Studying Abroad During Your US Degree: A Practical Guide

Types of study-abroad programs

Many US colleges let enrolled students spend part of their degree studying in another country. Programs vary in length and structure, so the right choice depends on your major, budget, and goals.

• Semester or full-year programs at a partner university or program center
• Short-term programs (e.g. winter, spring break, or summer), often faculty-led
• Direct enrollment at a foreign university vs. a third-party program provider
• Exchange programs where you swap places with an incoming student

How credit transfer works

A central question is whether courses abroad will count toward your degree. Most colleges have an approval process so credits transfer cleanly and keep you on track to graduate.

Get course approvals in writing before you go. Confirm how grades and credits are recorded, since policies on whether grades affect your GPA differ by school.

• Get pre-approval for each course from your academic advisor/department
• Confirm whether credits count toward your major, minor, or general requirements
• Ask how grades transfer and whether they affect your GPA
• Keep syllabi and records in case a course needs later review

Costs and financial aid portability

Costs depend on the program, location, and provider, and can differ from your home-campus costs. Some financial aid may apply to approved study-abroad programs, but rules vary.

Figures and aid rules change, so we don't quote numbers. Check your study-abroad office and financial aid office for current program costs and how your aid applies, and review federal aid guidance at studentaid.gov.

• Compare program fees with your usual tuition and living costs
• Ask the financial aid office which aid is portable to your program
• Budget for flights, visas, insurance, and local living expenses
• Look into scholarships specifically for study abroad

Visas and official entry rules

Studying in another country usually requires meeting that country's entry and student-visa rules, which are set by its government, not your US college.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Verify requirements on the official government website of the destination country and, if you are an international student in the US, confirm how leaving and re-entering affects your US status with your DSO and studyinthestates.dhs.gov before you travel.

Planning around your major

Study abroad fits some academic plans more easily than others. Planning a term or two ahead helps you find a window that won't delay graduation.

• Map required courses and find a term where abroad credits fit
• Meet your study-abroad and academic advisors early
• Check application deadlines — they're often well before the program starts
• International students: confirm US re-entry and status implications with your DSO
• Have a backup plan in case a course or program changes