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FAQs

 
When should I start looking into study abroad?
Students should start researching their studying abroad plans as soon as possible.  We recommend that students attend a general information session during their freshman year.  There are many program options and many details that need to be discussed so it is best to plan in advance.

Is study abroad only for students of certain majors?
We believe that any major can include some type of study abroad experience. The key is planning early! It is recommended that you discuss your study abroad interests with your Academic Advisor and with a member of the CIP staff during your freshman year so that we can assist you with planning. If a semester abroad is not possible for you, we can also help you find a short-term program like SJU study tour or summer program.

Is there a GPA requirement for semester abroad?
Yes.  Per the Semester Abroad Policy, the minimum cumulative GPA requirement is 2.5.  However, it is important to note that many of our approved/affiliated programs have a higher GPA requirement – some up to a 3.0.

When can I study abroad?
SJU students are permitted to study abroad for a semester or year as second semester sophomores, juniors or seniors.  For many students, junior year is the best time due to major/degree requirements. Other majors, however, require that students remain on campus for junior and senior year, in which case second semester sophomore year might be the best time. This is a conversation students should have with their Academic Advisor, and perhaps the CIP as well.  

Also, please note that students considering study abroad during their senior year will need approval from the Academic Associate Dean.

Where can SJU students study abroad?
Saint Joseph's University currently maintains a list of 30 approved/affiliated semester abroad programs in 20 different countries around the world.  However, this list may be updated as the University deems necessary.

I’m interested in a semester abroad program that’s not on the SJU approved/affiliated list. Can I still apply to that program?
If you cannot find a program from the approved list that meets your academic needs, you have the option of submitting a Petition to the CIP to request approval to attend a non-approved/non-affiliated program.  This can be a lengthy process and requires extra preparation on the part of the student.  Before beginning a petition, please schedule an appointment with the a CIP staff member to discuss the non-approved program that you’re interested in and discuss the steps to petition.

I’m a PLS student.  What are my options?
Students in the College of Professional and Liberal Studies (PLS) have the same program options as the full-time, day students. However, your selection of courses may be different and this could affect your choice of program. As part of the application process, we will require a letter of recommendation (e-mail would suffice) from your Academic Advisor listing the courses that you plan to take while abroad.  In addition, it is important to note that you will be expected to enroll as a full-time student while abroad and pay the regular SJU tuition costs, as per the Study Abroad Policy. 

Okay, I’ve picked my program and I’m ready to apply!  When is the deadline?
For spring semester study abroad, the application deadline is generally September 15th or October 1st (depending on the program).  For fall semester abroad and academic year abroad, the deadline is generally February 15th. However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or fill up quickly.  Furthermore, the CIP will only approve a limited number of SJU students for study abroad each semester. For all of these reasons, early applications are encouraged.  (Note that the on-line application typically opens in mid-January for fall/year study abroad and in late-August for spring study abroad.)

Can I apply to multiple programs for one semester?
No.  The CIP can only accept one application per student at a time. However, if you are concerned about your chances of being accepted into a study abroad program, please schedule an appointment to meet with a member of the CIP staff to discuss your options.

How do I know which courses I can take overseas?
Fitting study abroad into your degree requirements is like solving a puzzle. Earlier planning facilitates a smoother process. Use the extensive network of resources available to you – your Academic Advisor, the Academic Advising Center for your college and the CIP.  In addition, you can find the list of “pre-approved” courses with SJU equivalencies on each program page of our website. This will help you “map out” which courses to possibly save for study abroad and which ones to take at SJU.  In general, we suggest that students find a program that complements their major and offers some classes to complete major requirements.  It is also a good idea to save your free electives for study abroad.

I’m not fluent in a foreign language. Can I still study abroad?
Yes.  Most programs on our approved list offer courses in English.  However, if you are studying in a country where English is not the primary language spoken, we strongly suggest taking a course in the host language so that you can try to communicate with locals!

How much does it cost to study abroad?
It depends on the type of program that you choose and your destination.  Students participating in a semester or year abroad program are required to remain enrolled at SJU and continue to pay SJU tuition while abroad.  Your entire financial aid package (loans, scholarships, grants) remains in effect.  You will be responsible for all non-tuition fees associated with your semester abroad and those expenses will vary by program. Budget Sheets with estimated program costs can be found on each program page of our website.  We also encourage students and their parents to review the "Financing Study Abroad" page of our website.

Where do I send my application?
The majority of the application process is on-line.  To apply, please go to the "Program Search" page.  From here, you can see a list of all available study abroad programs or you can conduct a search on various program identifiers (city, country, GPA requirement, language of instruction, housing offered, etc.).  Once you have selected the program you wish to apply to, click "Apply Now" from the program brochure page.  This will prompt you to log in with your SJU information (if you're not already logged in) and then you will be taken to the appropriate application process.  

I’ve applied for a semester abroad program. How long until I know if I’ve been accepted?
Once you’ve submitted you're on-line application, we will review it and check your grades and disciplinary status. You will receive an admissions decision by email within two weeks time.  Some programs require a separate application.  We will inform you of this through your CIP application and provide you with instructions.

Do the grades I get overseas count?
If you are studying abroad for a semester or year, or if you are participating in an SJU study tour or summer program, all grades you earn abroad will count towards your cumulative GPA and they will show up on your SJU transcript.