Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions by students. Please be advised, that we cannot answer questions from Parents due to FERPA regulations.

• What is a faculty-led program?
  • Faculty-led programs are undergraduate courses designed and led by Dornsife faculty members to enhance the learning experience of Dornsife programs and its students. We offer international and domestic travel for undergraduate students, with a balance of learning inside and outside the classroom. These programs are directed during the Maymester or Summer sessions only.
• How many programs can students apply to?
  • Students may apply to up to two programs.
• Who can participate in this program?
  • Our Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs) are open to all undergraduate students studying at USC, regardless of their major or school.
  • Graduate students are ineligible to apply.
  • Progressive degree students may apply only if they are classified as undergraduates with remaining undergraduate coursework at the time of program enrollment.
  • Progressive students who have completed their undergraduate coursework and are classified as master’s students are not eligible to apply.
• What types of programs does the Dornsife Faculty-Led Office offer?
  • The FLP Office currently supports the following program types:
  • Maymester 
    • Maymester sessions begin on the Monday after commencement and last four weeks. These sessions are an extension of the spring semester, with travel anticipated for three of the four weeks, either domestic or international. Maymester courses will be listed in the Schedule of Classes under their respective departmental sections and are eligible for inclusion in financial aid packages.
  • Problems Without Passports 
    • PWPs also last 4 weeks, but align with summer session timelines set by the faculty director and FLP Office. These courses tackle complex transnational societal problems. Instructors present the issue and provide context. Students then independently identify academic resources to research the problem and collaborate to develop potential policy solutions. Their work is evaluated by the instructor, peers, and local experts. Unlike Maymesters, PWPs are not eligible for financial aid.
  • Summer 
    • Summer programs last 4 weeks and adhere to the deadlines of either the first or second summer session. Summer courses will be listed in the Schedule of Classes under their respective departments, within the summer term. Unlike Maymesters and PWPs, summer programs are not eligible for inclusion in financial aid packages.
• How can I apply for the program?
  1. 1. Online Application:
        • Access the Student Travel Abroad Portal to review upcoming programs or visit our Dornsife FLP Website for a list of programs. Each program brochure provides essential details such as program type, location, duration, course prerequisites, program cost breakdown, contact information for program staff, and more.
• Where will the programs take place?
  • We offer international and domestic travel for undergraduate students, with a balance of learning inside and outside the classroom. Locations and travel durations vary by program. See program brochure pages for more information.
• What is the cost of the program?
  • Program fees vary by location and program type. Students are responsible for paying for tuition, lodging, airfare, passport/visa, personal meals, and other incidental expenses. Once a student has been accepted into a Faculty-Led Program and has submitted the “Faculty-Led Programs Student Acceptance Form,” they are considered committed to participating in the program. If a student drops the program after committing, they will be responsible for the $500 withdrawal fee and any program provider withdrawal fees (if applicable).
  • Within each program brochure is a Student Cost Sheet, a worksheet that provides a breakdown of potential student costs for attending the program. See the Financial Fees page for more information.
• Are scholarships or financial aid available?
  • Dornsife Faculty-Led Programs office does not offer scholarships. However, we encourage students to contact the scholarship office and explore the available scholarship options within USC and outside USC. Please contact those separate offices for inquiries regarding scholarships, financial aid, or course planning.
  • For general Dornsife Scholarship inquiries, email: exl@dornsife.usc.edu
    1. SOAR Inquiries email: soar@dornsife.usc.edu
    2. SURF Inquiries email: surf@dornsife.usc.edu
  • Dornsife scholarships are only available to Dornsife undergraduates. Non-Dornsife students who want to apply for scholarships must contact their associated school’s scholarship office.
• What travel documents do I need?
  • All students are required to have their passport and visa information in hand six (6) weeks prior to the beginning of the program. Students should apply for their passport and/or visa (if applicable) immediately. Passports generally take around 16 weeks to process.
  • Most passport applications are available at large post offices or as a printable version here; you will need a) a completed passport application b) proof of citizenship c) two identical passport photos d) the passport fee.
  • Non-US citizens should verify that their passports are valid for the amount of time they will be away from the United States. To check for the latest international entry requirements, visit CIBT Visas (click link).
  • Review visa requirements per country; the US State Department keeps a list of foreign entrance requirements for USC residents, as well as consular contact information, here (click link).
  • Ensure you have all necessary visas, which are issued by the consulate or embassy of the country where you will be staying, in advance (students have been stopped from boarding planes because they lacked the necessary visas to visit the nation to which the plane was going!).
• What should I pack for the program?
  • The Dornsife FLP Office provides a packing list that students can use to prepare for their trip. Please contact the office for more information (flp@dornsife.usc.edu).
• When will we be billed for lodging and other incidental expenses?
  • We will be billing students in mid-April/before you depart for your program.
  • Dornsife FLP does not charge the student health insurance fee; Student Health will. Contact Student Health for any insurance-related inquiries at studenthealth@usc.edu or by phone at (213) 740-9355
• What happens if I need to drop the program?
  • Please email your faculty director and our office if you need to drop the program. You will be responsible for paying the $500 Dornsife withdrawal fee and any program vendor cancelation fee, if applicable.
• Can students waive the USC Overseas Health Insurance?
  • No, all students in an international program must enroll in USC’s Overseas Health Insurance – there are no exceptions. Once you commit to a program, the Office of Strategic and Global Initiatives provides Student Health Services with a list of participating students to enroll in the insurance. Student Health will then email students a copy of their coverage packet. This packet can be found in the portal under post-decision documents. Students who have waived the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will pay $53 for trips of 14 days or less and $107 for over 14 days. For trips exceeding 30 days, Student Health must charge for an additional month at $214, as rates cannot be prorated. Students currently enrolled in SHIP receive overseas coverage at no extra cost.
    1. Students traveling on a U.S. domestic program do not need to enroll since they will remain in the U.S. and can use their current insurance.
    2. Dornsife FLP does not charge the student health insurance fee; Student Health does. If you have any questions, contact Student Health at studenthealth@usc.edu or (213) 740-9355. More info on USC’s international health insurance is at https://studenthealth.usc.edu/studying-abroad.