FAQ for Study Abroad
Where can I study abroad?
Our Center for International Programs offers a wide assortment of opportunities across five continents, and across a variety of contemporary themes and discipline focuses (e.g. business).
Will the courses I take transfer back here to UD?
Yes. In fact, the classes we offer are taught by UD faculty - many of whom you would take classes from here on campus. So, unlike many other programs, there is really no transfer process per se. You are already in UD courses that go right on your transcript! But, you will definitely want to speak with your advisor to make sure the classes you take are the ones you need for your program/major.
Do I need to know a foreign language to study overseas?
No - although the vast majority of participants have taken several years of language in high school and college, this is not required. Of course, we recommend foreign language courses and believe this can greatly expand the value of your experience. But courses are taught in English by UD faculty, so there is no language barrier in the classroom.
Do I have to be a specific major to participate?
Summer Study Abroad is open to all majors and programs. It is true that some programs are discipline-based (e.g. engineering, languages, business) and might be more or less attractive to those majors, but you can participate in any program.
Studying overseas seems expensive - are there any scholarships available or other sources of funding?
The cost of studying overseas has to be factored in your decision, especially in today's economic environment. To help, we provide estimates of the total costs of our programs. Those figures seem high at first glance, but a big slice of the expense is tuition for coursework that might allow you to graduate a term early. Plus, you have food and lodging expenses even if you stay in the states for the summer. So the real costs may be less than they seem. Nevertheless, it is not cheap - cost estimates will be provided under each summer program location. And consider applying for scholarships (see our Funding Your Experience page).
I want to work part of the summer to help pay for this overseas study - can I do that?
Yes - most of our students do exactly this. Our programs involve five weeks of travel and study abroad. So, for example, if you participate in Session I, you will start on approximately May 18 and finish on June 21 - leaving a good part of the summer for employment.
How do I apply and how do you select students?
Apply using forms on our Center for International Programs site in early October 2012. Early consideration applications with deposits are due in November. From there on out, some Summer programs fill very quickly, and we take qualified students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students who are on academic or behavioral probation can not participate.
Where do students live while overseas?
Students have options for living arrangements. Some choose to stay with a host family in the city we are visiting, although not all sites offer this option. Other students prefer to live in dorms with other UD students - this is the more common living arrangement. The Study Abroad Director will explain site-specific options during program orientation meetings.
What are the overseas classes like?
If you take a Marketing 301 class, for example, you can expect a similar amount of subject coverage and work required as you would on campus. Of course, classes will be delivered in a shorter period of time, but pre-departure meetings with UD faculty help accelerate coursework.
I am a little nervous about traveling overseas - will there be an orientation before we leave?
Absolutely! Participants register for a one credit class that involves studying the culture, economy and government of the country you will visit. Plus, you will get plenty of information in our pre-departure sessions on what to pack (hint: PACK LIGHT!) and many other travel tips from faculty and teaching assistants who have traveled before and will accompany you.
What if I have a health problem or emergency overseas?
The University prepares extensively for possible problems and emergencies - even though we have never had anything serious occur on our trips. We have a detailed protocol in place regarding health and safety while overseas (see our main Safety/Health page). Participants are required to carry proof of health insurance and are also covered by an emergency service used by many major universities and corporations - International SOS. In the event of a serious health problem, International SOS will help arrange for medical care and, in an extreme situation, will airlift UD students or personnel out of a country or city.