Program Structure

Dornsife FLP Process

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.

Compile a list of programs that interest you and consult your department’s academic advisor to ensure that the FLP aligns with your academic plans.

Submit your application for the desired program before the stated application deadline mentioned in the program brochure. Remember that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please note that each student is limited to a maximum of two applications.

Once your application is accepted, make sure to click the “Commitment to Participate” button within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so may result in your withdrawal from the program. Please be aware that should you decide to drop the course after confirming your participation, you will be liable for the $500 withdrawal fee and any applicable program vendor cancellation fees.

Following confirmation of your participation in the FLP, request D-clearance from your course department and proceed to register for the class through USC’s Web Registration. Make sure to adhere to the add/drop deadlines for the Spring or Summer term.

Take note of the scheduled orientation dates provided by Dornsife FLP and the Program Faculty Director. Your attendance is mandatory for both the pre-departure orientation and the on-site orientation.

Sign and submit all the required post-decision documents as indicated in your Student Travel Abroad portal. It’s crucial to ensure that all documents are submitted six weeks before the program’s departure date.

Confirm that all your travel arrangements are finalized, and payments are settled.

Get ready for an enriching educational adventure abroad that promises to be a transformative experience!

Lodging 

 Student lodging will be secured by USC and billed to the student account. Program Faculty Directors will arrange for housing such as hotels, hostels, host family stays, dorms, etc. While abroad, if the student decides to opt-out of the contracted lodging accommodations, all associated costs will be billed to the student. The Dornsife FLP Office is not responsible for student lodging fees, as lodging is a part of program costs.

Airfare

All students are required to arrive at the program destination at least 1 day prior to the program start date. If the student chooses to extend their trip and not return home at the end of the Faculty Led Program, they must complete a Trip Extension questionnaire in their Student Travel Abroad portal (Terra Dotta). Students should book their own flights and are required to submit their itinerary through Student Travel Abroad portal (Terra Dotta) prior to travel. ​

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.

Students can 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. To check for the latest international entry requirements, visit CIBT Visas.

Students must ensure they have all necessary visas, which are issued by the consulate or embassy of the country where you will be staying, in advance. For some countries, students may need to apply for a visa as far as 3 months in advance. Most consulates will keep students passport while they are processing their visa application. This may force students to alter preprogram international travel plans. For some visas, students may need to apply in person at the nearest consulate in the US.

In most cases, students have gone to the nearest consulate in the US and the consulate will request a sponsorship letter from the faculty director stating they are enrolled in a FLP and the associated costs.

It is not uncommon for students to be stopped from boarding planes because they lacked the necessary visas to visit the nation to which the plane was going!

Students enrolled in FLP programs will bear the financial responsibility for three charges posted to their student accounts, comprising:

USC Tuition for the Program:

Tuition is assessed for this program at the unit rate applicable for the semester, up to the 18-unit block.

Student Overseas Health Insurance Fees (international programs only):

Students who have opted out of the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will incur charges as follows:

$53 for 14 days or less

$107 for stays exceeding 14 – 30 days

For stays beyond 30 days, an additional month will be charged at $214 (non-pro-rated).

FLP Program Expenses:

Program fees, varying by location and program type, charges may include lodging, airfare, passport/visa, personal meals, and incidental expenses.

Kindly note that while the FLP Office manages the administration of FLP program fees, all other fees are overseen by various central units within the university.

Students are responsible for paying all charges posted to their student account by the designated due date. Any late payment fees incurred due to delayed payment are the responsibility of the student.

Student Overseas Health Insurance

Students participating in international travel must have active USC health insurance coverage during the time of the program. Students who have waived the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will pay the current rate of $53 for 14 days or less and $107 for anything above 14 – 30 days. If students stay longer, Student Health will charge an additional month at $214; it can’t be pro-rated. Students currently enrolled in SHIP receive overseas travel health insurance at no additional charge.

Student Travel Health Insurance will be provided with a three-day buffer on either end of the actual program start and end dates, when class begins and ends, not travel dates. Once students complete the health insurance form in the portal, packets are requested from Student Health at least 6 weeks prior to program start. The students receive these via email through Student Health. Student Health will bill the students account directly. Should the student have any questions or would like to request a waiver, refer to them to the following website for more information and contact Student Health directly.

Traveling on a Visa​

Please note that every student is required to have USC international health insurance. To fulfill this requirement during the visa application phase, kindly contact USC Student Health Center at studenthealth@usc.edu or by phone at (213) 740-9355. Request USC international health insurance early to obtain proof of insurance to present to the Consulate. It is essential to avoid purchasing both government overseas health insurance and the required USC international health insurance, as USC Dornsife will not reimburse students for such duplicative insurance expenses.

Dornsife FLP does not charge the student health insurance fee; Student Health will. For any questions relating to USC international health insurance, please contact Student Health at studenthealth@usc.edu or by phone at (213) 740-9355. More information on USC’s international health insurance can be found at https://studenthealth.usc.edu/studying-abroad.

Vaccination Requirements

All students who engage in international University-related travel, whether in group or individually, are strongly advised to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.

As per change in USC vaccination requirement announced on April 11,  students are responsible for following all vaccine requirements and local regulations of their destination country and reentry into the United States. Certain programs, countries, host institutions, and airlines may have specific testing and vaccination requirements for participation, entry, or travel.