars

Please also review our general BOSP FAQs

Can I participate in a Global Seminar right before or after a BOSP quarter-length program?

Yes, you can participate in both, if you get accepted to both and if you are able to obtain your visas on time. You must pay attention to the end date of the first program and the arrival date of the second program as they may be very close. Just like Global Seminars, quarter length programs have strict arrival and departure dates. You must also check the visa requirements of your destinations to ensure that you are able to obtain your visa in a timely manner to participate in both programs.

Can I participate in a Global Seminar right before or after a BOSP quarter-length program?

Yes, you can participate in both, if you get accepted to both and if you are able to obtain your visas on time. You must pay attention to the end date of the first program and the arrival date of the second program as they may be very close. Just like Global Seminars, quarter length programs have strict arrival and departure dates. You must also check the visa requirements of your destinations to ensure that you are able to obtain your visa in a timely manner to participate in both programs.

I am scheduled to graduate in June before the program. Can I still participate?

Yes, but you must postpone your undergraduate degree conferral until after the program has ended (usually Summer Quarter conferral, but sometimes Autumn Quarter conferral). No exceptions will be made. You may walk through Commencement with the permission of your major department(s). International students should check with the Bechtel International Center to determine whether or not their status will allow them to postpone graduation to be enrolled in a course over the summer. 

When will I meet the other program participants?

You will meet other program participants during the orientation meeting in Spring Quarter.

What if my passport expires, or if I don't have one?

All program participants must have a passport that is valid at least six (6) months from the expected date of departure from the host country. If you don't have a passport, apply for one immediately. Some program locations require that you apply for an entry visa before the beginning of the program. This can take up to several months, and you need your valid passport to initiate any visa process. You can find more information on BOSP's Passports and Visas page.

Who will book my flight?

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the program location, and for paying for their round-trip airfare. Your BOSP Program Manager will confirm when the arrival and departure dates have been finalized by sending an email to all participants. Do not make travel arrangements until you have received this email confirmation.

Will I have free time or weekends off during the program?

Allocation and amount of personal time varies from program to program. Global Seminars are first and foremost designed as an in-depth and intensive educational experience overseas. They are not travel holidays and the schedule will be busy. The allocation of any personal time off is solely at the discretion of BOSP and the faculty leader based on the program structure as well as the safety and security considerations of the specific location.

Can I participate in a Global Seminar and RA training or Sophomore College?

Yes, but only if you participate in a program that does not conflict with the dates of RA training or Sophomore College. Those programs that run on the August-September model would make you ineligible to be an RA or to attend Sophomore College or any other programs that have a similar calendar.

Can I attend as a co-term?

If you are co-term in Summer Quarter, but your undergraduate degree has not yet been conferred, you are eligible to participate in the program. If your undergraduate degree has been conferred, you are not eligible to participate. 

I am on the waitlist. What are my chances of getting in, and how long should I wait?

If you are currently waitlisted, know that we will ONLY accept students from the waitlist who have turned in all of their required materials, and who have attended the mandatory orientation meetings. Students who fail to do this will be administratively withdrawn from the waitlist. This will enable us to better prepare students for studying abroad, and will ensure fairness to other students on the waitlist who have completed all of these items. Students on the waitlist who have completed all of the necessary items above will be accepted into the program as soon as space becomes available, even on very short notice up until it becomes no longer possible to admit you to the program. Please understand that it is impossible for BOSP to predict whether you will be accepted into the program. Sometimes, spaces become available right after the withdrawal deadline for accepted students. You may remain on the waitlist for as long as you wish.

Do I need a visa?

Students may need entry visas for the countries in which the programs take place. Check out the Quick Facts section of the program websites to find out more about visa requirements for your program(s) of interest.

What if I need to arrive later or leave early?

All participants are required to arrive to the program location on the scheduled arrival date/time and cannot depart earlier than the departure date/time. Student accommodation is arranged from the evening of the arrival date until the night prior to the departure date. Students who wish to arrive earlier at the program location or to stay beyond the duration of the program are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements at their own expense. Late arrival and/or early departure is not permitted under any circumstance. Some programs may have restrictions on arriving early or staying late. More information regarding arrival and departure will be made available in the Spring Quarter orientation.

Do I need health insurance?

As a participant in the Bing Overseas Studies Program, you are required to have medical insurance that includes: 1) international coverage for medical treatment for the entire duration of your program and for all countries in which you intend to travel; 2) medical evacuation; 3) repatriation of remains. Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains pays for transport to your home country in case of severe illness, injury, or death. The latter two clauses may not be part of your regular policy, and may have to be purchased as a supplement.

Please refer to the Health Insurance page for more information about mandatory health insurance coverage, health insurance options and seeking medical attention abroad.

Do I need to get immunizations?

You must review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for complete information on health conditions and vaccinations at specific program locations. Apart from required shots, some immunizations may be recommended as a health precaution. You should also consult the on-campus Vaden Health Center Travel Clinic well in advance of your departure to discuss any health concern, pre-departure immunizations and any personal prescriptions before going abroad. Some inoculations may require a series of shots or take weeks to become effective.