Frequently Asked Questions
We strongly encourage students to start thinking about study abroad in their first year. This will allow the student time to consult with the International Programs office as well as their department and their College Advisor. In this time the student can learn the full extent of the opportunities available as well as how to prepare their Columbia coursework and schedule to permit study abroad.
Where can I go to study abroad?
Through our three program options (exchange, departmental and independent) Columbia can assist students in selecting a program in countries throughout the world. Semester long Cornerstone College-wide International Exchanges in France, England and Ireland run every year. Departmental Programs, typically run in the Summer or J- term, have topics and locations which vary by term. Students also have the option to study with an independent Study Abroad provider or foreign institution that best suits their needs, wants and focus.
Will I be able to get credit for my major and LAS electives and core requirements?
Yes. Prior to departure all students must get their study abroad coursework approved by the Office of Degree and Transfer Evaluation. Many courses abroad can fulfill LAS requirements both core and elective credits as long as they fall within the guidelines for those areas. Students wishing to receive departmental credit will also have to meet with a departmental faculty member for additional approval. Many departments give credit towards major electives for courses taken abroad however major core requirements are more difficult to attain credit for abroad.
Can I afford to study abroad?
Study abroad can be affordable and even comparable in price for students who live and study in Chicago. A program price depends on several factors including, but not limited to, program location, program length and amenities included in the program fee. Columbia exchange programs are designed to be affordable and to keep costs comparable to that of Columbia College tuition. Exchange students will pay Columbia tuition for their semester abroad but are responsible for the own expenses (including airfare, housing and meals). Departmental program costs vary according to location, length of stay and type of program. Independent study abroad provider and foreign institution costs will vary widely according to what amenities and services are included.
Being flexible about the program location may help cut the study abroad costs. Students should focus on a region, country, or topic and find the program which best suits that plan and budget. Keep in mind that the cost of participation in a study abroad program depends on a host of factors that should be taken into consideration to select the program that is right for each individual student.
Students should use this worksheet to breakdown and compare program costs: Comparing Study Abroad Costs
Can financial aid and scholarships be used for studying abroad?
Generally, most financial aid awards, including federal financial aid (Title IV, FAFSA), Columbia scholarships, and private loans, grants, and scholarships are applicable to Columbia exchange and departmental programs.
Federal financial aid (Title IV, FAFSA) and any private loans, grants, and scholarships are applicable to approved independent study abroad programs; however Columbia awards cannot be used on approved independent programs.
Students may also be able to receive additional loans (available under the Stafford Student Loan program through private lenders -- banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions) to help finance their study abroad. Students should work on planning and budgeting early and talk with Student Financial Services to assure proper preparation regarding finances.
Many scholarships can be found directly through program providers or independent organizations. Generally there are more scholarships available for study in non-western or developing countries.
Is there a minimum GPA to study abroad?
Eligibility will vary from program to program. In general, most programs require a 2.5-3.0 GPA; however some programs are more flexible than others. You must be in academic compliance at Columbia to be considered for any program abroad.
Do I have to be a junior in order to study abroad?
No. Columbia exchange programs are aimed at 3rd year students and are tailored towards students who are more advanced in their coursework. Departmental program requirements vary by program and semester but are typically open to any student who meets the prerequisite. Independent program providers offer many options open to qualified students over the age of 18.
When should I apply?
Students should check the application deadlines for the program of their choice. For semester long programs, a year preparation is appropriate. Keep in mind-it is never too early to start planning.
Am I still considered a Columbia student while abroad?
Yes. Students whose study abroad plans have been officially approved using the Study Abroad Agreement will retain their student status for the duration of their program. This will permit students to access their Columbia e-mail address, access Oasis and register for classes for the next semester while abroad.
How are tuition and fees handled?
If it is a Columbia College exchange or departmental program, tuition is paid, as normal to Columbia College through Oasis. Students who chose an independent program provider pay tuition directly to that provider and will pay no tuition to Columbia for the term abroad.
How do I know what kind of courses to take while I am abroad?
Students should talk with their College Advisor to confirm what types of credits are still needed to graduate. Most students who go abroad take courses that fill their LAS Core requirements. Many majors will give credit toward major electives for courses taken abroad; however core requirements are harder to attain and require special departmental approval.
How will my credits be evaluated?
Before departure students will work with their College Advisor, departmental faculty and the Office of Degree and Transfer Evaluation to assure how and where credits from abroad will transfer.
How do I register for my next semester while abroad?
Students may register online via their student Oasis account while still abroad. Students should monitor their Columbia student email account (@loop.colum.edu) to keep posted on the date and time at which they are eligible to enroll. It is also important for students to stay in contact with their College Advisors while abroad to assure compliance with department specific requirements and deadlines for registration.
Are my grades from abroad averaged into my cumulative grade-point average?
Programs taught by Columbia faculty (departmental programs) will transfer to Columbia both the credit and grade. This grade will be figured into the cumulative GPA.
Programs not taught by Columbia faculty (exchange programs and those offered by independent program providers) will show up as a “T” on the Columbia transcript and will not be figured into a cumulative GPA.
While grades from abroad might not affect a student’s Columbia GPA, it is important to keep in mind that graduate schools generally require applicants to provide all previous transcripts including those from foreign study.
Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?
Although having a base knowledge in a language is helpful, there are a multitude of programs that have no language requirement. We strongly encourage students to learn a second language as this allows for greater cultural interaction and understanding. Check out this free language learning website: www.livemocha.com.
Where can I get my official transcript?
Students can request their official or unofficial transcripts from the Record’s Office. Find out how here: http://www.colum.edu/Administrative_offices/Records/Transcripts.php
Do I need a Visa to study abroad?
Visa requirements vary by country and duration of stay. Students can refer to the Consulate or Embassy of the country in which they wish to study or the US Department of State website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html for their specific Visa requirements. Once a student is accepted into a program, the provider will guide them on how to determine if and what type of Visa is required.
Where do I find out about what options are available to me?
The International Program Office acts as the initial step for students interested in education abroad.
We hold informational meetings every week to guide students through the process of studying abroad with an independent provider. In these meetings we discuss researching and selecting a program that best suits the individual student, assuring transfer credit and securing student aid. We also distribute Columbia's Study Abroad Agreement which must be completed if a student wishes to receive credit at Columbia or use student aid.
- Contact the International Programs Office at aiipoffice@colum.edu or 312.369.7726 to find out the time and location of the next meeting and to reserve a seat.
