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Participating in a Non-Goucher Program
While OIS cannot recommend or endorse programs sponsored by other institutions, Goucher allows students to participate in non-Goucher programs. We suggest that you start the process, outlined below, as early as possible.
STEP 1: ATTEND A GROUP ADVISING SESSION
All students who study abroad are required to attend a group advising session in OIS. There are three group advising sessions per week at various times. The session will last approximately 30 minutes and will cover topics such as how to explore program options (Goucher & non-Goucher), apply for a study abroad program, obtain academic credit for study abroad, and organize financial matters. Visit the office to sign up for a session.
Students are alowed to participate in both short- (aummer or winter) and long-term (semester or year) study abroad programs sponsored by other institutions and organizations. Students must have spent at least three semester in residence at Goucher before participating in a non-Goucher semester or year program; students can participate in short-term programs as early as the first year.
STEP 2: RESEARCH PROGRAM OPTIONS
OIS encourages all students to explore Goucher College’s semester study abroad programs and Intensive Courses Abroad. If, after exploring Goucher-sponsored programs, you do not find an appropriate program that meets your needs and interests, you can begin to research programs sponsored by other schools and institutions.
To Research Non-Goucher Programs:
Internet Resources
Campus Resources
Take a few minutes to stop into OIS and look through brochures and other resources regarding your program options. We also have program evaluations from past study abroad participants, which can be helpful as you limit your list of potential programs.
Things to Think About When Researching Program Options:
1. 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?
2. Classes: What do you want to take? Do you want to study with other Americans or with host nationals? Be sure to find out about the educational systems of the programs and countries that interest you. Would you be able to adapt well to a different academic environment? What is the grading system like? Be sure to understand how the foreign credit system works and how it will translate to Goucher credits.
3. 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.
4. Location: Where do you want to go and why? Do you want to be in a big city or smaller town? Are you interested in a particular culture?
5. 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?
6. 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?
7. Program Sponsor: Who is the program sponsor? Is it a reputable institution? How long has the program existed? How many students go on it? Call the program sponsor, talk to them, and ask a ton of questions. Do you think the study abroad advisors are helpful and organized? Who issues the official transcript? Will the program sponsor meet all the policies listed below? Can I speak with students who have participated in the program (this is a great way to obtain information about a program)?
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM
After researching your program options and making sure those that interest you meet all Goucher requirements and policies, you can now choose your program. Be sure to take note of both OIS and your program sponsor deadlines. OIS recommends meeting with your academic adviser 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 adviser.
STEP 4: PICK UP AN OIS APPLICATION
Stop by OIS to pick up a non-Goucher application. You will receive an approval letter and packet within 3-4 weeks of the deadline if your application is approved. You will receive a letter stating that you are not approved if your program and application do not meet all necessary criteria. In addition, to participate in any study abroad program, you must be in good academic and behavioral standing. Be sure to tell your program sponsor to send your transcript to our office.
STEP 5: FOLLOW ALL IMPORTANT GOUCHER POLICIES FOR NON-GOUCHER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
1. OIS DEADLINES: If you participate in a non-Goucher semester, summer, or winter study abroad program, you are required to fill out an application in OIS and meet ALL OIS deadlines, or you will not be permitted to go abroad. 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. You are REQUIRED to meet the OIS deadlines, or you will not be permitted to participate. Our best advice to you is TO PLAN EARLY. START THIS PROCESS AT LEAST ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE SO YOU DO NOT MISS THE APPROPRIATE OIS DEADLINE.
Goucher requires that students complete at least 3 semesters in residence at Goucher before embarking upon a semester-long study abroad program. For transfer students, the residency requirement is two semesters.
2. ACADEMIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR STUDY ABROAD: If you apply for a semester study abroad program sponsored by another institution or organization, you will request an ACADEMIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE as part of your OIS STUDY ABROAD APPLICATION. Students will fill out the SAS Academic Leave of Absence Form as part of the OIS application. You do not have to apply for a Leave of Absence through the Associate Dean’s Office for study abroad. OIS grants Academic Leaves of Absence for study abroad programs provided the following conditions are met:
a. your intended course of study is not available in Goucher College’s study abroad programs.
b. 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.
3. CREDIT POLICIES FOR STUDY ABROAD ON A NON-GOUCHER PROGRAM:
a. Goucher College has a Residency Requirement. Your last 12 credits must be taken at Goucher College. This means that students CANNOT participate in non-Goucher semester programs during the last semester of their senior year. You can, however, petition the Associate Dean of Academics to study abroad during your fall semester of senior year if you have an extenuating circumstance and the support of your academic adviser.
b. All classes taken abroad must be taken for a letter grade. Pass/Fail is not an option.
c. If you are studying abroad for a semester, you MUST take a minimum of 12 Goucher credits. You can never go below 12 credits and must maintain full-time student status.
d. All classes you take while abroad on any study abroad program MUST be pre-approved by your academic adviser. You will fill out a Course Approval Form as part of your OIS application in order to obtain approval for the courses you intend to take while abroad.
e. You will receive TRANSFER CREDIT for your approved coursework from your study abroad program. This means that your coursework will appear on your transcript but will NOT go 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. Please read the Academic Catalogue for further details about Transfer Credit.
4. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: You cannot utilize any Goucher scholarships or aid for a non-Goucher program. You may be able to use some forms of Federal Financial Aid, if the sponsoring institution or organization is eligible to participate in the federal financial aid program. The only way to determine this is to MEET WITH THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE so you can meet all deadlines. In addition, while abroad, you must take at least 12 credits that count for your major, minor, or general education requirements. Electives will NOT count as part of those 12 credits.