Participating in a Goucher Sponsored Program

If you wish to participate in a study abroad program sponsored by Goucher College, there are several important steps that you must take in order to ensure that you have followed all appropriate Goucher College and Office of International Studies (OIS) policies.

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, 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 (transfer students excluded) who plan to study abroad for a semester or longer must have spent at least three semesters in residence at Goucher.  Students may participate in ICA and summer programs as early as the first year and as late as the senior year. 

STEP 2: RESEARCH PROGRAM OPTIONS.

After attending a group advising session, it is your responsibility to research program options. OIS encourages all students to explore Goucher College’s semester study abroad programs and Intensive Courses Abroad. You will find brief descriptions of each program on this site. 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.

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. Host Institution: Find out as much as you can about the host institution. Visit the host institution web site for information. 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? Talk to other Goucher students who have participated in the same 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 all OIS 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 an 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 you do not meet all necessary criteria. In addition, to participate in any study abroad program, you must be in good academic and behavioral standing.

STEP 5: FOLLOW ALL IMPORTANT GOUCHER POLICIES FOR GOUCHER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

1. 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, or you will not be permitted to go abroad. PLAN EARLY: START THIS PROCESS AT LEAST ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE SO YOU DO NOT MISS THE APPROPRIATE OIS DEADLINE. Click here to view upcoming deadlines.

2. CREDIT POLICIES FOR STUDY ABROAD ON A GOUCHER PROGRAM:

a. Goucher College has a Residency Requirement. Your last 12 credits must be taken at Goucher College. However, you CAN participate in a Goucher College program during the last semester of your senior year. Be aware that if you go abroad during spring semester of your senior year, you may not be able to graduate with your class because not all academic calendars are the same. In addition, your transcript may not arrive for 1-3 months after your semester abroad ends. 

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.  First-year and sophomore students, as well as transfer students, are welcome to apply to Goucher Intensive Course Abroad and summer programs. 

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 and maintain a minimum of 12 Goucher credits to retain full-time student status.

d. All classes you take while abroad on any study abroad program MUST be pre-approved by your academic adviser. A Course Approval Form is included as part of your OIS application in order to obtain approval for the courses you intend to take while abroad.

e. You will receive GOUCHER CREDIT for your approved coursework from your study abroad program. This means that your coursework will appear on your transcript AND go into your GPA.

3. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: You can utilize institutional aid (Goucher scholarships and grants)for Goucher semester or academic year programs. If you have federal aid, 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.