I'm Interested in a Non-Goucher Program

Participating in a Non-Goucher-Sponsored Program

If, after exploring all Goucher-sponsored study abroad programs, you do not find one that meets your needs and interests, please follow these guidelines for participating in a program sponsored by another institution.

Research Non-Goucher Programs:

• There are numerous internet sites that will help you explore programs from hundreds of institutions and organizations, and OIS has several resource books you may use, including Academic Year Abroad and Short-Term Study Abroad. (These books cannot be checked out, but recent versions are in the library.)
• Check out your home state university study abroad programs—You may qualify for in-state tuition.
• Ask yourself the following questions:
• Who is the program sponsor? 
• Is it a reputable institution? 
• How long has the program existed?
• How many students go on it? 
• Do you think the study abroad advisors are helpful and organized? 
• Who issues the official transcript? 
• Will the program sponsor meet all Goucher policies listed below? 
• Can you speak with students who have participated in the program? (Call the program sponsor and ask questions. OIS cannot do any of this for you.)
  
  *Please note that the following programs are not approved by Goucher College: Semester at Sea; SEAmester; Bond University in Queensland, Australia; and University of Roehampton in London.

The Petition Process
After meeting with an OIS advisor, you must submit a formal petition to be approved for participation in a non-Goucher program. Instructions for the petition are given only after the student meets with an OIS advisor. Your intended program must meet the following conditions to be considered for approval:

• Your intended course of study is not available in Goucher College’s study abroad programs.
• You will receive an official transcript from an institution accredited in the United States or an international institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.  (This is a Goucher College policy governing transfer credit and can be found in the Academic Catalogue.) 

There are no exceptions to these conditions.

Meet OIS Deadlines
Once a petition is approved, you are required to fill out an OIS application and meet all OIS deadlines. Keep in mind that you will also have to fill out your program sponsor’s application, mail it directly to them, and meet their deadlines.  In some cases, OIS will have deadlines that take place before your program sponsor’s deadlines.

Remaining Enrolled
If your application for a program sponsored by another institution or organization is approved, you will remain enrolled at Goucher while abroad.  You do not have to apply for a Leave of Absence unless your petition is not approved or you do not meet deadlines.

Credit Policies for Study Abroad on a Non-Goucher Program
Credit policies for study abroad on a non-Goucher program are the same as listed earlier for Goucher-sponsored programs EXCEPT:

You will receive transfer credit for your approved coursework. This means that your coursework will appear on your transcript but will not be factored into your GPA.  In order to obtain transfer credit, you must earn a minimum of a C.  Transfer credit will only be accepted from regionally accredited colleges and universities or international institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country. In addition, you cannot receive more than 60 transfer credits at Goucher College. Only 15 transfer credits (total) can be earned in summer or January terms. Please read the Academic Catalogue for further details about transfer credit.

Financial Aid and Scholarships
You cannot utilize any Goucher-based scholarships or aid for a non-Goucher program.  You may be able to use some forms of Federal Financial Aid.  The only way to determine this is to meet with the OSFA as early as possible, determine the transportability of your aid package, and complete all necessary paperwork.

Download The Non-Goucher Sponsored Program Guide (PDF)