While participating in international or other off campus study programs associated with the college, all students are expected to comply with the college rules and regulations as described in this handbook. For example, while on a study tour or exchange program, students must conduct themselves responsibly according to BSC guidelines as well as according to the laws of the country they are visiting.

Requirements and rules governing financial aid for students studying away from the BSC Campus

Students participating in an exchange program or a study abroad program may be eligible for financial aid. The type of aid available depends on whether the student participates in an exchange program or a study abroad program. In an exchange program, the foreign institution and BSC have entered into a formal association and have agreed upon a process for the exchange of students. In a study abroad program the foreign institution and BSC must develop a consortium agreement.

Exchange program students are eligible for all financial aid they would have received if studying at BSC, except for Federal Work Study. Students are billed for tuition and fees by the Office of Student Accounts at BSC and may apply all financial aid received to their bill. Students may use financial aid funds received in excess of the amount due on the bill for other educational expenses.

In a study abroad program, a "Consortium Agreement" between the host institution and BSC must be completed for all programs sponsored by a college or university other than Bridgewater State College before aid can be disbursed. Students participating in study abroad are eligible for most financial aid they would have received if studying at BSC, except for Federal Work Study and tuition waivers. Students must make prior arrangements with academic departments to have all courses taken at the foreign institution preapproved for credit at BSC. Students are billed by the foreign institution and usually may pay the bill with any financial aid received. Additional fees may still apply and will appear on a BSC bill. Students may use financial aid funds received in excess of the amount due on the bill for other educational expenses. Any student who participates in any of the exchange or study abroad programs should provide a "power of attorney" to a person who, in the student's absence, will attend to the student's financial matters in a timely and appropriate manner. Power of attorney forms may be obtained at the Office of Study Abroad or the Financial Aid Office. The Office of Study Abroad should be provided with the original "power of attorney" form. Copies of the document should be provided to the Financial Aid Office and the Office of Student Accounts. The person granted the "power of attorney" must have the document in hand and picture identification when conducting business on behalf of the student.

The National Student Exchange Program is also offered at Bridgewater State College. Participating students choose from different payment options. Contact the Office of Study Abroad for more information.

All other federal, state and BSC regulations and policies governing financial aid are in effect for these programs. For example, changes in enrollment status (number of credits or grade level, etc.) will affect a student's financial aid. Likewise, all financial aid deadlines apply to students studying through an exchange or study abroad program. For more information on financial aid regulations, see "Financial Aid" under the Policies and Procedures section of this handbook.

Back to Handbook