F.A.Q.'s

Frequently Asked Questions about Study Away for a Semester or Year

***For information on semester and year-long programs only.

Where can I go?
Through our office you can study almost any country in the world and any state in the USA. There are hundreds of opportunities available to students for semester and year-long programs.

Why should I study away?
Anyone who has studied away will tell you that it is one of the best experiences of their life. Studying abroad or in another region of the United States will expose you to different viewpoints, cultures and languages and help you see your own experience from a new perspective. Students typically return home with more independence and confidence.

Who can go on study abroad or exchange?
Any BSC student can study away. You can go away more than once, so it is a good idea to have your first semester study away experience as a sophomore. Many students take GERs while away. The GPA requirements vary from 2.5 to 3.0 for semester programs. Do as well as possible in your courses at BSC so you will be eligible for the study away program of your choice.

How do I start the process of studying away?
Visit the Office of International Programs on campus to learn about opportunities that are available to you through BSC and to get your questions answered. Our comprehensive web sites will provide you with information to use for selecting a destination and a program to meet your needs . Discuss your intentions with your academic advisor. All BSC students who study away must register with the Office of International Programs in Maxwell Library, RM 100B. After you have decided where you want to go, OIP will provide procedural information and guide you in the process of getting your credits pre-approved for transfer back to BSC.

Is studying away more expensive than my normal college costs?
Not necessarily. Depending on the program you choose, costs may actually be lower (for example, the Canadian exchange programs or National Student Exchange. In most exchange programs, tuition and fee charges are paid directly to BSC. Some of the study abroad programs cost about the same as BSC, and some are more expensive.

Can I use my financial aid when I study away?
Yes. Federal and state financial aid CAN be used if the credits earned will apply to your academic program at BSC. Federal work-study funds cannot be used for study away. Meet with Cindy Sweeney in the BSC Financial Aid Office at (508) 531-2685 to discuss your individual needs and financial aid package.

Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
No. There are English-speaking countries and programs all over the world. You can do all of your coursework in English while studying abroad in Spain, France or Quebec (Canada). Of course, you may want to take foreign language classes while you are studying away. If you have competency in another language, you may do a study program in that language in places like Quebec (French), Spain (Spanish), Puerto Rico (Spanish) or Brazil (Portuguese).

How many classes can I take while I am on study away?
Students typically take 4 to 5 classes per semester, just like you do at BSC. Students must maintain full-time status at an accredited academic institution while on the study away program.

Will the credits taken in study away apply to my program at BSC?
Yes. There is a process to pre-approve the courses that you plan to take for transfer of credits back to BSC. That way, you will know exactly how the courses will fit into your academic program and graduation requirements.

When should I start planning for study away?
Now. Most students participate during their sophomore or junior year, but it is possible for some students to go during their senior year. Please adhere to appropriate application deadlines

Last Modified: May 5, 2011