Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the requirements to study abroad?
- When can I study abroad?
- What kinds of programs are available?
- How do I identify programs approved by GW?
- How do I know which program is right for me?
- Does my major affect whether or not I can study abroad?
- Can I study abroad for a whole year in two different programs?
- What does study abroad cost?
- When should I apply to my programs?
- How do I learn about the policies and procedures for study abroad approval?
- Does GW provide any orientation before I go abroad?
- Am I eligible for other scholarships for study abroad?
- Does GW offer any study abroad programs in the summer?
- Where should I have my transcript sent from abroad?
- Where can I get a passport photo taken?
- Where can I get my Power of Attorney Form notarized?
- Where can I get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC Card)?
- Can I get a list of students who are going on the same program or a list of students who participated in the program in a prior semester?
- Do I need a visa and how do I get one?
- Do my grades from study abroad count towards my GPA?
1. What are the requirements to study abroad?
You must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GW grade point average (GPA) and good academic and social standing at the time of application. You must complete at least 45 credit hours prior to departure. You cannot be on academic probation or disciplinary probation, or have a significant history of disciplinary incidents at the time of application and must maintain this standing through departure. Transfer students must complete one full semester at GW prior to application to be eligible. Additional requirements may also apply for each program, including a higher GPA, language proficiency, and course prerequisites.
2. When can I study abroad?
You may study abroad during the academic year, fall, spring, and/or summer semesters. You can also study abroad during the calendar year and winter vacation. Most GW students who study abroad do so in their junior year for one semester. To be eligible for participation, you must have completed at least 45 credit hours before going abroad. Transfer students must complete one semester at GW before applying to study abroad.
3. What kinds of programs are available?
Study abroad programs fall on a spectrum of immersion level. It is important, however, to remember that no matter which type of program you select, you ultimately decide how much interaction you will have with the local residents.
Direct enrollment programs are programs in which you are directly enrolled in the foreign university (e.g., taking classes with local students at their university). If you are going to a non-English speaking country, you need to be proficient in the foreign language. Usually, in a direct enrollment, there are more course offerings available to visiting students. Some of the GW exchange programs are examples of direct enrollment study abroad programs.
Partially integrated programs fall in the middle of the spectrum. In some cases, students will take courses at a study center with Americans but also have the opportunity to take courses at a local university if they have sufficient foreign language ability. GW Madrid is an example of a partially-integrated study abroad program.
Island programs are generally designed specifically for American students. Support services are offered and usually a resident director will be on-site to advise students on any concerns, questions and issues that they may have. These programs are taught in the American-style of higher education. Syracuse University study abroad programs are examples of island programs.
4. How do I identify programs approved by GW?
The Office for Study Abroad and Study Abroad Advisory Group review study abroad programs on an annual basis, and issue a List of Study Abroad Programs early in the Spring semester for the following academic year. Stop by the Office for Study Abroad if you'd prefer a paper copy of the current List.
5. How do I know which program is right for me?
Planning, research and more planning. It is never too early to begin planning for study abroad. It is best to determine your goals for study abroad BEFORE you begin to do a great deal of research. The International Goals Inventory provides helpful questions to guide you in choosing a program. Once you have completed this self-assessment, you should begin researching program options online, or through written materials in the Office for Study Abroad Resource Room. All students are encouraged to apply to two programs given the increasing popularity of study abroad.
6. Does my major affect whether or not I can study abroad?
The University encourages all majors to consider study abroad, as GW offer a variety of programs for all fields of study. Students in highly structured or sequenced curricula should begin planning for and exploring study abroad options early in their academic programs. Students should be flexible with program destinations, as some countries are more conducive to certain fields of study. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with their major department advisers concerning degree and residency requirements and how these may affect participation in study abroad.
7. Can I study abroad for a whole year in two different programs?
It is entirely possible to participate in different study abroad programs and/or locations if you choose to study abroad for more than one semester. This opportunity can be very effective if you are having difficulty choosing between two programs, would like to learn two languages, or simply want to learn about more than one region and culture of the world. You should consult your academic adviser to ensure you will be able to meet your degree requirements while abroad for that length of time. Please note that you will need to complete two separate sets of GW Study Abroad Forms and will be registered two times, once for each semester.
8. What does study abroad cost?
Costs for study abroad at GW are comparable to the cost of a regular semester of full-time study on campus. Students pay regular GW fees, tuition, a study abroad fee, and room and board if provided by the program, and not the costs indicated in the programs' brochures or website. All scholarships and financial aid are applicable toward study abroad, with the exception of Federal work study or scholarships specific to on-campus activities (e.g., band scholarships). Students incur the additional fees of airfare, travel, and personal expense while abroad.
9. When should I apply to my programs?
Most programs require students to apply the semester prior to departure. Some programs, however, are very competitive or popular and you should apply sooner. See program brochures for exact application deadlines.
10. How do I learn about the policies and procedures for study abroad approval?
Students should attend a General Information Session to learn fully about the policies and procedures for study abroad.
11. Does GW provide any orientation before I go abroad?
You are encouraged to attend a General Information Session to gain general knowledge about the study abroad process and how to select a program. All students who have selected or been accepted to a program are required to attend a Predeparture Orientation the semester before they study abroad. These sessions are designed to provide comprehensive information about the registration and transfer credit as well as important cultural information on preparing to study abroad. There are several sessions to choose from, so plan your schedule accordingly. The Office for Study Abroad also offers Special Topics Workshops for study abroad preparation such as Cultural Transitions, Scholarships, and Financial Assistance.
12. Am I eligible for other scholarships for study abroad?
There are many outside scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Many program sponsors provide scholarships, and you should inquire about scholarships directly with your program sponsor. Please refer to Study Abroad Scholarships or visit the Office for Study Abroad for more details about other external scholarships. Seniors and graduate students are encouraged to explore the Study Abroad Fellowships at the Office of Fellowships and Graduate Student Support.
13. Does GW offer any study abroad programs in the summer?
GW does not maintain affiliations with study abroad programs or operate our own study centers during the summer. GW does offer faculty-led summer courses abroad. These courses are managed through the Office for Study Abroad. Information about these courses also appears in the Summer Bulletin in the spring semester. Students may also participate on any non-GW study abroad program during the summer as long as it is accredited. Please consult Summer Abroad, or obtain a Summer Packet from the Office for Study Abroad for details.
14. Where should I have my transcript sent from abroad?
Official transcripts from your study abroad program must be sent directly to the Office for Study Abroad at 812 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20052, USA. Processing of your transfer credit will be significantly delayed if you have your transcript sent elsewhere.
15. Where can I get a passport photo taken?
Passport photos can be obtained at most one-hour photo locations or copy shops such as CVS, Kinko's, or Mailboxes, Etc. We generally do not recommend the photo booth variety as they are often not passport photo quality and could be rejected by the National Passport Agency.
16. Where can I get my Power of Attorney form notarized?
Notary Publics can be found at most banks, mailing centers, or law firms. Students can also pick up a list of Notary Publics in the Office for Study Abroad Resource Room.
17. Where can I get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC Card)?
The ISIC can be obtained from STA Travel in the Marvin Center.
18. Can I get a list of students who are going on the same program or a list of students who participated in the program in a prior semester?
In order to protect the privacy of students, the Office for Study Abroad (OSA) does not provide lists or contact information for students going abroad to other students, organizations, or businesses. The OSA maintains a Peer Contact Network of GW students who are willing to share their experiences. You may obtain their contact information in the Resource Room. For specific program alumni lists, the program sponsor may have an alumni organization or contact list. Please contact them directly.
19. Do I need a visa and how do I get one?
The US Department of State has information you need on obtaining a visa. For specific information or questions about the visa application, you should contact the appropriate Embassy or consular representative for the country in which you will be studying abroad. Obtaining a visa can be a lengthy and complicated process, so begin work on the visa process as soon as you decide which program you will attend. The OSA recommends beginning the visa process within one week after acceptance into your program. Consult with your program sponsor for the necessary guidelines and documents.
20. Do my grades from study abroad count towards my GPA?
Credits from most study abroad programs are considered transfer credit. Although the local equivalent of a 'C' or higher is required to earn credit for the course, your actual grade does not count toward your GW GPA. You should note that although the grade does not calculate into your GW GPA, you may be asked to produce your study abroad grades on employment or graduate school applications.
If you are taking GW courses through GW Madrid, the GW Paris Business Studies program, or through GW Short Term Faculty-Led programs, you courses will affect your GW GPA.