Frequently Asked Questions

• Isn't it expensive to study abroad?
• What if I don't have much foreign language experience?
• Will I get credit for the classes taken while abroad?
• Will I still graduate on time if I study abroad?
• Why should I study abroad for an academic year or semester?
• I'm not an honors student. Can I still study abroad?
• I'm a freshman. Is it too early to study abroad?
• I'm a senior. Is it too late to study abroad?

Isn't it expensive to study abroad?

Actually, no. Most students find that academic year programs are no more expensive than earning credit on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. In some cases, students have also worked during their overseas experience to help finance their travels. Summer programs are arranged so that students have the opportunity to return after the program and work in the United States for a couple of months. The International Engineering Fellowship is also offered to help cover the cost of travel, and the university gives you a break on tuition and fees.

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What if I don't have much foreign language experience?

Although foreign language experience is required for most academic programs, many summer programs don't require any language study before going abroad. Programs are also available in countries where the classes are taught in English.

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Will I get credit for the classes taken while abroad?

For the summer programs, you will receive between 6 and 8 hours of language and cultural credit. For academic year and semester programs, you will receive credit for every class you take that does not significantly repeat materials you have already had. You can also take courses abroad for either credit/no credit or credit and grades.

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Will I still graduate on time if I study abroad?

In most cases, yes. Academic study abroad programs give you the opportunity to earn up to 32 hours of credit for the year or 16 hours of credit for a semester.

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Why should I study abroad for an academic year or semester?

The best way to learn language and experience the culture is to spend an extented period of time in the country. You will have more time to interact with the students there from all over the world. An academic year or semester program also gives a greater opportunity to travel and experience not only the culture of the country in which you will study but also that of other countries.

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I'm not an honors student. Can I still study abroad?

For most summer programs, there are no GPA requirements to study abroad. Only a few programs have competitive admissions, although a short interview will be required before acceptance to most programs.

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I'm a freshman. Is it too early to study abroad?

The summer before your sophomore year is an ideal time for summer language study abroad, particularly if you have not fulfilled the foreign language requirement for graduation. You can also prepare yourself to spend a semester or academic year abroad at some later time.

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I'm a senior. Is it too late to study abroad?

It's not at all too late. You can delay graduation until August and sign up for a summer program. It might be a very long time before you have another chance to travel and live abroad for a couple of months.

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