1. What are the eligibility requirements?
You must be enrolled at Stanislaus State or be eligible to
transfer from a California community college. Every program has
its own set of eligibility requirements. Most programs require at
least a 2.75. Others require a 3.0. Some programs have coursework
prerequisites or language requirements. Please refer to the
specific program descriptions for eligibility requirements.
2. Will I get academic credit?
Yes. Before going abroad, you will meet with faculty members
and your advisor to complete Course Equivalency Forms
on which you will identify what classes you will take overseas
and what Stanislaus State credit you will be awarded for
completing those classes. Students who plan ahead and who work
closely with their academic advisors usually get full credit for
the classes they take abroad.
Sometimes students want to study abroad in a country where
courses may not be offered in their majors. In such cases, most
students declare a minor and earn credits toward that minor while
they are studying abroad. For example, many students study abroad
to complete minors in foreign languages.
3. Do I have to be fluent in a foreign language to study abroad?
Sometimes courses are taught in English in non-English speaking
countries. However, students usually do study the language of the
host country while abroad. Some programs require foreign language
skills, but many do not. For specific foreign language
requirements, read the literature for each program.
4. Do I have to be a Junior to study abroad?
No. Programs exist for students at all levels of university
education. The best time for you to study abroad depends on your
own academic, personal, and professional goals.
5. Can Graduate Students study abroad?
Yes. It is essential, however, that first-year graduate students
understand that studying abroad at this point in their academic
careers removes them from the home campus department and advisor
at a crucial juncture in their studies.
Students are urged to meet with their home campus advisors to
discuss how the study abroad experience will apply toward the
graduate degree program.
Graduate students may want to study abroad to acquire foreign
language skills, however courses will most likely be credited at
the undergraduate level.
Students pursuing credentials or second baccalaureate degrees are
admitted as post baccalaureates, but are considered undergraduate
students.
6. Is there an age limit?
No. Stanislaus State students of all ages can study abroad. You
don’t have to be a traditional college-age student. Older
students are welcome!
7. Can I take my spouse or children with me?
Some programs allow you to take dependents. Consult the specific
information for each program.
8. What about internships and working abroad? Can I get a job
overseas?
Our primary focus is on academic study programs at foreign
universities. However, some of our international partners will
help study abroad students find internships.
Students should know that their top priority while participating
in our programs must be university study, not work. In fact, you
may not legally work in most countries. You should not and cannot
count on working while you are abroad.
9. How much will it cost?
The total cost for a year overseas depends on a number of
factors, including the cost of living in the host country, the
local inflation rate, the currency exchange rate, the length of
time spent abroad, and each individual’s unique spending habits.
While studying abroad, you will pay the same kinds of expenses
that you pay here in California: rent, food, clothing,
transportation, personal expenses, etc.
It is important to study the cost requirements for your program
very carefully. You must make sure that you understand the
realistic costs and that you know where the money is coming from
before you go, since you cannot and should not count on working
while you are abroad.
Many students are eligible for financial aid to study abroad. You
must complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To maximize aid eligibility,
apply between January 1 and March 2 of the
calendar year in which you plan to begin the program abroad.
Contact the Stanislaus
State Financial Aid Office for information on financial aid
and scholarships.
