FAQs

As you are advising students during the course of their academic careers, many will express interest in studying overseas for part of that career. The Frequently Asked Questions list below should help you to answer many of those questions.  For a comprehensive list of program options and detailed information, please use the Program Search feature.

How can I help?
As a teacher and mentor, you are in a position to best help them frame the answer to the question, “what do you want to accomplish abroad?” This can be academic, personal or professionally focused. Personal development and the ability to travel will be options wherever they go. Get the students to think of what they want to do upon arrival, beyond just tourist experiences. Encourage students to think past study abroad as a geographical exercise: e.g., not WHERE in Ireland to you want to go, but WHY go to Ireland? Remind students that they have to be active participants in their education, most importantly when they arrive at their host country.

A student wants to study abroad. How does she/he get started?
The all-important first step is to encourage the student to make an appointment with an advisor at the Center for International Programs. We encourage all students to have individual meetings with our study abroad advisors where they can talk in more detail about their goals, get detailed information about programs and eligibility requirements, and complete the application process. Students are also encouraged to meet with their academic adviser to discuss course planning.

One of my advisees is planning on studying abroad. What classes should he take or not take before then?
Students that are planning on studying overseas can take any number of courses while abroad. In general, we advise students to save some of their GEP Variable courses (i.e., Art/Literature/MTF, Religious Difference, Philosophical Anthropology, etc.) as many of our approved programs offer similar courses. Students may need to take a language course while abroad and should save one elective (or their language requirement, if not completed yet) to do so. Many students have had success in taking upper level elective courses that count towards their major while abroad. Students can find the lists of pre-approved courses for each of our 29 approved/affiliated programs on our website (on each program's "Brochure Page") and in our office.

What are the eligibility requirements for study abroad?
Students who apply to any study abroad program must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with Saint Joseph’s University.  For semester/year abroad, they must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be at least a second semester sophomore (though most of our approved/affiliated programs have a higher GPA requirement).  There is no GPA requirement for the SJU faculty-led Study Tours and Summer Programs, but students do need to make sure that they’ve met any course pre-requisites.

One of my advisees studied abroad for a semester in the past year but their credits aren’t appearing yet.
If the credits are not appearing on the student’s transcript, then it is likely that one of three things has happened: 1) the host university has not issued the transcript yet (we typically receive transcripts from abroad 8-10 weeks after the program ends); 2) the student did not request that their transcript be sent to the CIP or 3) the student owes the program provider money and the transcript will not be issued until the bill has been settled. Please have the student contact the CIP office immediately if they have questions or concerns about their credits from study abroad.

How many students study abroad each year? 
During the 2017-2018 academic year, 329 students studied abroad. Of those, 86 students participated in a Study Tour, 42 in an SJU Summer Program, 189 students spent a semester abroad, and 2 stayed for a full academic year. 

How can I lead a group of students abroad?
The CIP provides the avenue for faculty in all academic areas to teach a study abroad course. Faculty may submit proposals to lead a SJU Study Tour or Summer Program. Please review the Proposal page that details the considerations and process for submitting a proposal.

Where is the Center for International Programs?
The Center for International Programs is located in LaFarge Residence Hall, Suite 10.  Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Do you have a question that wasn't addressed on this page?
Email us your question: studyabroad@sju.edu! We look forward to hearing from you.