What can I study while studying away? Students from every major at Allegheny can study away. Courses may fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements, depending on departmental approval.
Emily Eschenfelder ’26
When is the best time to study away? Most students study away during their junior year, although some programs allow participation as early as sophomore year.
Do I need to know another language to study away? No. Approximately 60% of study away programs do not require prior knowledge of a foreign language.
Can athletes study away? Yes. Many student-athletes study away during their off-season or participate in summer Global Learning Seminars or independent programs.
Can students with disabilities study abroad? Yes. Many programs offer accommodations and accessibility support. Students should contact the Global Education Office early to discuss their needs.
Program Types
What is the difference between a sponsored program and an independent program?
Sponsored Programs
Riley Pegher ’26
Approved and vetted by Allegheny
Allegheny financial aid generally applies (exceptions apply)
Courses are guaranteed to transfer as approved credit
Additional $800 off-campus fee
Independent Programs
Not affiliated with Allegheny
Allegheny institutional aid does not apply
Credit transfer is not guaranteed
Additional $1,200 off-campus fee
What if I want to study in a country that is not on the sponsored program list? Students may participate in independent programs during the semester or summer. The Global Education Office will help students evaluate program options. Independent semester programs have a higher study away fee, but summer independent programs do not have an additional study away fee.
Planning Your Study Away Experience
When should I start planning to study away? Students should ideally begin planning one year before their intended program. This allows time for program research, advising, applications, passports, and visas.
Do I need to meet with my academic advisor before studying away? Yes. Students must meet with their advisor to review how study away courses will apply to their major, minor, and graduation requirements.
Do I need a visa or residence permit and how much does it cost?
Requirements depend on your program. Check the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine if a visa or residence permit is required and the associated fees. Students are responsible for understanding and covering all related costs, including travel to a consulate or embassy if required, and for obtaining the necessary documents on time. The Global Education Office is not responsible for visa or residence permit application outcomes.
Courses, Credits, and Academic Requirements
How do I know if a course is already approved (pre-equated)? Students can review the list of pre-equated courses for sponsored programs. These courses have already been approved by the appropriate department chair.
The Global Education Office will send materials to the appropriate department chair for review.
Madison Hulse ’27
How do study away credits and grades transfer to Allegheny? In general:
Credits transfer based on approved equivalencies
Only courses with an Allegheny-equivalent grade of C or higher receive transfer credit
Study away grades do not count toward your cumulative GPA
However, grades may still be considered for Alden and Distinguished Alden Scholar honors.
What happens if I enroll in fewer than 12 credits? Enrolling in fewer than 12 credits (full-time status) may:
Affect federal, state, and institutional financial aid
Jeopardize visa or residency status
Students must speak with the Financial Aid Office before enrolling in fewer than 12 credits.
Who is responsible for overload costs? Students are responsible for any additional costs associated with credit overloads.
While You Are Studying Away
Do I need to submit course approvals while abroad? Yes. After finalizing your schedule, students must submit the Study Away Course Approval Form and notify the Global Education Office of any schedule changes.
Can I travel while studying abroad? Yes. Many students travel during weekends or academic breaks. Students should inform program staff, follow program travel policies, and prioritize safety and academic responsibilities.
What type of accommodations are available? Housing varies by program and may include residence halls, apartments, dormitories, or host families.
Is food included? In many cases, students are responsible for food costs. Some programs provide meal plans or stipends.
How do cell phones work abroad? Students typically choose one of the following options:
International plans through their mobile carrier
Local SIM cards
International eSIM plans
Wi-Fi-based apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.)
Will I need a new bank account? Usually not. Many students use credit/debit cards with low international fees or ATMs abroad. Students should notify their bank before traveling.
Financial Aid & Billing
Can I use financial aid for a study away program? Yes. Students may use their Allegheny institutional aid and federal/state financial aid for sponsored study away programs, except:
Work-study awards
Tuition exchange scholarships (such as GLCA)
Institutional aid can typically be applied to one semester of study away.
What will Allegheny bill me for during study away? Allegheny will bill:
Tuition
Off-campus study away fee
$800 for sponsored programs
$1,200 for independent programs
Room and meal charges (if applicable)
What happens if my financial aid does not cover all program costs? Any expenses not covered by financial aid or scholarships are the student’s responsibility.
Can I study away if I have a balance on my account? No. Students with outstanding balances on their Allegheny account are not eligible to participate in a study away program.
Mary Karstens ’27 & Lucy Palmer ’27
What costs are paid directly to the host program? Students may need to pay certain expenses directly to the host institution, including:
Housing
Meals
Local program fees
What additional expenses should I plan for? Students should plan for additional costs such as:
Passport fees
Visa or residence permit fees
Airfare
Housing and meals (if not included)
Personal expenses
Program excursions or activities
After Your Study Away Program
How do I submit my transcript? Official transcripts must be sent directly from the program’s School of Record to the Global Education Office. Transcripts sent by students cannot be processed.
How long does it take for study away courses to appear on my transcript? Processing times vary depending on departmental and administrative review. It may take a semester or longer for courses to appear.
Health, Safety, and Work
Liam Shields ’27
Will I have access to healthcare abroad? Yes. Allegheny partners with AXA insurance for international programs and provides guidance for accessing local healthcare services. Students will also receive instructions on accessing local clinics, hospitals, and emergency services in their host country.
Can I work while studying abroad? Work policies depend on country and visa regulations. Some visas allow limited part-time work, while others prohibit employment. Some programs also offer internships. Students should contact the Global Education Office for guidance.
Will I be safe studying away? The Global Education Office cannot guarantee your safety. However, we monitor conditions in program locations and stay in close contact with our partners, U.S. Consulates, and risk management organizations. U.S. citizens and nationals studying abroad are required to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Students should also review updates from U.S. embassy or consulate websites, follow local laws and safety guidance, attend required pre-departure orientations and orientations on-site In an emergency, students should contact local emergency services and their program staff immediately.
