
Study Abroad Program
The Study Abroad Program aspires to promote international education and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people in the United States and other countries. The programs shown below are supported by LSUA and provides students and faculty the opportunity to experience, observe, study, teach, and conduct research in other countries.
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Come to LSUA
(J-1 Visa)
Experience academic life at Louisiana State University of Alexandria through our J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Learn, teach, or conduct research while engaging with our campus community.
To attend LSUA as a study abroad student or a visiting scholar, students’ home institution must have a bilateral agreement with LSUA. Students must be nominated and approved by their home institutions. Nomination and all documents must be submitted before the deadline.
Program Begins | Application Deadline | Academic Semester Calendar |
Fall Semester | February 1st | August - December |
Spring Semester | October 1st | January - May |

Education Abroad
Travel from LSUA
Take your LSUA education around the world. Study, teach, or research overseas and bring back new perspectives that enrich our campus and community.
The Office of International Programs facilitates Study Abroad programs through strategic agreements and partnerships. LSUA offers opportunities for international and domestic students to expand their academic experiences and participate in a full-term, or short-term programs abroad. Contact the Office of International Programs for more information.
Japan 2026 Study Abroad Information:
More Information for Incoming Study Abroad Students
Study Abroad students are responsible for the following costs:
*Fees are subject to change
Items | Start Online in January | In-person Full Tuition & Fee and Out-of-State | If qualifying for Out-of-State Exemption: $3,632.88 (USD) |
Tuition | $3,204.00 | $2,447.04 | $2,447.04 |
Tuition Non-resident | - | $3,632.88 | - |
Academic Excellence | $120.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 |
Athletic | $144.00 | $216.00 | $216.00 |
Student Excellence | $168.00 | $216.00 | $216.00 |
Technology | $60.00 | $60.00 | $60.00 |
Mandatory | - | $124.25 | $124.25 |
Registration | - | $15.00 | $15.00 |
Building Use | - | $48.00 | $48.00 |
Energy Surcharge | - | $15.96 | $15.96 |
Operational | - | $54.00 | $54.00 |
Health Center | - | $36.00 | $36.00 |
Other | - | $98.16 | $98.16 |
On-Campus Housing (4-Bedroom) | - | $2,650.00 | $2,650.00 |
Meal-Plan | - | $1,855.00 | $1,855.00 |
Textbooks and school supplies (Estimated) | - | $500.00 | $500.00 |
Health Insurance (Estimated) | - | $700.00 | $700.00 |
Estimated Total Cost per semester: | $3,696.00 | $12,788.29 | $9,155.41 |
Note: This estimate is based on 12 credit hours for the 2024-2025 academic year and is subject to change. |
Other Cost:
International and domestic travel
Immigration documents and services
Admission application, Housing application and security deposit and fee.
Online fee, and lab fee
Out-of-State Exemption:
Non-Resident (Out-of-State) waivers, which grant qualifying students In-State status, are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the LSUA Admissions Office.
The estimated costs are as follows: Transfer students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible for an Out-of-State exemption of $3,632.88 per semester, provided they meet the admission requirements.
Please Note: The estimated expenses are for one full academic semester (Fall or Spring). The estimate is based on the 2023-2024 academic year and is subject to change.
The additional minimum funding requirements for the issuance of a United States visa for a spouse and dependent child are as follows:
$500 per month for spouse; and
$200 per month per dependent child
1. Nomination Procedure
Students must currently be enrolled and pursuing a degree at a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S and must be nominated by their home institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Non-native English speakers are required to submit a copy of one of the following documents:
TOEFL-IBT (Internet Based Test) score of 61 or above
TOEFL-PBT (Paper Based Test) score of 500 or above
IELTS 5.5 or above
GTEC CBT 1175 or above
2. Complete Admission Application for F-1 Online
The nominated student must complete the online application for admission and submit the non-refundable $80 along with the application prior to the deadline.
3. Attach the documentation required by the LSUA Admissions Office:
Copy of Passport
Transcript – evaluation required by one of the following evaluation services: InCred Evaluators: incredevals.org
Global Credentials: www.gcevaluators.com
WES: www.wes.org
Immunization Compliance Form
Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS Score Report must be sent directly to LSUA)
Proof of Finances Support: an incoming study abroad student must provide documentation with the application for sufficient financial resources.
1 semester: $13,500 USD
1 year: $27,000 USD
Documents acceptable as proof of financial support:
Personal bank statement(s) or other financial documents (e.g. scholarship award letters, loan guarantee, etc.)
A letter of support from parent with bank statement(s) showing sufficient funds; or
A combination of documents and letters of support that, when added together, show you have sufficient funds.
1. Nomination Procedure
You must be a faculty or a staff member in one of LSUA's bilateral partner institutions. You must be nominated by your home institution. Your home university coordinator must send an email to LSUA's International Programs Office informing us of your nomination.
Eligibility Criteria
Visiting scholars must have adequate command of the English language to participate successfully in the program.
2. Apply Online
The nominated scholar must complete the application for admission and submit the non-refundable $80.00 for the application and mailing fee.
3. Attach/Upload ALL of the following required documents to your online application:
Scanned copy of passport
A curriculum (vitae) that is translated into English
A research proposal
A letter of recommendation from your institution or scholars who are familiar with your work
Proof of financial support: A visiting scholar must include this documentation when submitting the application for sufficient financial resources. The documentation must include the following amounts for housing, meals, books, and personal expenses based on the length of your program: One semester: $10,000 USD, One year: $20,000 USD
Please note that the additional minimum funding requirements for issuance of a United States Visa for spouse and dependent child are as follows: $500 per month for spouse and $200 per month per dependent child.
Documents acceptable as proof of finances showing sufficient funds include:
Personal bank statement(s) or other financial documents (e.g. scholarship award letters, loan guarantee, etc.)
Letter of support from parent with bank statement(s) showing sufficient funds; or
A combination of documents and letters of support that, when added together, show you have sufficient funds.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is the biggest annual event in Louisiana. The event comes to life with decorated floats, unique costume designs, and the throwing of beads and candy into the crowd. Hundreds of people gather each year to participate in one of the safest and best-run Mardi Gras parades in Central Louisiana.
Crawfish Boil
Nothing else symbolizes the Cajun culture of Louisiana like a traditional crawfish boil with corn and potatoes. Each year, LSUA students enjoy eating at the crawfish boil and listening to music outdoors.
Trick-or-Treat Street
On the night of the traditional trick-or-treat activities, the campus square is closed to traffic for student organizations to set-up booths along the streets, where children and their parents can participate in a fun and safe Trick-or-Treat Street experience.
Christmas on the Quad
This event features the lighting of the LSUA Christmas tree and water tower, along with fireworks, carols, cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
LSUA is committed to developing and seeking global partnerships with select academic institutions. LSUA students can participate in a short-term summer program, or spend a semester studying in another country at one of our bilateral partners listed below.
Country | City | University |
China | Qufu, Shandong | Qufu Normal University (QFNU) |
China | Guangzhou, Guangdong | Jinan University (JNU) |
China | Beijing | Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) |
Japan | Tokyo | Komazawa University |
Philippines | Miagao, Iloilo City | The University of Philippines Visayas (UPV) |
Thailand | Bangkok | Thammasat University |
For more information about the study abroad program, please contact the Office of International Programs (located in Student Center, Room 202B by emailing ncox@lsua.edu , calling 318-473-6552, or visiting the office.
More Information for Students Studying Outside of the US
LSUA Study Abroad programs are a two-week trip to one of LSUA’s bilateral partner universities. The participating students will have opportunities to travel and visit historic sites both within and outside the host university.
During their time at the partnering university, LSUA students will be able to attend several cultural classes. These classes will discuss various topics, such as language, calligraphy, music, and arts. Students will also be able to participate in events and activities on the partnering university campus.
LSUA Study Abroad Program Objectives
To promote international education through cultural exchange.
To foster a genuine appreciation for different perspectives and an understanding of cultural differences.
To inspire students to discover their maximum potential, develop connections and lifelong memories with the people and places we visit.
To develop connections and lifelong memories with the people and places visited.
To expand opportunities for professional networking and promote LSUA globally.
Why Study Abroad
Understanding the complexities of other cultures will aid you in any field you study, as well as bring new perspectives to your life.
All faculty are welcome to participate in the faculty-led study abroad program and/or be a visiting scholar.
The faculty-led study abroad program offers faculty the opportunity to travel and to take one or two classes at a partnering university, while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Visiting scholars can visit LSUA international partnering universities for teaching, speaking, presenting a seminar, or working on research for a few weeks or longer.
LSUA is committed to developing and seeking global partnerships with select academic institutions. LSUA students can participate in a short-term summer program or spend a semester studying in another country at one of our bilateral partners listed below.
Country | City | University |
China | Qufu, Shandong | Qufu Normal University (QFNU) |
China | Guangzhou, Guangdong | Jinan University (JNU) |
China | Beijing | Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) |
Japan | Tokyo | Komazawa University |
Thailand | Bangkok | Thammasat University |
For more information about the study abroad program, please contact the Office of International Programs (located in Mulder Hall, Room 368, by emailing ncox@lsua.edu, calling 318-473-6552, or visiting the office.