Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad

The Center for International Studies offers programs in:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• China
• Czech Republic
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Malawi
• Poland
• Scotland
• Spain
• South Korea
• United Kingdom

A visa is a travel authorization document that allows you to enter a foreign country. You may or may not need a visa, depending on which country you intend to visit. The Center for International Studies staff can assist you in determining if you need a visa.

Through careful planning and the help of the ASU Center for International Studies, studying abroad doesn’t have to be very expensive. For example, in the academic year programs, you pay ASU tuition and fees. We also offer scholarships to every participant, and you can also use your existing scholarships and financial aid.

No problem. You can study in an English-speaking country, such as Scotland, and our summer programs all offer classes in English. Our academic year program to Paris also has a special curriculum in English just for you.

You can study just about anything abroad. You can take classes to satisfy general requirements or take courses as part of your major or minor.

Yes. The Center for International Studies, your program director and your academic advisor will work with you to find the right courses that will fit into your degree plan. Usually, studying abroad will not keep you from graduating as planned. If you participate in a summer program, you could actually finish quicker.

No. A GPA of 2.50 is required for undergraduates.

Each program is thoroughly planned for about a year prior to actual departure. Careful consideration is taken when choosing places of travel, hotel locations and educational visits. Students are well-prepared on travel instructions and behavior prior to departure. Safety is a major priority for the faculty directors.

All students who participate in ASU-sponsored study abroad programs must purchase ASU’s mandatory insurance policy. This insurance coverage includes Emergency Medical Evacuation (EME) and Repatriation of Remains (RR). For more information, visit our health and safety page.

Each program varies, but the majority of programs take place at universities, so students reside in campus residence halls. Other travel may require hotels, hostels and other accommodations.

It is definitely possible to study abroad in your senior year, but a few things must be taken into consideration. Just contact us and we will help you.

Depending on the program, normally there are at least a few weekends when you will be able to travel on your own. You can also travel after the program ends (but talk to your program director first).

The earlier you begin planning, the better, especially for the academic year programs. If you allow a year, you will have plenty of time to take care of all the logistical concerns, as well as improve your knowledge of the host language and culture. It takes time for applications to be processed, for travel arrangements to go through and for you to prepare yourself and your finances.

Yes. Please note, though, that it can be a bit more complicated to fit study abroad into a graduate degree plan.

Yes. Study abroad is for every ASU student. Please note that there might be special visa requirements, depending on your native country and the country where you plan to study.

We attempt to accommodate all students interested in studying abroad. Please do not hesitate to let us know about your special circumstances. We are committed to making an international experience available to all students.