Frequently Asked Questions | Study Aboard

Studying abroad includes high-quality classroom learning and immersion in a different culture. Today, there is a growing realization at all levels of education that students must be better prepared for a global society. This is resulting in a dramatic increase in the choice of study abroad options enabling students to experience a wide range of the world's cultures.

The costs to study abroad are similar to the costs of a semester on-campus at Springfield College.  The home billing policy for partner programs allows students to choose a program that furthers their individual academic and career goals without worrying about substantial differences in costs.

To learn more about study abroad costs and how financial aid may apply, please review the Springfield College Policy on Billing for Study Abroad.

To be eligible for a semester of study abroad, students must meet the following criteria.

• Minimum cumulative Springfield College GPA of 3.0
• Full-time undergraduate enrollment
• At least 30 credit hours completed
• Transfer students must complete one full semester at Springfield College prior to application to be eligible.
• Good academic, disciplinary and financial standing

Additional requirements may also apply to each program, and may include language proficiency or course prerequisites.

Most students plan to study abroad in their second semester sophomore year or first or second semester junior year. However, planning ahead of time and meeting with your advisor is very important, as some majors require students to study abroad in a certain semester (for example, OT students must go abroad in the spring of their sophomore year).  Students are advised to start planning for study abroad 1 year to 18 months in advance.

Through Springfield College’s study abroad partners, students can study abroad all over the world!  There are program options in almost any discipline across 6 continents.  In most countries, students can choose to take courses in English, learn another language, or for advanced language learners, take courses in the host language.

Partner programs include:

• API (Academic Programs International) – options across Latin America & Europe as well as Bhutan & the United Arab Emirates.
• CIS (Center for International Studies) – options across Europe & Latin America, as well as Japan, South Africa & Hawaii
• TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) – options across Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand
• The Umbra Institute, Perugia, Italy
• The American College of Norway, Moss, Norway
• Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
• York St. John, York, England
• University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Students may also participate in non-partner study abroad programs approved by the International Center as long as the credits at the program or international university can transfer back and be applied to the requirements of Springfield College.

Explore Programs by location, term or major to see what’s available.

Types of housing vary by program but some of the common options are off-campus apartments, on campus dorms or apartments, or a host family arrangement.  Many programs give students a choice regarding housing options.

Students are encouraged to consider what their needs and goals are in studying abroad when choosing the best housing option.  Living with a host family for example, is typically the best way to learn about the host culture and practice the language. 

Students studying abroad continue to be enrolled as full time Springfield College students and are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 US credits.  Students typically take a course load of 12-15 US credits.  All courses must be pre-approved by the student’s academic advisor and the Registrar the semester prior to the study abroad program.

It is recommended that students take 100-200 level courses while abroad.  Most students take general education requirements (such as literature, music, art, etc.) or elective courses.  In many cases, students can also take courses towards their major and/ or minor.  All students studying abroad must take at least one course in culture or language.

Transcripts from the school you attend or the program you participate in will be sent directly to the Director of the International Center and forwarded to the Registrar’s office so that the courses can be included on your Springfield College transcript and averaged into your G.P.A.  Students may choose one course from their program abroad to designate on their transcript as a Pass/Fail grade when they return home.

Approval for study abroad is a rolling process.  Students are required to be approved by Springfield College BEFORE they begin the application for their study abroad program.  Some program deadlines may be earlier than Springfield’s so make sure to check the program website for their deadline and plan ahead. 

Springfield College study abroad application deadlines:

• Spring Semester Abroad - October 1 application deadline
• Fall Semester Abroad - April 1 application deadline
• Summer Abroad - March 1 application deadline
• Other short-term programs vary, please contact the International Center (studyabroad@springfieldcollege.edu) to ask about those specific application deadlines

Of course!  We have many different opportunities for students to travel.  These are a great opportunity to take a course or two while developing new global perspectives and intercultural skills: 

Summer & Short-term Options | Springfield College

• Springfield College frequently offers spring break trips, service trips and short-term faculty-led programs abroad that vary from year to year.  The fee to participate in these programs will vary by program.  Participants will be billed by Springfield College for the program fee.  Participants may also be responsible for any non-billable expenses such as passport and visa fees, airfare, meals, health insurance and personal expenses.  Financial aid is typically not applicable to these programs.

Summer & Short-term Options | Partner and Non-partner Programs

• There are a wide range of study abroad programs available during summer, January or during spring break.  The fees to participate in these programs will vary.  Participants are billed directly by the program and are responsible for paying all program fees and associated expenses.  Financial aid is typically NOT applicable to these programs.

Students are advised to meet with the Financial Aid Office to better understand how their financial aid package may or may not apply to their semester abroad.

We recommend planning your study abroad 1 year to 18 months in advance.  First, with your advisor to discuss when you can go abroad and what courses you will need to take.  Then, set up a meeting with the International Center (studyabroad@springfieldcollege.edu) to help you find the right program and learn more about how to apply!

Your safety matters, no matter where you are.  While you study abroad, your safety is our number one priority.  The International Center will monitor local, national, and international sources for the latest information concerning travel advisories.  We are in regular contact with our partner institutions and affiliated programs in order to stay informed of local security contexts and factors that may affect students’ security abroad.

Safety awareness is promoted to all study abroad students through the pre-departure orientation program as well as in-country orientation programs administered by our partners.  All students should take an active role in learning about their destination of choice and stay updated on travel related guidance for U.S. Students Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.

So, your student has decided to study abroad. How can you help?

Congratulations! This is an experience that we hope will be fulfilling and transforming. We strive to serve as a resource for families like you, providing the information and support you need to help your child as he or she prepares to study abroad. We are eager to work with you to provide your student with the most rewarding study abroad experience possible.  Please review the Guide for Families to help support your student through the planning, participation, and return from their study abroad program.

Questions?
We encourage you to communicate with your student so he or she is fully aware of your interest and concerns. You also may contact the International Center at (413) 748-3215.