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Independent Study Abroad

What you need to know

 

  • At ASC, you can study abroad for a semester, a full academic year, a summer or participate in a combination of these academic terms if your schedule allows.

  • If you choose to study abroad through an ASC-affiliated program fall or spring semester or for an academic year, your ASC financial aid will apply. 

  • Some students believe that they cannot study abroad because their major is demanding. With proper planning, students of all majors can study abroad. 

  • The grades you earn abroad will not count toward your grade point average (GPA), but you will receive credits for the courses you take.  However, they are not transfer credits: credits earned through ASC-affiliated programs are considered ASC credits. Therefore,  there is no limit on how many credits you can bring in towards your major and/or minor requirements.   

Note: If you are a Hope scholarship recipient, your grades from abroad will be included in your GPA to verify your eligibility.
 

  • Studying abroad in your senior year may delay your graduation and will only be permitted in the 1st semester of your senior year. 

  • ASC requirements to study abroad:

    • Complete at least two semesters at ASC prior to the term abroad (transfer students must have completed at least one semester at ASC at the time of application)
    • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing

    • Minimum GPA:  of 2.0 (note: most independent study abroad  programs require 2.75 or higher).

  • The CGL holds events throughout each semester for students to learn more about study abroad. Check out our events here!

Ready to apply?

          Step 1: Complete a Study Abroad Interest Form. 
 
Step 2: Explore our programs!
 
Step 3: Meet with a study abroad advisor for independent study abroad programs or faculty-led coordinator for faculty-led programs.  
Your study abroad advisors provide support and guidance on all aspects of studying abroad: program selection and application, coursework abroad, identity and travel, budgeting for your program, intercultural development, pre-departure preparation, post study abroad, and more.
  • Schedule an appointment through Compass or by emailing the advisor. Until further notice, all appointments are virtual.
Step 4: Discuss with your SUMMIT and/or your major advisor how study abroad can fit into your degree requirements. Most students go on study abroad during their Junior year. You should begin these conversations as soon as possible but at least at the start of your sophomore year.
 
Step 5: Declare your major (if you have not already done it)
 
Step 6:  Indicate your Intent to Study Abroad by the relevant deadlines, once you have thoroughly researched your program options and verified eligibility. 
Submitting your Intent to Study Abroad in Carta does not commit you to study abroad, but makes you eligible to do so during the upcoming summer, fall or spring. It is advisable to complete this application even if you are not sure you want to study abroad, as not doing so by the deadline will make you ineligible.
To indicate your intent via Carta:
  • Click on the program name and then on the “Apply Now”, and get started on the required documents:
  • Apply to your preferred program (You apply to only one program and list your other choices within that application)
  • Be sure to fill out ALL required fields.
 
Step 7: Apply for study abroad awards/ scholarships for which you are eligible by March 1st. (Study abroad awards/scholarships will be in addition to your ASC financial aid package).
You may be eligible to apply for scholarships from the Center for Global Learning, other ASC departments, your program provider, national study abroad scholarships, and other sources. Be sure to speak with your study abroad advisor about scholarship opportunities and deadlines. You can also visit our Scholarships and Financial Aid webpage. 
 
Step 8: Fill out the program-specific application (for example - ISEP, Al Akhawayn, University of Bristol, etc.  Applications vary and may require the following: statement of purpose, letter(s) of recommendation, official transcripts, preliminary course selection, etc. 
Make sure to check the deadlines, but be aware that individual programs and scholarships have their own deadlines. 
Students participating in Agnes Scott programs led by ASC professors (Global Study Tours) have different program and scholarship application procedures and deadlines. Please visit the Global Study Tours program page for more information.

Additional questions? Check-out the FAQs page

Advising Hours (until further notice, all advising sessions are virtual):
Clementine Hakizimana, Study Abroad Advisor
Please visit Clementine for study abroad advising if your last name begins with A-R. 
Mondays: 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10:00 a.m.-Noon
*Or by appointment
 
Wafia Sayf, International Student Advisor/ Study Abroad Advisor
Please visit Wafia for study abroad advising if your last name begins with S - Z. 
Mondays: 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Fridays: 10:00 a.m.-Noon (General office hours)
*Or by appointment