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Planning to study abroad for a full semester requires self-motivation, organized flexibility, and a passion to explore. It also requires some realistic conversations about your academic progress and no less than one academic year of advanced planning. Some steps to consider for a successful study abroad experience:
- Plan early and discuss your options with your different advisors – this includes a study abroad advisor and an academic advisor.
- Think about how study abroad fits into your goals academically, career-wise, and personal growth.
- Think about what type of program is the best fit. This could be a full semester or academic year, a faculty-led summer program, or several other experiences.
- Talk to your family and review your financial expectations to help you determine program type and location.
Planning Resources
- The Rutgers Global Study Abroad Office curated list of Frequently Asked Questions.
- The Course Equivalency Database of previously approved courses and the Course Equivalency Form.
- SEBS Office of Global Engagement getINVOLVED page and the RGSA Events Page.
- The SEBS Office of Academic Programs for academic advising.
- GoOverseas Travel Blogs and Resources.
Non-Rutgers Study Abroad – Approval Process
Students may participate in both semester and short-term study abroad programs offered through other universities or outside organizations. It is always best to participate in a Rutgers program, when possible, but special consideration can be made when students take appropriate steps. Regardless of program term or duration, students must complete the SEBS Non-Rutgers Study Abroad Approval Form (291k PDF).
It is inadvisable to participate in a non-Rutgers study abroad program in a student’s final semester of study as the transfer process can delay graduation and/or lead to a required extra semester of study. Post-graduation non-Rutgers programs are not eligible for any Rutgers financial aid and will not be included on students’ transcripts.
Facts to follow and consider:
- Students who interrupt their semester attendance to Rutgers for any reason must go through a leave of absence and re-enrollment process. The leave of absence should be submitted prior to your departure and the re-enrollment form should be submitted by the appropriate deadlines based on your semester away. This is not necessary for summer, winter, and spring break programs.
- All courses must undergo an evaluation process by a Rutgers faculty member to be considered for major, minor, certificate, elective, or core credit regardless of program term or duration. Students should discuss approvals with a SEBS Global Engagement Advisor.
- All credits will be considered transfer credits. This means that the credit – but not the grade – will be applied to students’ transcripts. If you have already transferred the maximum number of transfer credits, an outside study abroad program will not be appropriate for progress toward your Rutgers degree.
- Students are required to earn 30 of their last 42 credits while registered as a Rutgers student. This means students in their final year of study may only transfer 12 credits from a study abroad program. Post-graduation programs will not be included on transcripts.
- Students who have on-campus housing must notify the housing department in writing of their intention to cancel their contract. Students who miss the deadline are subject to a cancellation fee. Students are further responsible for any off-campus housing arrangements per their lease agreements.
- Students who would like to secure on-campus housing upon their return should communicate with the housing office before departure to learn about the procedure to apply for housing post-reenrollment and the appropriate deadlines to consider.
- SEMESTER ONLY: Students will not lose financial aid and/or most scholarships, but they may not apply Rutgers aid to their study abroad program. Nationally awarded scholarships/grants should transfer when the FAFSA is completed (i.e., Pell Grants). NOTE: Students studying in the summer, spring break, or winter are still eligible for the SEBS Global Engagement Scholarship.
- Non-Semester Only: Students participating in non-Rutgers programs must submit proof of insurance and complete the Rutgers International Travel Registration Form. If the chosen program does not include insurance, students must apply for insurance through the Rutgers Office of Risk Management.