Independent Study Abroad

Columbia students have studied abroad in over 70 countries.  Where will you go?

Come to the Spring 12 Study Abroad Fair!
When: Tuesday, March 6th from 11am-3pm
Where: Stage Two, 618 S. Michigan, 2nd floor
Why: To meet and talk with study abroad program providers, Columbia program representatives, international organizations and past study abroad students to learn about the various options around the world that are available to you!

Click here to join the event on Facebook!

The International Programs office assists Columbia students in accessing independent study abroad options worldwide. Students interested in a country, time frame or subject not offered by Columbia programming may seek approval to study with a program provider, US university with a program abroad or with a foreign university. 

Students interested in an independent study abroad must follow the process laid out in Columbia's Step Sheet for Study Abroad. The International Programs office serves as the first step for program advising.

Catrina DeBord, Assistant Director of International Programs hosts informational meetings to guide students through the process of studying abroad with an independent provider.  In these meetings all the basics of Independent Study Abroad are discussed including: researching and selecting a program that best suits the individual student, assuring transfer credit and securing student aid.  Also this meeting is the only place to get the Columbia College Study Abroad Agreement which is required for students who wish to receive credit at Columbia or use student financial aid processed by the college.

Attending a meeting is mandatory for any student who wishes to complete an Independent Study Abroad.  Meeting times and locations vary so please contact the International Programs Office at aiipoffice@colum.edu or 312.369.7726 to find out the details of the next meeting and to reserve your seat.

To get you started, here are some helpful links:

• Starting research for independent study abroad programs is made simple by using these search engines:
  http://www.iiepassport.org/
  http://www.studyabroad.com/
  http://www.goabroad.com/
• Print this worksheet to budget for study abroad and compare expenses for different programs: Costs to Consider when Comparing Studying Abroad Programs
• Reference the US Department of State's Study Abroad Information regarding official documents and governmental travel recommendations: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
• Check out blogs from other students abroad on the National Geographic sponsored website: http://glimpse.org/