International Programs
Frequently Asked Questions about Studying Abroad
1. Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
No. We have many opportunities in non-English speaking countries that not only offer classes taught in English but also provide extensive language study of the host language. Many students go abroad without prior foreign language experience and build some good conversational skills that they develop further upon their return to PSU. Certainly, in non-English speaking countries your study abroad experience is vastly enriched if you can acquire even modest conversational skills before leaving the United States.
2. Can I find a program that's equivalent to my PSU major?
One sure way to have your study away experience be a positive one is to plan for your foreign study course work to keep you on track for graduation. To do this, you need to spend some time alone and working with your study-away advisor to select a study-away college/university program that offers courses and majors comparable to your concentrations.
3. Will my credits transfer back to Plymouth State University?
You'll want to work closely with the study-abroad advisors here in The Bagley Center to ensure that credits from your study-away program will transfer. Credit transfer can be a huge problem if you ignore the necessary paperwork that needs to be done before you leave. If you plan and work with your advisor, course transfer credits present no surprises.
4. What about grades?
Grades for study away are administered in the same manner as courses you might enroll in at any other college/university. You can use your course transfers to complete requirements, fulfill minors and earn credits. Grades, however, do not transfer. Therefore, your GPA is unaffected by your study away program.
5. What are "integrated" and "island" programs?
An "integrated" program means you study with host institution students and are held to the same academic standards as degree-seeking students. An "island" program means that you study with other American and non-host country students in curriculums designed especially for American students. We offer considerable choices in both kinds of programs.
6. Do study-away programs have specific eligibility requirements?
PSU students interested in participating in a study abroad program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at the time of application. However, specific requirements vary by institution and may include a higher GPA, credit completed status (for example, Junior standing) and some will not admit students with significant college judicial histories. You’ll work with your study –away advisor to determine eligibility for each program that interests you.
7. Is it safe to study in another country?
Certainly, following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the question of safety looms very large. Even during those tragic events, no foreign study programs were canceled or suspended. Our office pays close attention via a direct Web link to the State Department, written updates and reminders from the State Department about personal security for Americans abroad. Currently, students from many colleges and universities are going about their normal business of studying at their universities and making friends all over the world.
Nevertheless, our policy is to follow the State Department in its public notices to U.S. citizens worldwide. If U.S. citizens were recalled from a country in which we have enrolled students studying abroad, we would require those students to return home as well. If students were required to return home due to a program cancellation, we would refund all money recoverable at the time of the cancellation and, depending upon the timing of the program cancellation, would assist students in rejoining the current semester at Plymouth State.
8. Where will I live while I am abroad?
Most study away programs offer as many housing options as you are already familiar with. Dormitories, study apartments, off-campus accommodations (both university owned and private) and home stays are some of the many options that you may encounter.
9. Is studying abroad more expensive than my normal college costs?
For tuition, room and board, and books, you'll find that study away options range from less expensive to more expensive. Most students returning from an exciting semester/year abroad will tell you that you need to consider cost issues carefully and realistically. Tuition, room and board fees will vary but it is frequently other discretionary costs that need careful budgeting. School vacation trips, off-campus eating and entertainment (costs-of-living vary dramatically in other countries) need to be part of your financial planning.
10. Can I use my financial aid when I study abroad?
Most financial aid can be transferred to your study abroad program. We'll arrange for you to meet with the Financial Aid office to determine how much financial aid you can expect to take on your program.
11. If I want to study away, when should I begin this process?
Many of our answers to these FAQs note the need for careful planning and that study away involves many decisions. We work with many Plymouth students for almost a full year before they go away to study. A good rule of thumb is to allow yourself about four months preparation time before the admission deadline for the school of your choice. For example, many spring admission deadlines are October. So you would want to begin working with our office as early as April and May.
