Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why study abroad with VTRIP? 
   VTRIP offers interested students the resources and expertise of ten member institutions. VTRIP’s centralized administration makes studying abroad simple, opening the doors to unique overseas opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you. 
   
   

2. Who is eligible to study abroad with VTRIP? 
   Any full-time or part-time student - in good standing - at one of our ten member institutions. Also, many schools offer their short-term programs to members of the community, which means you may not have to be a student to participate. Contact the VTRIP Coordinator to find out more.
   
   

3. Which institutions are members of VTRIP? 
   
   

   • Christopher Newport University 
      

   • College of William and Mary
      

   • ECPI College of Technology
      

   • Hampton University 
     

   • Norfolk State University 
     

   • Old Dominion University 
      

   • Regent University
     

   • Thomas Nelson Community College 
     

   • Tidewater Community College 
      

   • Troy University
     

   • Virginia Wesleyan College 
     
     
     

4. What programs am I eligible for? 
   All programs currently offered through VTRIP are short-term summer, winter, and spring break study opportunities. Students in good standing enrolled at any of our member institutions can participate on any program listed on the VTRIP programs page.
   
   

5. Where can I study? 
   With seven diverse member institutions, one of the benefits of studying through VTRIP is having the opportunity to participate in programs offered in truly unique settings around the world. Please see our programs page for details.
   
   

6. How do I apply? 
   Download and fill out the simple VTRIP application and submit it to your campus VTRIP coordinator. 
   
   

7. Who is my campus VTRIP coordinator? 
   

   • Christopher Newport University: Constance Gianulis.

   • College of William and Mary: Steve Sechrist

   • ECPI College of Technology: Ané Pearman

   • Hampton University: Ann Moore
     

   • Norfolk State University: Enrique Zapatero  
     

   • Old Dominion University: John Heyl 

   • Regent University: Jen Bekemeier
     

   • Thomas Nelson Community College: Anne Andrews  
     

   • Tidewater Community College: Doris Jellig or Jeanne Natali

   • Troy University: Tammy Hall
     

   • Virginia Wesleyan College: Lena Johnson-Brown

   
   

8. Do I receive academic credit? 
   Yes! VTRIP study abroad programs are recognized for credit by all member institutions. Through the VTRIP articulation project, each program is assigned a call number by your home institution. You will use this number to register. The credit transfer is automatic. Registration follows the same process as if you were registering through the Virginia Tidewater Consortium (VTC). 
   
   

9. How much does it cost to study abroad? 
   Costs will vary depending on type, duration, time of year, and location of program. Please see program page for details.
   
   

10. Is financial aid available for VTRIP programs? 
    Students must apply for financial aid through their home institutions. Typically, financial aid travels with you if you decide to study abroad. Budgets will be available for you to review with your financial aid officer. 
    
    

11. Are scholarships available for VTRIP programs? 
    At this time, there are no scholarships available through VTRIP. Please inquire about scholarships at your home institution.
    
    

12. Do I need to speak a second language to study on a VTRIP program? 
    Though there are a wide variety of programs designed to improve or take advantage of your second language skills, most programs through VTRIP are led by local faculty and are taught completely in English.
    
    

13. When during my studies should I go abroad? 
    Given the short-term nature of the VTRIP programs, you can take advantage of our study abroad opportunities at any time during your academic tenure. 
    
    

14. Is it safe to travel abroad? 
    Generally speaking, yes. All travel, regardless of the destination, carries with it some level of risk. VTRIP programs are led by experienced faculty who are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all participants. It goes without saying that the unexpected may happen. Over the years, however, VTRIP member institutions have produced numerous study abroad programs without incident. Safety measures and emergency plans will be addressed at pre-departure meetings for all VTRIP programs. 
    
    

15. Why should I study abroad? 
    Studying abroad may be that defining moment in your education that will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international and you will have memories that you will carry forever. Your resume will be more attractive, in some cases your language proficiency will be advanced, and you will have developed lifelong friendships.