International Programs / Study Abroad

Initial Considerations

Questions to Consider   

When considering what type of program is appropriate for you, you will need to think about where you want to study and how you plan to incorporate your international experience into your studies.  The following is a list of questions you should ask yourself when considering to apply for a study abroad program.  In addition to the ones we've provided for you, you may have your own questions when planning to study abroad.  For information on our walk-in Advising hours, visit the Advising page.  Our advisors are available to help with any question you may have, so don't hesitate to ask!

Academic   

  • What is your intended major or areas of emphasis?
  • Do you have another interest or a complementary subject area that you want to focus on, perhaps for a minor?
  • How much time do you want to spend abroad? One quarter? One year?
  • Would a short-term program be best for you?
  • How does study abroad fit into your degree requirements?
  • Does your academic department have requirements that might be best met through study abroad, such as language, internships or liberal studies?
  • Does the program in which you plan to participate have language requirements?
  • Are you interested in a program taught entirely in another language, or are you interested in a program that focuses on a specific academic discipline?
  • Is credit important?
  • Do you want to study abroad more than once?

Learning Style   

  • Are you looking for a program that requires a great deal of independence, or would you prefer a program in which many of the arrangements are made by a program director?
  • Are you able to adapt to different styles of learning?

Geographic Interests   

  • Where would you like to study?
  • What countries, cultures and languages interest you?
  • How immersed in the culture do you want to be?
  • Is there something happening in the world today that you want to learn more about?
  • Is there a political system that intrigues you?

Financial and Personal Issues   

  • How much can you afford to spend?
  • Do you need to retain financial aid eligibility to finance your program?
  • Do you want to explore family roots?
  • Do you want to live in your home country?
  • Are there historical or current factors in places around the world that may impact your experience there?

Career Path   

  • How important is an internship?
  • Do you have the language skills for an internship in your field?
  • What will help your graduate school applications or make your resume stand out?


      Choosing a Program   

      Our programs provide students with a diverse range of locations, a large number of academic and professional opportunities, and flexible options for duration of stay. Choosing a program can be difficult, however, if you do not know about the structure and nature of  the programs we offer. This section will provide you with information regarding what program types there are, how their courses are structured, and when to apply for them.

      Program Types   

      • Term-Long Programs:  These are programs which last for one academic term or longer, and take place at a host institution in another country. While on a term-long program, students are generally housed on the host institution's campus, in student apartments, or in a homestay. Term-Long programs are divided into 3 main durations:
        • Fall Quarter
        • Winter-Spring Quarters
        • Academic Year     
      • Short-Term Programs:  These are programs in which students travel for approximately three weeks, and complete coursework before and/or after travel. Short-Term programs are divided into two main durations: 
        • December programs: Students are generally registered for two 4-credit courses, one during Fall Quarter and one during Winter Quarter, and travel during the December Intersession period in between.  
        • Summer programs:  Students are generally registered for two 4-credit courses in either the Spring Quarter, Summer Session I/II, or Fall Quarter. Traveling then takes place for approximately three weeks during the summer.
      • FY@broad Programs:  These programs are offered exclusively for freshmen. During Winter Quarter, students register for a Focal Point Course, taught by a faculty member with expertise in a specific country and region, for one of our three FY@broad programs. Travel, lead by program faculty, then takes place during the spring break following Winter Quarter. For more information, visit the FY@Broad page.

       Course Offerings   

      • Term-Long Programs generally consist of one to several required courses (often a Language course or Liberal Studies course, depending on the program) and several electives. Electives vary based on the curriculum offered at the country's host institution. For information on specific course requirements and offerings, visit each destination's Program Page.
      • Short-Term Programs are generally led by one or two faculty members from a specific department, and teach a required course within their field of study.  Short-Term programs have been sponsored by faculty from the following colleges and schools:
        • Liberal Arts and Sciences
        • School of Commerce
        • College of Computing and Digital Media
        • School for New Learning
        • School of Public Service
        • For more information, visit each destination's Program Page.
      • Liberal Studies requirements: The following requirements can be satisfied by both Term-Long and Short-Term study abroad programs (note: different programs will offer different Liberal Studies requirements.  Check each destination's Program Page for specific requirements offered).  Also, for more specific information on Domain Credits offered in specific program classes, be sure to check the Course Equivalencies chart on the Resources for Faculty and Advisors Page. 

      JYEL

      Junior Year Experiential Learning

      UP

      Understanding the Past

      SSMW

      Self, Society, and the Modern World

      AL

      Arts and Literature

      EL

      Elective

      Note: Refer to the Course Equivalencies chart for more information on domain credits.
      Deadlines   
      • Term-Long Programs:
        • Fall programs: February 15
        • Academic Year programs: February 15
        • Winter, Winter-Spring programs: May 15
        • Spring program (Paris AF): October 15
      • Short-Term Programs:
        • Summer programs: February 15
        • December programs: May 15