FAQ: General questions about study abroad

What are the requirements to study abroad?
For most Goucher semester and academic year programs, either a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA is the minimum requirement for applicants. For language and culture programs, you will usually have to have taken four semesters of the language you wish to study. For Goucher Summer Programs, a 2.5 GPA is required. Two academic recommendations and an essay are also required as part of the application process.  Students MUST attend advising in the Office of International Studies before applying to any study-abroad program--Goucher or non-Goucher. 

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.

Can I take courses in my major abroad?
Yes, you can take courses in your major abroad as long as they have been preapproved by your academic adviser; however, not every major is available at every program site.

Will the credits I take abroad transfer to my Goucher degree and transcript?
Yes. All classes taken abroad will transfer as long as your academic adviser approves them before you leave . Keep in mind that you must also pass the class. Be aware that you cannot take ANY class Pass/Fail when you study abroad. All classes MUST be taken for a grade if you want them to count for credit. If you participate in a Goucher program, you will receive Goucher credit for the classes you take abroad. All grades will appear on your transcript and be counted in your GPA. If you participate in a Non-Goucher Program, the classes you take abroad will appear as transfer credit on your transcript and, therefore, will not be counted toward your GPA. To gain transfer credit, you must receive at least a C for each class. When you fill out your program application, you will fill out a Course Approval Form with your academic adviser. This form will state how each class is to be counted toward your degree (i.e. for your major, minor, general education, or elective requirements).

Can I use my financial aid?
If you participate in a Goucher semester program, your federal financial aid and Goucher-based aid or scholarships will be applied to your study abroad program. If you participate in a non-Goucher program, your federal aid may count toward your program; however, Goucher-based aid and scholarships will not count toward your program. All students applying for and using financial aid need to work with the financial aid officers in SAS in order to complete all necessary paperwork and meet all deadlines. Please read Costs, Financial Aid and Scholarships for further details.

Are there any scholarships available?
Yes. The Office of International Studies awards scholarships for study abroad. When you fill out your program application, there is a section that explains how to apply for an International Studies Scholarship. The scholarships range from $200 to $1000. For details on other scholarships that may be available to you and/or how to research scholarships for international study, please read the section titled Costs, Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Do I have to be a junior to go abroad?
No. Students may study abroad on a semester or academic year program after completing three semesters in college-level residence (either at Goucher, or a combination of attendance at Goucher and other institutions) as long as they meet other eligibility requirements. Please note that some programs may require junior standing. All Goucher students can participate in Intensive Courses Abroad if they meet eligibility requiements.

Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No. There are several options for students to participate in Goucher’s English language programs.