Study Abroad
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guest123455
Study Abroad
Hey! I was awarded the scholarship this past Spring. I’m assuming my security clearance paperwork starts in August (please correct me if i’m wrong). I’m looking into studying abroad in Spring 2026 (Spain, UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, other similar touristy countries). I am slightly concerned that studying abroad will 1) impact my eligibility for a clearance since I will be traveling abroad much, or 2) delay my clearance and I won’t get it in time for Summer 2026. Are these two things actually something to be concerned about, or am I being paranoid? I’d love to study abroad but would much rather not risk not getting a clearance. Thanks!
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Guester
Re: Study Abroad
This question is probably better directed towards your FSO. If your FSO has not yet reached out to you, you may be able to get their info from your facility POC.
However, I can tell you that studying abroad in the countries you mentioned will not stop you from getting a clearance. It can definitely slow down the process, however.
I do recommend reaching out to your POC to mention starting the clearance process, however, so it’s adjudicated by next summer. I was also awarded this year, and I know that the clearance process has already started for those at my facility. I’m not sure how far along it is, as I already had a clearance going in to SMART.
However, I can tell you that studying abroad in the countries you mentioned will not stop you from getting a clearance. It can definitely slow down the process, however.
I do recommend reaching out to your POC to mention starting the clearance process, however, so it’s adjudicated by next summer. I was also awarded this year, and I know that the clearance process has already started for those at my facility. I’m not sure how far along it is, as I already had a clearance going in to SMART.