Applying to an Independent Program

Get Program Information

The Global Education Office can help you review different programs and help you determine which one best fits your needs. That is, in order for us to assist you, you need to know what your goals are for studying abroad, what your financial parameters are, and of course, what country you want to study in. You are responsible for getting all the necessary application and information forms from any independent programs that  you may choose.

Schedule an appointment with Global Education

Obtain Allegheny Approval to Study Off-Campus


Regardless of whether you are applying to participate in an Allegheny-sponsored program OR an independent program, you must first be approved by your academic advisor and by the Global Education Office. Submit your application to the Global Education Office by 5PM on February 20 for fall programs or by September 20 for spring programs. The Allegheny approval deadline is independent from the application deadline of the particular program you are applying to. You should separately apply directly to your study away program of choice but should not commit to the program until you receive Allegheny approval. If you are approved to study off campus with an independent program you are responsible for getting all the necessary application and information forms from the program you choose.

The minimum requirements for Allegheny approval are:

  • 2.75 GPA – Please note some programs may have higher GPA requirements.
  • Academic advisor approval from your major advisor(s). If you are double majoring, both advisors will need to complete an approval form. If you have not declared a major yet, or do not have an advisor in your major yet, you must discuss with the department chair of your intended major how studying off-campus will affect your graduation requirements; the chair must complete the second page of the academic approval form in addition to the approval from completed by your current academic advisor. If you plan to complete a minor on the program, we strongly recommend that you meet with the director of the minor to review program materials.
  • You cannot be approved to study away if you are on disciplinary or academic probation. 
A completed application includes:

  • Study Away Application Form submitted to the Global Education Office by you. This form requires you to upload:
    • Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose must describe how the study abroad or the U.S.-based off-campus study program is related to your major, minor or other academic/professional goals and why it is important for you to participate in the particular term you are applying to attend. You must also explain why no existing Allegheny Sponsored study abroad program can meet your academic needs. 
    • Resume: If you have questions about updating your resume, consult with the Career Education office.
    • Passport scan: (for international programs only) If you do not yet have a valid passport, apply immediately. If your passport isn’t in your possession at the time of our approval deadline, you may still be considered for study abroad programs as long as you are in the process of applying for your passport.
    • Transcript request form: Complete the transcript request form so the Global Education office can share your academic record, if needed, with your study away program.
  • Completed Academic Approval Form by your academic advisor(s). It’s the student’s responsibility to meet with and discuss their study away plans with their academic advisor(s). Students must request that the advisor complete our Academic Approval Form. Follow up with your advisor(s) before the application deadline to make sure that they have completed the required form on your behalf.

Study Away Application Form Academic Approval Form

Apply to your Study Abroad Program/University

The Allegheny approval process is independent from the application deadline of the particular program you are applying to attend. You should separately apply directly to your study away program of choice but should not commit to the program until you receive Allegheny approval. Keep in mind that the deadline for your specific program’s application is likely different from the Allegheny approval deadline.

If Approved, Attend Your Pre-Departure Course in Module B

You will attend a pre-departure course, EXL*303 Not All Those Who Wonder Are Lost… in Module B of the semester prior to your study abroad term. At the meetings, you will:

  • Set goals for your time off-campus
  • Receive a checklist of forms to complete prior to departure
  • Meet other students who will be studying away
  • Review travel logistics, including passport and visa information, immunizations, & health and safety information
  • Prepare for cultural adjustment
  • Learn about sustainability practices during your semester off-campus

Get your Student Visa (if necessary) and plane ticket once you are approved by your host program

Enjoy your semester away!

Attend Your Re-entry course in Module A

You will attend a re-entry course, EXL*303 There and Back Again… in Module A of the semester after your return from your study abroad term. At the course meetings, you will:

  • Reflect upon the met and unmet goals you set for your time off-campus
  • Discuss your reentry process and adjustment to being back home
  • Learn how to highlight the skills you gained and experienced you had on your resume and in your “study away elevator pitch!”
  • Explore different cultural notions of sustainability from around the world
  • Meet with current international students studying at Allegheny
  • Discover paths for further off-campus study after graduation!

Study Away Policies for INDEPENDENT Study Abroad Programs:

  • There is an $1,200 per semester off-campus study fee for independent programs.
  • Note that some programs have specific requirements (e.g., GPA, course prerequisite(s), language requirement, class standing).
  • It is required that students are in residence at Allegheny during the last semester of study unless you obtain a waiver of the residency requirement. Since study away credit is “transfer credit”, not “in residence” credit, students typically cannot study away in their last semester of college unless a waiver of the residency requirement is granted.
  • Allegheny financial aid does not apply to independent programs. Please speak with Financial Aid to discuss whether Federal Aid and loans can apply to your program.
  • If you receive Veteran’s Affairs Benefits, you must speak with the office of Financial Aid regarding a study away experience.
  • You must meet the February 20th filing deadline for fall programs or the September 20th filing deadline for all spring programs. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. All decisions by the Admissions Committee are final and not eligible for appeal.
  • Applicants who have recently been suspended from Allegheny College or will have just ended a probationary period upon going abroad will be required to show academic or behavior improvement prior to final approval. Please note we reserve the right to review student records in conjunction with the Dean of Student’s office. Our intention is to insure that you adhere to appropriate Allegheny and program standards while away.