How do I apply?

1. Meet with your academic advisor as early as possible.  
   • You advisor will help you to determine the best time to go abroad and what classes you will need to take. Typically, you will be advised to save your elective courses to take abroad. 
   • Almost all majors can go abroad for a full semester with proper planning. 
   • A 3.0 GPA is typically required for most study abroad programs.
   • Print out and complete the Study Abroad Planning Worksheet.docx
2. Ensure you have a valid passport.
   • To study abroad, your passport usually needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your program's end date.
   • Ask the Office of Global Education about country-specific visa information.
   • For more information, see "Travel Documents: Passports and Visas" under the Application Process and Deadlines tab on the left.
3. Consider finances.
   • For a semester program: normal University of Scranton tuition fees will be charged. Usually, any scholarships and financial aid you receive in a typical semester will also apply to your semester abroad. (Students do not pay tuition fee charges to the host university.) 
   • For a summer or intersession program: tuition varies based on program. Tuition fees and accommodation charges are set by the host university. Semester scholarships and semester financial aid will usually not apply. 
   • Students who receive a Pell grant as part of their financial aid *may* be able to use it for summer study abroad if they are taking 6 credits during the summer.  Students should discuss this with the Financial Aid Office. 
   • For more information, see the "Study Abroad Finances"  tab on the left. 
4. Decide on a program.
   • Set up an appointment with the Office of Global Education (see Contact Us tab on the left).
   • Search programs under the Programs tab on the left. Use Simple or Advanced search to find a program. 
   • Decide on location and type of program (for more information, see "Types of Study Abroad Programs" under the Planning to Study Abroad tab on the left). 
   • Choose a program that offers courses you need and confirm with your academic advisor.
   • Take note of application deadlines for the partner program on their website.  This can be earlier or later than the Scranton application deadline.
5. Plan to apply early.
   • Two applications must be completed: one for Scranton and one for the host university abroad.
   • Be prepared to apply early to your host university, as host universities might have limited spaces available and admission is offered on a rolling basis.  Pay attention to the specific application deadlines of the host university program published on the host university's website. Their deadlines are often different than Scranton deadlines.  
     • Spring semester and Intersession applications are accepted by host universities starting in July and are due between early August and October 1, depending on the program. 
     • Fall semester and Summer applications are accepted by host universities starting in January and are due between early February and April 1, depending on the program.
   • Be prepared to make an application on the Scranton application site for permission to study abroad - following our Scranton deadlines of April 1 for Summer/Fall abroad and October 1 for Intersession/Spring abroad. 
6. Compile application materials.
   • Ask the Office of Global Education for a pin number to start the Scranton application and for the host university application details.
   • Order an official transcript from the Registrar's Office if your program requires an official transcript.
   • Ask a faculty member for a recommendation.
   • Prepare supplementary materials, e.g. essays, forms, etc.
   • Complete the Study Abroad Course Approval Form with your academic advisor to determine how study abroad credits will apply to your UofS record. Include backup courses in case of schedule changes abroad. Obtain signatures of approval.
     • For more information on course approvals, see Credit Information and Course Equivalents tab on the left.
     • For more information on applying, see the Study Abroad Application tab on the left.
7. Submit applications.
   • Two applications must be completed: one for Scranton and one for the host university abroad.
   • Ensure the completed Study Abroad Course Approval form is returned to the Office of Global Education.
   • Await the acceptance notification from your host university!