Start Planning Your Study Abroad Program

If you have any questions about planning your study abroad, attending the Study Abroad 101, or searching for a program, make an appointment with Office of Global Education. 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. 

Step 1: Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session

Abroad 101: All students who study abroad are required to attend a Study Abroad 101 session in the Office of Global Education. Led by Office of Global Education advisors, the session lasts approximately 30 minutes. Study Abroad 101 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. 

Mondays at 1:30 p.m. in Van Meter 107
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in Van Meter 107

Step 2: Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor

Meet with a study abroad advisor to review more specific information about the region and program in which a student is interested. Study abroad advisors will also walk students through the application process in these sessions. Currently, you may schedule an appointment through Navigate. These may happen as required workshops again as numbers increase. 

Step 3: 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. The norm for Goucher semester and academic year programs is for students to complete two years on campus before going abroad. The Office of Global Education 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 that do not meet the GPA requirements are ineligible to participate in ICA programs. You are ineligible to apply for study abroad programs if you are on academic probation.

  • 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.

  • Disciplinary status: The Office of Global Education reserves the right to deny acceptance to any students who have problematic disciplinary histories. Students currently on disciplinary probation or disciplinary suspension are not eligible to apply to study abroad and should wait until the terms of their probation or suspension have been satisfactorily completed before submitting an application to Office of Global Education. Office of Global Education also reserves the right to withdraw students from a program if their disciplinary history changes after completing the application process.

Step 4: Follow All College Policies for Studying Abroad 

Office of Global Education deadlines

If you participate in a Goucher semester, summer, or winter study abroad program, you are required to fill out an application from the Office of Global Education and meet all Office of Global Education deadlines.  

Credit policies

  • Twelve of the last 24 credit hours must be completed at Goucher unless granted an exception with the approval of the major department and the associate dean for undergraduate studies. Exceptions may be granted for approved summer courses and study-abroad programs or other programs. These approved non-Goucher credits shall ordinarily be completed within two semesters following the petition date to avoid withdrawal from the college. Contact the Registrar's Office for approval of specific non-Goucher courses.
  • 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 the department chair and your academic advisor. You will fill out a Course Approval Form as part of your Office of Global Education 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.

Step 5: Choose Your Program

After research and careful consideration, it is now time to make your program selection and meet with an Office of Global Education advisor. Be sure to take note of all Office of Global Education deadlines.  Office of Global Education 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.

Step 6: Submit an Office of Global Education Application

Make an appointment and meet with the appropriate advisor to receive access to 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. 

If, after exploring all Goucher-sponsored study abroad programs, you do not find one that meets your needs and interests, please contact the Office of Global Education for additional support.