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 Office 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 study programs, service abroad and research programs. Most 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 or study abroad programs 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 2.5 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
1. Steps Before Applying
Access the student Study Abroad Portal by visiting the Study Abroad link on my.Stevens to start researching program options.
Schedule an appointment with the Office of International Programs to talk about your interests and goals. They will assist you in understanding the program options, application requirements, and other important information.
If your last name starts with A-K, please schedule a meeting with Susi Rachouh, Director of International Programs.
If your last name starts with L-Z, please schedule a meeting with Jane Winthrop, Assistant Director of International and Special Programs.
If you are a Clark Scholar, please schedule your meeting with Jane Winthrop.
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).
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!
2. Applying
Choose a program in the Stevens Study Abroad portal under my.stevens labeled "Undergraduate Study Abroad".
Make sure to apply for transfer credit via Workday. You must complete one request for each class you plan to take.
Please refer to Stevens's Transfer Credit Information page to ensure your grade will be accepted as transfer credit.
Check out our Study Abroad Transfer Credit Database. There are hundreds of study abroad classes pre-approved for transfer credit.
You must apply for your program in two places. First, complete the online application and enrollment forms on your Stevens Study Abroad Portal account (visit the Study Abroad Link on my.Stevens for access). Once approved, complete your individual study abroad application (through the provider/university). 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 host university or study abroad provider. The program will inform you whether you must send the official transcript (linked above) or the unofficial transcript (available in Workday).
3. After Acceptance/Before Departure
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 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 at the end of November (winter or spring programs) and the end of April (summer or fall programs).
After the Pre-Departure Orientation, you will be added to the "Study Abroad 101" Canvas page with all materials covered at orientation.
Semester students only: Once all Application for Transfer Credit requests are resolved, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. They must approve an updated study plan that includes all classes you will take abroad.
4. Upon Arrival
Complete the Confirmation of Arrival Form and get this form signed. Then upload it to Workday within two weeks of your arrival abroad under the "Study Abroad Confirmation of Arrival" request. Please refer to the "Study Abroad 101" Canvas page for further details.
Important Deadlines
You must apply first in the Undergraduate Study Abroad Portal. Internal application deadlines are:
October 1 for Spring programs
October 25 for J-Term programs (Winter Break)
April 1 for Fall programs
April 15 for Summer programs
Please note that these are internal deadlines only. Each program will have its own deadline determined by the host university or provider. It is your responsibility to know both the internal and external deadlines and complete your applications by whichever deadline is earlier.