Frequently Asked Questions

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.
• 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 Rochester 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• Students who have been on inactive status or who have withdrawn from the University must return for at least one semester before studying abroad.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 Rochester 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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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, Rochester 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 Rochester, 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.