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Study Abroad - Frequently Asked Questions
How long are study abroad programs?
It's not necessary to make a long-term commitment to studying abroad. About 90% of students who participate in UD's programs are abroad for just four or five weeks. The vast majority of these students go abroad during UD's winter session or summer session. Going abroad for a short period allows students to experiment with foreign travel and decide if they'd like to study abroad again, perhaps for a semester. Also, a short term abroad allows students to explore the world without getting behind in their major or relinquishing responsibilities on campus.

If you'd like to spend a semester or longer overseas, there are also options available for you. In fact, you can combine programs and stay for even longer (ie, fall in London, then winter in Granada, then spring in Paris). Endless possibilities.
Will I travel alone or with a group?
Most students travel in a group. All of UD's undergraduate study abroad programs include group airfare and transportation to pre-arranged in-country lodging, so students are never left to reach their destination alone unless they choose to fly solo.

UD's winter and summer session study abroad programs are led by one or two UD faculty members who also teach some or all of the courses. The faculty directors plan the program, meet with the students for pre-departure orientations, and travel with the group during the program. Semester programs are managed by an on-site (resident) director fluent in the language of the host country. The resident director meets the group at the airport and administers all aspects of the program from start to finish. The faculty and resident directors are available to the students around the clock during the program and work with the staff of the Center for International Studies to deal with any crises or emergencies.
What if I don't know anyone on my program?
Most students don't know other members of their group before they apply. Sometimes students are reluctant to apply to a study abroad program because they don't know anyone else who is going. Yet this is actually the norm! Most of the participants don't know anyone else in their group. Students will meet briefly at the pre-departure orientation meetings, but the real bonding will come on-site through common classes, group and independent travel, and the common experience of becoming immersed in another culture. Many students returning from study abroad say that they have made numerous friends through their program, and they have kept these friends throughout their college careers.
Where is the Center for International Studies?
The Center for International Studies is located at Elliott Hall, 26 East Main Street, right across the street from the Morris Library and next door to the Center for Black Culture.
Do I need to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
No, we offer many programs that are taught in English. But if you already speak another language or would like to learn one, study abroad is the easiest way to improve your fluency. We offer many programs that teach foreign language courses abroad -- from beginner to advanced.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
The tuition you pay to study abroad is the same amount you'd pay to study here on campus. In addition, you pay a program fee that covers things like airfare, housing, and excursions. The amount of the program fee depends on the program. When you go abroad, you do NOT have to pay extra for housing and meals on campus.
Can I use my financial aid for study abroad?
Usually, yes. It depends on what kind of aid you receive. Check with the Financial Aid office to see if your aid can be used to help cover study abroad expenses.
How about scholarships?
Yes, we do! See here for detailed info.
Do I need a certain GPA to study abroad?
Most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Several semester programs, however, raise that minimum to 2.8. Living overseas is a fun but sometimes stressful experience. We want to make sure that you're strong enough academically to handle these challenges and still succeed in the classroom.
I've seen the terms "CFIS", "FLL" and "deviator" on your website -- what do they mean?
CFIS is an acronym for the Center for International Studies, the University unit responsible for study abroad. FLL, a.k.a. the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, specifically coordinates all study abroad programs involving significant foreign language study. And the word "deviator" is a term the airline industry uses to refer to people who buy plane tickets as part of a group, but change their return dates... thus "deviating" from the group's planned itinerary.
When should I start planning for this?
That's easy -- NOW. Students often reach their senior year and sadly realize that they ran out of time to study overseas. Study abroad is an important part of the education you'll receive at UD. Start planning now and find the right time to fit this experience into your studies.
What courses can I take?
This list changes a little each year depending on which faculty lead programs overseas. Try searching by department to find international courses that interest you.
Where can I find more information about the programs?
This website will give you the most up-to-date and complete program info available. Check out the complete program listing here.
What about transfer credit?
You don't have to worry about that. All of the courses offered on our programs are University of Delaware courses. You register for them and get grades for them just like you do for courses on campus. If you're a student attending a different college or university, you can request a UD transcript after you return from overseas.
How about if I want to go somewhere that UD doesn't go?
In this case, you have two options. Either convince one of your professors to take a winter session abroad to your location of choice, or search for a program offered by another school. If you opt to go with another school, read this website for guidelines and suggestions.
How do I apply?
That's easy, just click here for instructions on how to apply online.
When is everything due?
Everything is due by the application deadlines listed on this website (see here for a quick overview).
How do I make program fee payments?
The University does not accept credit card payments for study abroad.

UD applicants must pay by direct bank transfer via this website: http://www.udel.edu/studyabroadpayments

All applicants from other universities should write a check, payable to the Univ. of Delaware, and send it to the Center for International Studies (Elliott Hall, 26 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19716). Put your name and the name of your program on the memo line, and don't forget to include an official copy of your transcript in the envelope.

Why do I get a message that says STUDENT NOT FOUND when I try to submit my scholarship application?
Your name is not being recognized in our system because you have not yet applied for a study abroad program. Applying for your program is to be done before applying for your scholarship.
If I apply to more than one program, do I need to put a deposit towards each program?
Yes, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required for each application or program.
If I apply for Global Citizenship Awards, Global Scholars Awards or FYE Study Abroad Scholarships, do I have to pay the first deposit towards the program?
Yes, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required for each application or program.
If I apply for the Global Citizenship Awards and do not receive one, am I automatically considered for the Global Scholars Awards?
Yes, you will automatically be considered for the Global Scholars Awards.
Do I need to submit an additional recommendation and essay for the Global Scholars Awards if I am not awarded the Global Citizenship Awards?
No, your essay and your one recommendation for the Global Citizenship Awards will be used for the Global Scholars Awards.
What is included in the program fee?
This varies from program to program, so you should definitely check with the faculty director or program coordinator to make sure. Generally, the program fee includes roundtrip airfare from a mid-Atlantic U.S. airport, overseas housing during the program, program-related excursions and events, and group ground transportation. Many programs also include some or even all meals, and some include daily ground transportation as well (for example a subway pass), or items such as a visa or departure tax where required. Unless otherwise stated, the program fee does NOT include transportation to/from the group's departure airport, nor any other expenses incurred prior to the group's initial departure or after its return at the end of the program.