Getting Started

When Should I Study Abroad?

The decision about when to study abroad is made after you discuss your personal and curricular plans with your academic advisor, co-op counselor (if you participate in the Stevens cooperative education program), and the director of international programs.

You should select the time frame which best fits your academic curriculum, and will not delay your graduation. You have the option to participate in a short or long-term program:

Short-term opportunities include 2-10 week programs with specified courses and activities, Stevens Faculty-Led Programs, service abroad and research programs. Many short-term programs offer the opportunity to earn academic credits.
Long-term programs are traditional study abroad experiences in which students enroll for a semester at partner universities located around the world. Students select a university which offers courses that must be pre-approved for transfer to Stevens, and which meets graduation requirements.

In addition to academics, the decision about where to go depends on the interests of the student. Cultural interests, personal experiences, and languages studied are examples of criteria taken into consideration. Program offerings and requirements are also an important part of the decision making process.

Study Abroad Eligibility

Requirements for undergraduate study abroad:

At least one completed year of study at Stevens (note: seniors are not eligible for a semester abroad)
Good academic standing with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
No outstanding conduct issues

Additional requirements may apply depending on the program selection. All programs have courses available in English as well as other languages.

Graduate students who want to study abroad must contact his/her academic advisor and the director of the Office of International Programs to discuss possibilities and specific requirements.

Freshmen can apply for summer programs during the spring semester of their first year at Stevens.

Checklist

Access the student Study Abroad Portal to start researching program options.

Schedule an appointment with the director of the Office of of International Programs to talk about your intentions and goals. She will assist you in understanding the program options, application requirements, and other important information.

Apply for a passport if you don’t already have one; the passport needs to be valid within 6 months of your projected return home for you to be able to study abroad!

Get information about billing, financial aid, and scholarships to understand cost of attendance. When choosing which program to attend, consider variable costs due to duration, location, type of program, added fees, and available financial resources (aid, scholarships). Note that the aid package you have been offered by Stevens will most likely transfer to semester Exchange programs. Also, Gilman scholarships are available for Pell Grant recipients.

Talk to your academic advisor and/or co-op counselor to discuss timing of the study abroad experience. You CAN graduate on time AND study abroad!
Complete online application and enrollment forms on your Stevens Study Abroad Portal account AND your individual study abroad application (through the provider/university) and keep up with updates. Make sure you keep an eye on your provider’s application portal resources, if applicable. Be aware that most programs require an application fee.

Request to send your transcript to the Study Abroad provider (their United States office) or the Office of International Programs (Exchange programs and Direct Enroll ONLY).
PLEASE READ AND REPLY TO YOUR STEVENS EMAILS! We may have important time-sensitive information/news regarding your study abroad program or scholarship opportunities. We may also inform you of certain required deadlines or documents you need to upload.

Complete the Application for Transfer Credit form with the Stevens equivalencies and collect the signatures of the designated faculty members. Return the form to the Office of International Programs (9th floor of Howe center) for Dean’s and Director’s signatures. We will then return the completed form to you so you can upload it to your account on the Study Abroad Portal.

Complete all other pre-departure steps as provided by your study abroad program (visa application, flight booking, housing, etc.) and attend the MANDATORY Pre-Departure Orientation with the Office of International Programs held before the end of November (winter or spring programs) and the end of April (summer or fall programs).