Study Abroad FAQ

Why study abroad?
Who can study abroad?
Isn't studying abroad expensive?
Will my scholarships and financial aid apply?
Will my credits transfer?
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
When should I begin planning to study abroad?

Why study abroad?
Study abroad experiences are not required, but at the same time more and more students are taking advantage of study abroad opportunities and employers are quick to notice this experience. Because our world seems much smaller today, cross-cultural experiences are highly valued and needed more than ever before. Not to mention the fact that most students consider it the best experience of their college career!

Who can study abroad?
Any Westminster student that is in good standing may study abroad. In the past, programs were targeted to juniors. The junior year is generally the recommended year in which to study abroad, however, there are programs for a variety of students in different phases of their education.

Isn't studying abroad expensive?
It used to be, but not anymore. Travel is more reasonably priced now and studying abroad is no longer an experience only for the elite. Also, Westminster offers two competitive scholarships each year that are worth approximately $15,000 or more each?enough to make the study abroad experience nearly free!

Depending on the program, study abroad experiences may range up to approximately $15,000. Even if you did not qualify for financial aid, colleges abroad are usually much less expensive than here. In some cases, the amount of tuition, room and board, and airfare may be near the equivalent of what you might pay for a semester or year at Westminster

Will my scholarships and financial aid apply to studying abroad?
Federal and state financial aid will almost always apply, but aid from Westminster applies only for certain exchange programs. For example, our exchange program with Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan allows Westminster students to simply pay Westminster College as they normally do for a semester (including scholarship and aid agreements), while studies will actually be completed in Japan. In addition, Westminster College currently offers two scholarships to Westminster students who are in good standing and who specifically wish to pursue a study abroad experience in the United Kingdom and / or Europe. The Piper and Cranshaw Awards are competitive awards, which cover a large amount of the expenses for the chosen study abroad experience. See this year's recipients of the Cranshaw and Piper Scholarships!

Will my credits transfer back to Westminster College?
Yes, your credits will transfer as long as you attend an accredited college or university abroad. This needs to be determined prior to your departure and will allow for an easy transfer of credits at a later date without complications. Because there are many study abroad programs designed for specific majors and many programs offer courses similar to Westminster course offerings, there should be no reason that you take a class that wouldn't count towards your graduation requirements if you choose the right program.

The Office of Study Abroad & Off-Campus programs can assist you by facilitating the course selection and approval processes. Generally, this process will involve cooperation with your academic advisor to ensure that the credits are transferrable.

Do I have to speak a foreign language?
No. Most programs and classes are in English. It is always a good idea and generally recommended, to know a little of the country's language that you study in, but it is usually not required. Currently, the most popular destinations are England and Australia, where language is obviously not a problem. You can even start learning a foreign language abroad, and certainly if you have the skills, you can study in a foreign language or improve your language skills.

When should I begin planning to study abroad?
The earlier you start, the more likely you'll find a program that's right for you. Also, the earlier you start, allows for greater opportunities to apply for scholarships to help pay for your trip. In general, start taking action a year in advance. However, it is possible that some may meet deadlines in October or November for the following spring, although waiting to the last minute is not recommended. If you determine that you might like to consider the opportunities available through a study abroad experience, contact the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs at your earliest convenience to schedule an individual appointment. We'd love to hear from you!

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