MGA recognizes several categories of international academic experiences:

1. Faculty-led study abroad programs directed by MGA faculty
2. Exchange programs established by reciprocal agreements (MOU’s) with other institutions of higher education
3. Affiliated or consortial programs through approved providers (such as USG Goes Global)
4. Domestic study-away programs governed by these guidelines unless a unit-level (School/Department) program has implemented stricter guidelines.

Participants must be admitted, degree-seeking, and in good academic and disciplinary standing. Minimum student GPA is 2.5 for all programs, unless specific programs place a stricter requirement on participants. Students must meet course prerequisites, be at least 18 years old, not be a dual-enrolled student, and have no student conduct or financial holds. Students who do not meet the criteria may appeal in writing to the Director of International Education or their designee.

All applicants must complete an IE advising session with the Office of International Education or the specific program leader and submit any requested materials, which may include but are not limited to, application materials, emergency contacts, immunization information, passport and visa documentation, fee payments, and signed participation agreements. Acceptance to program is contingent upon eligibility verification, space availability, and risk review.

Students in MGA faculty-led programs enroll in MGA courses with specific MGA course numbers and receive grades recorded on the MGA transcript. Exchange participants must obtain pre-approval for course equivalences before departure and submit official transcripts upon return. Full-time enrollment or program-specified minimums are required to maintain financial aid and visa compliance.

Students participating in external affiliated programs, such as USG Goes Global, must obtain transient approval from MGA prior to enrollment to ensure academic credit will transfer appropriately toward their MGA degree. These programs are recognized by MGA as approved opportunities for earning credit through another accredited institution. Before applying, students must complete the Transient Student Approval Form and obtain the appropriate signatures. During participation, students remain degree-seeking at MGA but are transiently enrolled elsewhere, and they must request that an official transcript be sent to MGA upon program completion for evaluation and posting of credit.

Program budgets must specify included and excluded costs, payment schedules, and refund terms. Eligible students may apply federal, state, or institutional aid toward approved programs. Procurement and Finance must review budgets and payments to ensure compliance. Refunds will follow published schedules based on recoverable costs.

All participants are bound by the MGA Student Code of Conduct, host-country laws, and MGA behavioral standards. Violations abroad are adjudicated per MGA policy. Title IX and Clery Act requirements apply to all international activities. Program Leaders must complete all annual training required by USG, and all participants receive orientation on these topics prior to departure.

All participants traveling internationally must be enrolled in a USG-approved comprehensive international insurance policy for the entire duration of travel. MGA prohibits travel to Department of State Level 4 destinations (life-threatening risks) and requires Provost approval for Level 3 travel (serious safety or security concerns). IE will maintain 24/7 emergency communication procedures. Program Leaders must report all serious incidents immediately to IE, Campus Police, and MGA Academic Affairs Office.

MGA ensures equitable access for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to disclose accommodation needs early to the Office of Accessibility Services. Marketing materials and applications will include language inviting such disclosures to facilitate reasonable accommodation under ADA and Section 504.

All students and Program Leaders must participate in a comprehensive pre-departure orientation organized by IE. Orientation topics include safety and security, health and insurance, Title IX and Clery protections, cultural expectations, academic and conduct requirements, emergency contacts, and risk procedures. A re-entry session is required post-return to address credit processing, program evaluation, and student well-being.

All program proposals and contracts must undergo review by Procurement and Legal Affairs prior to approval. MGA establishes a Study Abroad Advisory Committee composed of faculty and administrative members appointed by the Provost or designee. The committee will review new and recurring program proposals, advise on risk management, and ensure ongoing quality and compliance with MGA and USG policies.

Program Leaders must complete a post-program report including student surveys, faculty evaluations, academic outcomes, safety records, and financial reconciliation. IE will compile annual assessment summaries for Academic Affairs and use results for program improvement and risk mitigation.

IE will retain participant applications, risk forms, medical disclosures, incident reports, and approval documentation for a minimum of five years following program completion, in compliance with USG record management standards. All serious incidents, including injury, illness, or legal issues abroad, must be documented and reported to IE and to USG International Education within 24 hours of notification to the Director of International Education.

These written guidelines supersede informal guidance and ensure that MGA follows the USG Study Abroad Handbook, federal regulations, and state law. The International Education Office will review these guidelines annually to ensure continued compliance with Title IX, Clery Act, ADA, risk management, and fiscal accountability standards.