Here are some general guidelines for studying abroad and using VA benefits. Please get in touch with our office before trying to study overseas to ensure that your coursework is covered under the study abroad program.
For questions email Jayetta Rogers jrogers4@utk.edu or James Angel at jangel12@utk.edu
A list of foreign schools that accept VA funding can be found here.
Things to Know About Study Abroad
VA is only set up to pay educational institutions. Please check with the study abroad office on campus to see how your course is set up.
Chapter 33 will only pay tuition and fees. They do not pay additional costs related to studying abroad, such as insurance, airfare, housing, meals, excursions, etc.Architecture and International Business Concentrations are some degrees here at UT that require study abroad.
For example, if a student is using chapter 33 and studying Italian in Italy to fulfill the foreign language requirement, VA will pay the regular tuition fees charged by UT.It will not pay additional study abroad charges unrelated to tuition. You must be registered in the course here at UT, and it must be taught or led by UT faculty in a foreign country.
We will need a course equivalency form from the study abroad office. The courses must transfer back to UT and satisfy a degree requirement.After verifying that the courses transfer back to UT, we will send the foreign school a “parent letter” with the course equivalency listed. The foreign school will then submit the certification to the VA in enrollment manager and certify your hours.