Faculty Recommendations

As a part of your Study Abroad Application, you may be required to provide one or more Faculty Recommendations. The number of recommendations needed will vary depending on the program you are applying to.

When you start an application in the My Study Abroad portal, the Faculty Recommendation(s) will appear as a requirement (if applicable).

• These recommendations are completed digitally and will not require a hard copy letter to be turned in to the Study Abroad Office.
  • Simply fill in your recommender's information and an email will be sent to them with directions on how to complete their recommendation.
• A Recommendation will show that it has been received when the 'Received' box is checked off.
• If your Faculty Recommender is not getting the email:
  • Please have them check their Junk Mail box.
  • Review the information you entered to make sure there are no spelling errors in their email address.

**Recommendations must be completed before the deadline in order for your application to be reviewed.**

As recommendation requests are sent via email, we encourage you to speak to your recommender first to ask them if they are willing to serve as a positive reference for you, rather than just simply emailing them the recommendation form.

Requirements for Programs with Recommendations

A Faculty Recommendation must be:

• From Illinois State University (if you are a recent transfer student, see advisor for more information)*
• A Professor or Graduate Assistant who has taught one of your courses
• An Academic Advisor you have worked with for more than one semester

A Faculty Recommendation cannot be:

• A Parent, Guardian, or other family member
• A Supervisor, Mentor, or Coach (from on or off campus)
• An RSO Advisor
• A High School Teacher or Coach

*If you are applying for a Language program, it is highly recommended to have at least one recommendation from a Language Professor.