Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I study abroad?
  Everyone will give different answers to this question. USF students who have studied abroad enthusiastically agree about its advantages. They find class work in a foreign country stimulating and their encounters outside the classroom educational and exciting. They come back with a broader, deeper understanding both of another country and of their own cultural background. Entering USF students should start planning early to enjoy this unique opportunity.
• Don't I have to be a language major, or speak another language to study abroad?
  No. The opportunities for year, semester or summer study are diverse enough to meet the needs of virtually any undergraduate's course of study. Study abroad is not limited to language majors or those with knowledge of foreign languages; USF sponsors and has identified programs providing language training as well as programs taught in English in many countries. Programs are available offering courses in humanities, social sciences, as well as sometimes science and engineering.
• Is there a minimum GPA for study abroad?
  USF requires that students who wish to study abroad have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Many semester exchange programs, however, require that students have a 3.0 minimum.
• What types of programs are available to USF students?
  There are two types of programs: those administered directly by USF, like the summer and semester exchange programs listed on this site, and those sponsored by other American and foreign universities which are approved by USF.
• What is a USF-administered program?
  These are programs administered and supervised by USF. USF faculty are directly involved, and the courses receive USF credit and grades like courses on campus. Students pay USF tuition and the USF Study Abroad Administration fee to DIRECTLY to the Study Abroad Office.
• What is a USF-approved program?
  These programs are sponsored by other American and foreign universities and are approved for USF students by the USF Study Abroad Office. Students receive transfer credit toward their degrees. Grades are not recorded on the USF transcript unless courses have been approved by your advisor, and USF tuition and the Study Abroad Administrative fee has been paid to the USF Study Abroad Office.
• Where can I find more information about all of these programs?
  The first step for any USF student who wants to study abroad is to make an appointment with an advisor and visit the Study Abroad Office, Cooper Hall 468 (Tampa Campus). At the office, you will be able to browse program information. The Study Abroad Office assists students in clearing their study abroad plans through USF and in understanding USF's policies on study abroad. After initial visits, students may schedule appointments with Study Abroad Advisor to receive individualized guidance in their planning for the best possible international educational experience.
• How much will it cost to study abroad?
  Program costs vary greatly. Participants on USF-administered programs pay USF tuition and the USF Study Abroad Administrative fee to the USF Study Abroad Office; students on USF-approved programs pay tuition and fees to the other institution, plus USF's $300 study abroad administrative fee per semester (2003-04). In many cases tuition and fees for study abroad are somewhat less than studying on USF's campus.
• Is there financial aid?
  Yes. Financial aid is applicable for USF students to study abroad on both USF-administered and USF-approved programs. Both federal and institutional aid is fully transferable. Students on financial aid at USF receive financial aid for their study abroad experience in the same proportion as for their studies on USF's campuses, but never more than their financial aid at USF. USF students should contact the USF Office of Financial Aid .
• When should I study abroad?
  Students can study abroad anytime in their academic career. As soon as you know that you want to study abroad, you should make an appointment with a study abroad advisor. Typically, students should start planning for study abroad about one year to six months in advance so that there is sufficient time to apply for scholarships and meet enrollment deadlines.
• Can I earn credit in my major abroad?
  Yes. Students who study on USF-administered programs earn USF credit just as if they were on campus. These courses fulfill the same requirements as courses on campus. Students who study on USF-approved programs should consult with their Undergraduate Studies Advisor in their major department to find out if, and how many, transfer credits may be applied towards their major.
• Can I fulfill my foreign language competency abroad? Yes, on a USF-administered or USF-approved program.
• Do I register on OASIS for the semester I'm going abroad?
  No. Students attending USF-administered or approved programs will register through the Study Abroad Office, not on through OASIS registration system.
• What do I need to do after I've been accepted to a program?
  Once students are accepted into a program, they need to first let that Study Abroad Office know if they will or will not be attending. Then they must pay the deposit fee to hold their place in the program within 2-weeks of the notification of acceptance. If more than one program has been applied to, it is the student's responsibility to let all program director's know of their final plans. Then, application contracts, insurance forms, and course approval forms need to be completed and turned in to the Study Abroad Office. These forms allow USF to maintain a student's status within the USF system, and ease return to campus at the conclusion of the semester or year abroad. All study abroad forms are available here.
• What do I need to do after I've been accepted to an exchange program?
  Once students are accepted into an exchange program, they need to first let that Study Abroad Office know if they will or will not be attending. Then they must pay the deposit fee to hold their place in the program within 2-weeks of the notification of acceptance. If more than one program has been applied to, it is the student's responsibility to let all program director's know of their final plans. Then, application contracts, insurance forms, and course approval forms need to be completed and turned in to the Study Abroad Office. These forms allow USF to maintain a student's status within the USF system, and ease return to campus at the conclusion of the semester or year abroad. All study abroad forms are available here.