Frequently Asked Questions

October 1 is the deadline for eligible students to submit a completed Spring 2027 application. However, not all programs will remain available for new applications through October 1. Program availability may have closed earlier based on capacity, resources, and other program considerations.

Spring 2027 program availability is currently limited. Most third-party programs are no longer accepting new applications, although some limited exchange or direct enroll programs may remain available.

If you began your application when the program was still available, you should continue working towards completion and submit all required materials by October 1. Applications remain subject to normal eligibility requirements, program capacity, and review.

Submitting or starting an application directly with a partner provider does not replace the CEA application process. Please contact CEA so we can review the status and timing of your application and advise on next steps.

No. Provider deadlines and CEA application deadlines are separate. A provider may continue accepting applications after CEA has stopped accepting new applications for that program. Please contact CEA before processing so we can confirm whether the program remains available through CEA.

Please contact CEA and provide additional information about your circumstances and why the program is important to your academic plans. CEA can review your situation and discuss available options. While we cannot guarantee that an application to a closed program can be reopened, we will consider your circumstances and help identify next steps.

Some exchange and other Spring 2027 opportunities remain available. Please review the Education Abroad Portal for currently available programs or contact a CEA advisor for assistance in identifying options that may fit your academic goals.

A completed application includes all required materials identified in your Education Abroad Portal application. Students should review their application carefully and ensure that all required items have been submitted by the deadline. If you are unsure if your application is complete, please contact CEA.

Yes. CEA can help you explore currently available Spring 2027 programs, including exchange and other opportunities that may align with your academic goals. Depending on your circumstances, an advisor can also discuss options for a future term or planning.

We’re here to support students through the entire process of planning a term abroad. To begin, we recommend you contact us and explore the resources on this website, especially our Getting Started guide.

More helpful links:

• Schedule an appointment with an education abroad advisor
• Watch our Virtual Information Session or attend an upcoming information session
• Learn about study abroad programs
• Understand the application process, including eligibility and key deadlines

Review our How to Get Started Checklist

• Students are eligible to study abroad as soon as the summer following their first academic year.
• During the academic year (fall/spring), students can go as early as their spring semester of their second year.
• Studying abroad is not permitted in the final semester of a student’s senior year without approval.
• You may study abroad for a maximum of two semesters.
• You may also consider combining your time abroad with the Take Five Scholars Program.
• Most summer study abroad programs accept applications from students after completion of their first year.
• Transfer students must complete at least one full-time semester at URochester prior to studying abroad.
• Students who have been on inactive status or who have withdrawn from the University must return for at least one semester before studying abroad.

Visit our Eligibility page

Students can choose from dozens of countries for earning credits toward your URochester degree! The Center for Education Abroad partners with a variety of institutions globally.

Our Programs page is a great starting point to explore these opportunities. You can also search active programs by using our Program Exploration Tool. If the University does not have a partnership in the country where you want to study, the option of a Non-Partner program may be the right fit. Learn more about the different program types.

Your daily out-of-pocket costs may be considerably higher or lower than a typical semester at URochester. You can expect to spend about the same on a semester abroad as you would on a semester at the University of Rochester. Visit our Finances page for more information.

Study abroad destinations provide an environment that is as safe as studying in the United States. All students should be aware of the cross-cultural implications of their actions since certain behaviors acceptable at home might be offensive, disruptive, or unsafe elsewhere. During your orientation your program director will provide you with essential information about personal safety.

All students should thoroughly research destination-specific health and safety risks before travel by using the Worldcue Planner tool (Net ID required). Visit our Safety While Abroad page for more information.

For specific health and safety questions or concerns contact the Director of Global Risk Management (travelsecurity@rochester.edu), in the Office for Global Engagement.

Yes! Our Student Ambassadors team has studied abroad and are eager to speak with interested students. They’re a good source of information on budgets, classes, traveling abroad, and more.

Visit our Getting Started page for full details.

Faculty and education abroad advisors will help you. Many students who go abroad are juniors, but studying abroad may be a good choice at a different time in your college plan.

Before you leave, know where you stand in terms of credit hours and course requirements. You don’t necessarily need to take courses only toward your major or minor while abroad. If you plan carefully, you may be able to study something completely different in your study abroad program.

Some undergraduate programs can’t easily include a semester abroad, so you may want to consider other options such as summer study abroad or the Take Five Scholars Program.

Yes, if you have carefully planned your program and have obtained approval before you leave the University of Rochester. For major or departmental credit, discuss with your faculty advisor. For elective credit, consult with an education abroad advisor.

Sometimes you will find that course offerings have changed when you arrive abroad. Although this rarely causes problems, quickly notify both your faculty advisor and the Center for Education Abroad. Students abroad may not overload (more than 18 credits) or underload (fewer than 12 credits).

Review more academic processes

Yes, education abroad programs require the approval of your home institution. To get URochester approval, submit an application through the Education Abroad Portal.

• Travel approval to high-risk destinations: To minimize health and safety risks all students going to high-risk destinations on University-sponsored or supported programs or activities must get special permission from the University well in advance of departure. For more information on definitions, timelines, and processes, see the Office for Global Engagement’s Travel Review page.

Learn more about the application process

No. We currently offer many study abroad programs in English-speaking countries. Also, there are English-language programs in many other locations where English isn’t the primary language. If you’re interested in learning a foreign language or brushing up on your skills, URochester offers numerous foreign language courses and programs.

Language requirements vary widely. Some programs require no prior experience and offer introductory language courses. Others will expect some familiarity. Programs are flexible. If you’re proficient in the language or have practical exposure to the language without formal study, you may meet the requirement. Each program will have details about any language proficiency requirements. You’ll have the opportunity to brush up on language skills during most programs’ orientations. Don’t pass up a program because you think you’re not good at languages. Most people find that learning a language in context is very different from learning in a classroom environment.

Studying abroad can provide you with a global perspective that is invaluable for a career in the health professions, and it will distinguish you from other medical school applicants.

If you want to enter medical school immediately after completing your undergraduate degree, plan to study abroad no later than the fall of your junior year. This will allow you time to prepare for the MCATs and complete medical school applications after you return from abroad.

Keep in mind that if you plan to attend medical school in the United States some schools expect that all your core pre-med coursework will be taken in the US. Be sure to consult with a health professions advisor during your first year or sophomore year.

Yes. You will want to meet with an education abroad advisor and with an access coordinator in the Office of Disability Resources to discuss what accommodations you’ll need.

The Office for Residential Life requires all RA candidates to complete a course on paraprofessional counseling prior to becoming an RA. If your study abroad plans would cause you to miss this course, you should make arrangements to complete the course in an earlier semester. This will require planning well in advance for example taking the course during your sophomore year.

Yes. The Take Five Scholars Program allows students to spend an additional semester or year at URochester, tuition-free, pursuing a series of courses around a particular theme for the purpose of intellectual enrichment. The Take 5 program covers tuition costs only for a study abroad program. Students are financially responsible for the required accommodation fee.

If the focus of the Take Five Program lends itself to study abroad then you can propose to include a semester or even a full year abroad. Early planning is essential since study abroad should be completed prior to your fifth year. As you plan your Take Five proposal attend a Take Five information session and consult with the Take Five program advisor in the College Center for Advising Services.

No. Students who study abroad and want to transfer credit must be on Study Abroad Status and can’t declare a Leave of Absence.

Review more academic processes

Yes. Be aware that visa and immigration requirements will likely be different for non-US citizens. You should consult the appropriate consulates and embassies as soon as possible. You also need to discuss your plans with an ISO Student Advisor.

International students are not eligible for Non-Partner Programs. In order to maintain F-1 status compliance, international students must choose their education abroad program from CEA’s portfolio of partner programs.