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International Studies

International Studies

 

Take your next step in higher education while living abroad

International Studies at Southwest is established to promote global experiences through various programs for students, faculty, and staff at the college.

Southwest Tennessee Community College’s international studies program operates in association with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Global Studies Office to sponsor international studies programs for TBR member institutions including all community colleges and state universities. Faculty interested in teaching an International Studies class should visit the Teaching with Global Studies page by clicking here or contact the Global Studies Representative at internationalstudies@southwest.tn.edu.

Starting an application allows Southwest’s Office of International Studies to review your application and record.

Step 1: Complete the Study Abroad application at https://globalstudies.tbr.edu/_portal/

  • Applications open: Oct 1, 2026
  • Spring application deadline: November 2, 2026
  • Summer application deadline: January 29, 2027

A completed application consists of the following:

  • Nonrefundable $100 application fee -- Southwest covers the initial payment of this fee after you submit your application! Click Study Abroad Application Fee to indicate your registration to study abroad.
  • One online recommendation form completed by a professor through your Global Studies application portal.
    • Please ask your professors for a recommendation before submitting your application. 
    • You will need to enter their name and email address on your application. They will be sent an electronic request from TBR Global Studies.
  • Official transcript sent to TBR Global Studies by the Southwest registrar or through the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment.

Submitting your transcript request through the National Student Clearinghouse:

  • To place your order for a transcript, click NSC or Parchment
  • Complete all student information
  • Under options
    • Click “College or University” (verify correct country and state — USA, TN)
    • Search for TBR Global Studies
    • Click to send “as is”

Note: it may take up to 48 hours for TBR Global Studies to receive an electronic transcript.

Step 2: Apply for scholarships. Please proceed to Program Funding 

 

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers scholarships to assist with international studies program expenses. These scholarships are funded through the college and the international student fee. Funding is limited and does not cover the entire study abroad program fee, but our goal is to cover 80% of its cost. Students are encouraged to seek additional funding through financial aid or other personal resources.

  1.  Complete the Southwest Tennessee Community College application to be considered for a International Studies Scholarship, click here: Study Abroad Interest & Scholarship Application
     
  2. Additional scholarships may be available, click here to learn more: Southwest Scholarship Information

  • Must be in good standing with academic and disciplinary matters
  • GPA of 2.0 or better in all college-level coursework
  • Must be degree-seeking
  • Successfully complete at least 12 college-level credit hours by the end of spring 2026 (Learning Support courses are not college-level courses and cannot satisfy this requirement)
  • Be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program

Program Fee = your payment for the program (minus your scholarship)

Spring

Summer

Passport

Individuals wishing to study abroad will need a valid, unexpired passport. Your emergency contact must also have a valid, unexpired passport in the event that you would need him/her in an emergency situation while you are abroad. Passport information can be found at Travel.State.Gov
 
Visa

Beginning in 2024, most of Western Europe will require European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) electronic visa waivers. ETIAS applications are processed electronically for a cost of 7 euros (about $7.50). You can apply here: https://etias.com/etias-application 

Individuals with a current visa status (F-1, M-1, etc.) will need to determine whether a tourist visa is required for entry into the country where they plan to study. This information can typically be found on the web page of the country’s embassy/consulate.

For additional information, please refer to the Non-US Citizens section of the TnCIS website.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, undocumented students, and temporary protected status students should consult with an immigration attorney before considering a study abroad program.

Accommodations

If you are a student with a disability, you are encouraged to discuss-early in the process-your need for accommodations with TnCIS personnel and a specialist in Southwest's Center for Access. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in their program, with or without reasonable accommodations.

 

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