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I'm Interested in a Goucher Program

Follow these very important guidelines for selecting a Goucher-sponsored study abroad program to ensure that you have followed all appropriate Goucher College and Office of International Studies (OIS) policies. Please make certain that you understand everything thoroughly and be aware that this process takes effort, motivation, and patience. 

If you have any questions after reading this information, attending the required group advising session, or searching for a program, please make an appointment with OIS. Our best advice to you is to start this process at least one year in advance so that you can meet all requirements, confirm your eligibility, and make all deadlines.

Attend a Group Advising Session
All students who study abroad are required to attend a group advising session in OIS  that lasts approximately 30 minutes and covers topics such as how to explore program options, apply for a study abroad program, obtain academic credit for study abroad, and organize financial matters.

Research All Program Options
OIS encourages you to explore all of Goucher College’s study abroad programs— semester, yearlong, and Intensive Courses Abroad (ICAs)—and ask yourself the following questions when researching program options:

  • Objectives:        
    • Why do you want to study abroad?
    • Do you want to learn another language? 
    • What kind of graduation requirements do you want to fill? 
    • Will you study something you can’t study here?
  • Classes:
    • What do you want to take?
    • Do you want to study with other Americans or with host nationals? 
    • Would you be able to adapt well to a different academic environment?  (Be sure to find out about the educational systems of the programs and countries that interest you.) 
    • What is the grading system like?  (Be sure to understand how the foreign credit system works and how it will translate to Goucher credits.)
  • Language:
    • Do you want to learn a language? 
    • What is your proficiency level? 
    • Do you want to take classes in English? (Keep in mind the Foreign Language Department must approve all foreign language classes taken abroad.)
  • Location:
    • Where do you want to go and why?
    • Do you want to be in a big city or small town? 
    • Are you interested in a particular culture? 
  • Living situation:
    • Would you like to live in a dorm with other Americans or with host-country students? 
    • Would you live with a family in a homestay?
  • Money/costs:
    • What is included in the program fees?
    • Are there any added expenses? 
    • How is the dollar doing in the host country? 
    • Will I be able to afford living in a particular location?
    • Are there any scholarships?
  • Host institution:
    • How many students go to the school? 
    • How big are the classes? 
    • What is the teaching style? 
    • Where are the dorms located?
    • What services do they provide? 
    • Is there a sports facility?  (Find out as much as you can about the host institution. Talk to other Goucher students who have participated in the same program.)

Meet Eligibility
Before studying abroad, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Class standing: You must declare a major before being eligible to study abroad. In rare instances, second semester sophomores will be approved to enroll in semester programs. The norm for Goucher semester and academic year programs is for students to complete two years on campus before going abroad. OIS cannot guarantee that any sophomore will be accepted by the host institution.

  • GPA: Semester or academic year program GPA requirements vary, but usually range from 2.5 to 3.6.  Students on academic probation are ineligible to study abroad on any program.

  • Language requirements: If you would like to study abroad on a semester/academic year program in a location where courses are taught in the target language, you must meet appropriate requirements. For semester programs, you should be enrolled in the foreign language the semester before departing and meet program-specific requirements.  Typically, students must have at least four college semesters or the equivalent to participate in a foreign language program. 

    If you are majoring in a foreign language, you must spend a semester in a Goucher program: University of Salamanca for Spanish, Eberhard Karls Universitat for German (for German minors), and the Paris Program for French.

    You must also complete a Foreign Language Certification Form as part of the application process for semester programs.  This form is comprised of an oral interview with an appropriate member of the foreign language department.  OIS cannot accept a student into a foreign language program without the necessary department approval.

  • Disciplinary status: You must submit a Disciplinary Records Release Form, which must be completed by the Dean of Students.  OIS reviews the release form and reserves the right to deny acceptance to any students who have problematic disciplinary histories.

Follow All College Policies for Studying Abroad 

  • OIS deadlines:  If you participate in a Goucher semester, summer, or winter study abroad program, you are required to fill out an application in OIS and meet all OIS deadlines.

  • Credit policies:
    • Goucher College has a residency requirement, which means your last 12 credits must be taken at Goucher College. (Students may participate in Goucher College programs during the fall semester of their senior year, but may not participate in semester programs during the spring semester of their senior year.)
    • All classes taken abroad must be taken for a letter grade—Pass/Fail is not an option.
    • If you are studying abroad for a semester, you must take a minimum of 12 Goucher credits and maintain full-time student status.
    • All classes you take while abroad must be pre-approved by your academic advisor. (You will fill out a Course Approval Form as part of your OIS application.)
    • You will receive Goucher credit for your approved coursework. (Your coursework will appear on your transcript and go into your GPA.) 

  • Financial aid and scholarships: You can utilize institutional aid for Goucher semester or academic year programs.  If you have federal aid, you must take at least 12 credits. The Financial Aid and Scholarships page provides further details.

Choose Your Program
After research and careful consideration, it is now time to make your selection. Be sure to take note of all OIS deadlines.  OIS recommends meeting with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you intend to take and how they will count towards your degree—It is imperative that you have support from your academic advisor.

Submit an OIS Application
Stop by OIS to pick up an application. If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter and packet within 3-4 weeks of the application deadline. If you do not meet all the necessary criteria, you will receive a letter stating that you have not been approved. 

Download The Goucher Sponsored Program Guide (PDF)