Has anyone used their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to physically study outside of the US?

SSG Shannon Howe — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:27:13 -0400

Has anyone used their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to physically study outside of the US? I retired last summer and I really want to travel. I have a passion for animals so I was thinking something in wildlife conservation, zoology, etc. Any advice & info is appreciated!

EDIT:

Thank you for the responses so far.

Yes, I have done some "Google research" and checked the VA as well. I am more so asking those who may have already taken this path for details of their journey, how it worked out for them, was it worth it, would they have done anything differently, etc.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 14 at 2023 8:10 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:10:23 -0400

It ultimately depends on whether the school is approved by the VA. Did you check with the VA yet? https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/foreign_schools.asp

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Mar 14 at 2023 8:14 AM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:14:50 -0400

SSG Shannon Howe, the key phrase in all educational programs under the Post 9/11 GI Bill is, "at an approved school".

Option 1: enroll in an accredited U.S. program that has a substantial study abroad program.
Option 2: find an approved foreign in program.

The details are at: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/study-at-foreign-schools/

I have seen it done, but for foreign programs that are not already approved it is a PITA to get your enrollment certified each year so that they receive payment on time. Most large U.S. universities, getting the GI Bill to post is pretty easy, for smaller schools, especially ones that don't have a dedicated person for VA educational benefits, students have to stay on top of their enrollment certification. For foreign programs it can be even harder. But it can be done!

Foreign programs | Veterans Affairs

If you plan to study at a foreign school, find out how you can use VA benefits to cover your tuition and fees.