Military Benefits

Study Abroad

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All Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, in Reserve and Veteran students are encouraged to explore their study abroad funding options through Veterans Affairs benefits and the Hazlewood Act. Participating in a study abroad program will complement the international experience you may have already gained!

VA benefits

If you are interested in using your VA benefits to assist in funding your experience in a study abroad program, start planning early and work closely with the Office of International Programs and your School Certifying Official to ensure your funding gets applied appropriately. Contact the Veterans Resource Center at vrc@sfasu.edu or call 936.468.6492 to be directed to your SCO.

  1. Meet with your SCO to understand the VA requirements for study abroad.
  2. Schedule an advising appointment with the study abroad coordinator.
    • Read through our question prompts and keep your answers in mind during this appointment.
  3. Verify benefits with your SCO.
    • Students must provide evidence for how the selected study abroad program will help them meet degree requirements at SFA.
  4. Apply for your study abroad program  
    • Note: As a show of appreciation for your service, your study abroad application fee will be waived.
  5. Once you're accepted to study abroad:
    • Inform the SCO that you will be abroad. If you are on Reserve or in ROTC, coordinate with your leadership about any time you might be unavailable.

Hazelwood Act

Students eligible for the Hazlewood Act Exemption may use this benefit for study abroad courses. Students must be enrolled in SFA courses that apply to their degree. Tuition and fees exempted by the Hazlewood Act are waived..

Questions to consider

Read through our general study abroad question prompts and consider the following military-specific questions as you explore study abroad programs that fit your academic, personal and professional interests.

  • How is the military viewed in my host country?
    • How will that affect my experience as I learn more about the people and the culture of the host country?
  • What unique perspectives and previous global experience can I contribute to my study abroad experiences?
    • What new skills do I want to gain while abroad?
  • What military assistance and benefits can I use towards my study abroad program? 
  • What military/work, family and/or home, responsibilities do I need to take into consideration when choosing a program?
  • How might other parts of my identity in addition to my military affiliation affect my experience abroad?
  • What will happen with my Basic Allowance for Housing?
  • How will I pay for miscellaneous expenses not covered by VA benefits (passport, visa, airfare, immunizations, application fee, etc.)?
  • If I choose a third party provider whose fees can not be paid using VA education benefits, how will I cover those expenses?