Veterans, Active Duty, And ROTC

To support your goal to study abroad, Veterans and active duty military members will need to work closely with the Veterans and Military Services Office and their Education Abroad advisor at NAU. ROTC students will want to speak with their reporting officer about expectations for their study abroad experience.

Questions to Consider

Will I need to list my military service on a visa application, and how will I do so?

Do I need to maintain a fitness regimen, and what facilities will be available?

How will I discuss my military experience with locals, and how might it be perceived?

Has the U.S. military been involved in prior action with or in my host country? What is the perception of those military actions among locals?

How will any prior international experiences shape my perceptions during my program?

How will the academic and cultural context abroad shape this international experience?

Financial Considerations

If you want to use VA benefits, ROTC scholarships, or other forms of aid related to military service, you must plan ahead. Be financially prepared. You may not be eligible for your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or it may be delayed. Have a backup plan in case that funding does not come through.

Using Veterans Benefits to Study Abroad

Study abroad programs must be approved by the VA

Programs to consider:

Costa Rica NAU

NAU led programs

Universities listed on the

In general, these conditions must be met:

  • Students must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program.
  • The courses at the host institution in the foreign country must apply towards the student’s degree plan and be approved by VA.
  • VA cannot pay any fees specific to studying abroad (study abroad program fees) unless the student is required to study abroad as part of their degree.
    • IGP students
    • International Communication minor
    • POS major
  • If you are a veteran or dependent of a veteran and you are interested in using your funding, contact Scott Heflin at Heflin@nau.edu

Security Clearance

Worried about a current or future security clearance? Create a spreadsheet to store sustained foreign contact information for serious connections you make abroad. Keep track of your addresses abroad and details for two references per address. You can check out the SF-86 form for more info.

Resources