Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I want to study abroad, but I don't know what my options are. Where do I start?
General advising sessions are held every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in Franklin Hall 303. Students can also begin by referring to materials and brochures available in the Information Center or on our Web site.

How can I meet with a Study Abroad Advisor?
Your first step should be to attend Study Abroad 101 or come to the Information Center to learn about your options. After that, if you need, you can schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor by phoning 812-855-9304.

What courses can I take while on a study abroad program?
If you plan carefully, no matter what your school or major, you can enroll in courses on a study abroad program that will fit your degree requirements here at IU. After being accepted to an IU program you will work with our office and your academic advisors to carefully plan what courses you should take while abroad to maintain your progress toward degree completion requirements. Depending on the international education program, you can enroll in courses in your major or minor, or in courses that will apply toward the completion of elective, language, or general education requirements.

Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
No. About half of the programs offered through IU do not require a language. See our list of programs in English.

Can I fulfill my Culture Studies credit by studying abroad?
A number of programs offer courses that will fulfill a culture studies requirement or the requirement can be satisfied by studying abroad for a certain length of time.

Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?
Yes. Students on semester and academic year programs take a full load of academic coursework that fulfills degree requirements at IU. You will work with study abroad advisors before you go and while abroad to ensure that the credits earned abroad on IU programs count toward graduation requirements. While most students who study abroad graduate on time, some use summer study abroad to help them graduate earlier.

If I decide to participate on a non-IU study abroad program, how can I transfer credit? What is the procedure?
Staff in our office can will work with you to help you transfer credit. Please refer to our information about non-IU programs.

How expensive will study abroad be compared to staying at Indiana University?
Many of our programs are comparable in price to in-state and out-of-state tuition and room and board rates at IU. In addition, financial aid and scholarships are available.

What are the prerequisites and eligibility requirements to study abroad?
It depends on the program. All prerequisites and eligibility requirements are listed in the individual program flyers. If you have questions about prerequisites after reviewing the flyers, contact a Study Abroad Advisor.

If I am an international student at IU, can I study abroad?
It may be possible but first, you should check with the program provider to see if there might be potential eligibility or participation issues for you given your country of citizenship and your international travel document (i.e., passport). In the past, a small number of students have encountered barriers to plans to study in their home country (or country of passport) or to study in a third country with immigration policies that restrict entry to citizens of their home country (or country of passport).
Once you have determined that there are no technical barriers to your participation in the program, you should check with the IU Office of International Services to confirm whether your current immigration status will permit you an extended stay abroad and reentry back into the United States. If it does, next you should contact the embassy of the country where you will study to determine its entry and visa requirements for citizens of your country. As long as you remain in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations, the host-country immigration regulations, and meet all other eligibility requirements for the study abroad program, you can apply to study abroad.

What are my chances of being accepted to a program?
If you meet all eligibility requirements indicated on the program’s Web flyer and within the Office of Overseas Study’s Academic Policies, and are considered a good match for the program, you are very likely to be accepted. However, some programs do have space limitations, such as the summer program in Florence, and even though you may meet all eligibility requirements, you may not be accepted simply due to the level of demand. If you would like to determine your eligibility prior to submitting an application, please visit the Information Center and speak with an advisor during walk-in hours.

When are the applications due?
Applications are generally due one semester in advance of the program, but there can be exceptions. Most spring program applications are due in the fall, summer programs in February, fall programs are due in spring semester and academic year applications due in January. See our list of deadlines.

Applicants should file on-line applications and submit ALL required supporting materials in a timely manner—by the program deadline. Consideration of applications will not begin until the deadline has passed. We do not offer rolling admissions.

How long should my response to the essay question be?
It will depend upon the individual. It is best to state why you have selected the program, especially with regard to your academic program at IU. The reader will want to know that you have looked at the course offerings (available in the notebooks in our Information Center and through our Web site) and have a good idea how the program will fit into your major, minor and/or general education requirements. The more specific and detailed you are in your answers, the easier it is for the selection committee.

Can students with disabilities apply for study abroad programs?
Yes. With plenty of advance planning, students with disabilities can find programs to fit their needs.

If I am not an IU student, can I go on an IU program?
Most programs are open only to IU students. Students from institutions other than IU may apply for Bologna, Dakar (summer), Graz (summer), and  Venice (summer). See individual program flyers for details.

Will I need a passport?
Yes, everyone needs a passport to travel abroad.  See the passport information page.

Do I need a student visa to study abroad?
Depending on the country’s immigration regulations where you will study abroad, you may need to obtain a visa (usually a stamp in your passport) prior to your arrival in that country. Check the country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. to determine whether or not you need a visa. See the U.S. Department of State's Students Abroad page for links to entry/exit information for U.S. citizens for countries around the world.

Will I have to make a prepayment to secure my place in the program?
Yes, each program requires an initial, non-refundable prepayment of $300-$500, due approximately two weeks after acceptance.

What other expenses may I have prior to the start of the program?
Common expenses include application fees for a passport, the cost of passport-style photos for identification cards, filing fees for visas and residency permits and advance purchase of international airfare. The due dates for the balance of program fees will vary; these are specified in materials sent to students at the time of acceptance.

What percentage of IU students study abroad?
About 21% of each graduating class will have studied abroad at some time during their academic career.

Why should I study abroad?
There are many reasons to study abroad! Past participants have said that studying abroad helped them focus their academic and career goals, taught them about living and working with people of different cultures, and even taught them more about themselves. It is a great way to learn a language, or to simply learn about a culture that might interest you. Employers and graduate programs tell us that study abroad looks great on a résumé, too!