frequently asked questions

A study abroad program gives you the opportunity to combine earning college credit with seeing the world. If you have never been abroad, the program typically provides the guidance and security necessary for such a first international experience. While in college you have access to financial aid and many awards and scholarships, which can help you afford a study abroad program. Also such a program gives you the chance to travel without falling behind in your studies, an opportunity you won't have once you enter the workforce. An added bonus – which becomes increasingly important – is the opportunity to list such an international venture in your resumé, which will make you stand out among other job applicants once you complete your studies and apply for your first job.

• Almost 17,000 students have studied abroad with LSU New Orleans since 1973

• You can earn LSU New Orleans college credits in exciting destinations 

• No foreign language skills or knowledge are required

• In 2023, LSU New Orleans awarded over $50,000 in institutional awards and scholarships to "Privateers" studying abroad

Because Guatemala is one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in the world, home of ancient Indigenous cultures, heritage, internationally recognized art history, and vibrant culinary scene.

This program in particular focuses heavily on Mayan culture and heritage. Our hosts, The Mayan Language Institute: Kaqchikel, has been training Kaqchikel language students in Guatemala for over 15 years.

Many of the classes that we offer are a part of LSU New Orleans’s General Degree Requirements meaning that they are classes you will need to take in order to receive your degree, regardless of what your major is here at LSU New Orleans.  

With that said, each student’s academic plan is different, and we recommend you meet with our office and your academic advisor to see how studying abroad can work for you.  

Your day will start with breakfast at home, after which you will undertake three hours of language instruction in the mornings from 9 to noon. These classes are very interactive, involving lots of speaking practice and dynamic activities and less on lectures and note-taking. 

In the afternoons, students engage in cultural immersion activities. Students get a break for lunch at the school, and are usually done with the cultural immersion activities by early evening. 

Dinner is provided by your host family at their home Monday-Friday. 

Though airfares and LSU New Orleans summer tuition rates are subject to change, you should expect to pay the following for Summer 2026:

• Room & Board ($405.00)

• Ground Transportation/Field Trips ($150.00)

• LSU New Orleans Summer tuition for 3 credits (c. $1046.00 for 2024, subject to change in 2026)

• Airfare to Guatemala (varies, typically $500.00-$1000.00)

• Spending money (varies by student, we recommend travelling with at least $500.00)

LSU New Orleans summer tuition is due according to the dates and deadlines set on LSU New Orleans website.  For last year’s summer tuition, and to monitor for new 2025 rates please visit here.   

Academic Admission Requirements
LSU New Orleans students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply. 

Student Conduct Admission Requirements
Students must be in good standing with their home institution to be considered for admission to LSU New Orleans-Guatemala program. Students on disciplinary and/or academic probation will not be accepted to LSU New Orleans-Guatemala program. After review of all application materials, students will be notified in writing of their admission status with LSU New Orleans-Guatemala program.

If you've never left the country before or never studied abroad before, it can seem overwhelming, but do not worry! Keep in mind that many of our students are in your shoes! Whether this is your first time on a plane or if you're an experienced traveler, here's a general timeline of what you want to do:

• Apply for the program

• Submit required paperwork to our office (transcript, photo, immunization records, etc.) 

•Apply for a passport (if you don't have one already or renew yours if necessary).  Be sure to send us a copy of the page that has your photo on it once you receive it as we require that for our records

As soon as possible!  Passports can take weeks or sometimes even months to be processed, so please don't wait until the last minute to begin this process.  You can apply for a passport at most major post offices. Please visit this website for more information.

Also don't forget to share a copy of your passport (the page with your photo and passport number) with our office as we require it prior to departure.

Please visit LSU New Orleans Financial Aid website here for more information and for deadlines for securing your aid for the summer. We encourage you to speak with your Financial Aid advisor before submitting your application. 

You will enroll directly in the summer course for this program and pay your tuition at normal summer rates directly to LSU New Orleans.  

Remember: it is up to you to talk to your university and counselor to make sure the credits can be transferred for a specific class.

When you have registered for your course, you will receive further instructions from the faculty about required reading. As an online course, you can expect many readings to be available to you electronically through LSU New Orleans’s Canvas platform.

Once you've been accepted into the program: 

• Start looking at flights.

• Airfare is not included in the program cost, but we are happy to help you identify a flight where other LSU New Orleans faculty or students will be present. 

• Send your flight information to our office via email.

• Start budgeting for your summer.

• Make notes about future payment deadlines and make sure to make your payments on time.  Also let us know if you are planning on using Financial Aid for this summer (see Fees page if you have questions).

Make sure you disclose any/all medications you are taking to us via the Immunization/Medical form that you are required to submit after admittance to the program. This is kept confidential, but we do need to have this information in case anything happens to you while we're abroad.  Make sure that you take enough of your medication with you before you leave the U.S. and that you keep it in its original container, as prescribed in case customs in has any questions. You will not be able to fill prescriptions while abroad.

Unfortunately we do not have a mailing address during our short stay in Guatemala. Tell your friends and family this in advance

You must book your flight on your own. Do not make non-refundable reservations until the program is confirmed by our office. Also, please consult with us regarding time of arrival.

Most students like to travel with others on the program.  We will share everyone's flight information ahead of time so you can see if anyone else is on your flight and coordinate taxis, etc. if you wish. 

Please make sure to book the correct dates.  If you have a question about arrival dates, please email us before booking your flight. You can also use a travel agent or frequent flyer miles. 

Students must ARRIVE in Guatemala on June 14, 2026.  Students must DEPART from Oaxaca no earlier than July 4, 2026.  

We will send you specific instructions about transportation before the program.

Yes, there is an onsite orientation at LSU New Orleans before our departure.  

Yes. Insurance is provided by LSU New Orleans Study Abroad Office.  

Applications to LSU New Orleans are due on May 1, 2026.

Having questions is normal! 

Please feel free to contact us by e-mailing [email protected] and/or Professor Barrios at [email protected].  

You may also stop by LSU New Orleans International Center, Room 116.