Frequently Asked Questions  

When can I study abroad?  i  What can I study abroad?  i  Where do I get an application? 

When are the deadlines?  i  Where will I live abroad?  i  Can I take my financial aid with me abroad?

Will the credits transfer from a university that is abroad?  i  Are there language requirements for studying abroad?

When can I study abroad?
For most Concordia students, the question of when has never been distinct.  Most of the students who study abroad as part of a semester or year program have been juniors. However, this is flexible and you are able to study abroad whenever it fits into your academic schedule.  Exploration and May Seminars are available for students of all status and all disciplines. If you are looking at a semester or year program you may want to take the academic schedule of your desired study abroad location into consideration though.  Just like at your home campus, it is important to make sure the classes you wish for are offered when you want to study abroad and so forth. Also, double-checking on finances is another important factor in this decision. 

What can I study abroad?
There are programs available for every discipline. Exploration and May Seminars are offered each year in a variety of different areas and most semester/year abroad programs, you can study almost any discipline.  There are a few programs that emphasize more specific areas, however, engaging in these sorts of classes can be beneficial in rounding out your liberal arts education. 

Where do I get an application?
Applications for Exploration and May Seminars are available online or by stopping in the Office of International Education (located in the Outreach Building Room 111). As there is more information needed for Semester programs applications are only available in the Office of International Education. If you have any questions please contact our office by phone at 3927.

When are the deadlines?
Deadlines vary from program to program. The deadline for the 2007 Exploration and May Seminars is Tuesday, November 21st. At this time the application and first deposit of $600 must be turned in. The deadline for 2008 Semester programs will be in the spring and announced through out the year, please check the Concordia, C-Mail and this website for more information.

Where will I live during my semester/year abroad?
The options vary according to some programs.  Many times there are pre-arranged living quarters of an apartment or a flat with a fellow American, Concordia student, or even someone from that very country.  Homestay options can sometimes be available.  This is the best way to soak up another country by living with a family from that country.  Some students opt for the dormitory living.  This is a good question to ask your study abroad advisor in the Office of International Education.

Can I take my financial aid with me abroad?
Financing for the semester and year abroad programs depends on the program you choose.  You will need to work with International Education and financial aid to find out the program costs and the possibilities of financial aid.

Will the credits transfer from a university that is abroad?
That is the beauty of studying abroad through campus programs.  Through the application process, you are asked to have a meeting with your advisor to ensure that your credits from a foreign university will transfer.  Your advisor will help you analyze which classes to take abroad.  If you wanted to use a course taken abroad to use towards your major or minor requirements, a written approval from the department chair BEFORE leaving is necessary.  This entire process is on the application and this way you can study abroad, worry-free, that your credits will transfer in full. 

Are there language requirements for studying abroad?
This depends entirely on the program you choose to attend.  Most of the time if you study through a Concordia program, it is unnecessary to have a language proficiency to study abroad.  However, there are programs that are geared more specifically to enhance a proficiency development.  This is yet another excellent question to ask an advisor in the International Education Office if you had a more precise program in mind.  

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