Where can I study through a University of Arizona program?
The UA Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange currently offers many programs which last from about 4 weeks up to 10 months. Study Abroad and Student Exchange (SASE) currently offers about 60 countries around the globe. Other locations are also available through our UA Department Exchanges and our UA Affiliate Programs. Please see View Our Programs to search these many options or make an appointment with one of our regional study abroad advisors for more details. When should I study abroad?
With over 160 programs in the summer, semester and year, many students have the opportunity to fit study abroad in at least once! Students frequently study abroad during their junior or senior years; however, most programs can accept students already at the end of their freshman year. It is best to talk to your academic advisor to determine the best time for study abroad based on your major/minor coursework. For example, some majors are more flexible to study abroad during the first 2 years or the last 2 years of study.
Back to top
What kinds of programs are there?
There are 3 main program categories:
-
Faculty-led: Programs organized and taught by UA professors and staff. Courses are the same courses students could take in Tucson. Students receive direct UA credit, which means the grades received impact their UA GPA's.
-
Student Exchange: Programs that essentially "swap" students between institutions for a semester or academic year. Students pay the equivalent of Arizona tuition and receive transfer credit, which does not affect their UA GPA's. Please note: space is limited for some programs - so inquire early!
-
Study Abroad: Includes programs termed "Study Abroad", "UA Affiliate", "Honors" and "Research Abroad". These programs accept as many students as are qualified for the summer, semester or academic year (unlike exchange programs, which have limited enrollment). Tuition is based on the host institution's tuition, and students receive transfer credit, which does not affect their UA GPA's.
Please see the Estimated Program Costs to compare costs.
Back to top
Will the classes I take abroad count toward my UA degree?
Every university where SASE has a program has been chosen because the academic standards and programs match those of the UA. It is up to your academic department to decide if/how the individual courses will apply to your degree coursework. With proper planning and pre-approvals, students should be able to study abroad and still graduate in 4 years.
Direct UA credit courses are available for programs that are sponsored by UA Departments. These programs include Arizona in Segovia, University of Alcala, Arizona in Paris, Arizona in Italy, Arizona in Viña del Mar, Konan Year in Japan, Verano en Mexico, Arizona Summer Study in Leipzig, Medieval Europe, Yangtze International Study Abroad, Arizona in Guatemala, Arizona in Italy, Arizona in Brazil, Arizona in Oaxaca, Myth and Landscape in Ancient Greece and Turkey, Desert Ecology and Conservation Biology in Namibia, Arizona in Ukraine, Arizona Russian Abroad, and Trident in Japan. The credits you earn in these programs will impact your UA GPA and will appear as any other UA course would on your SAPR and on your final transcript.
Back to top
Isn't studying abroad really expensive?
Studying abroad can be a very affordable experience! There are numerous programs in countries all over the world that cost the same or less than what you are paying for a semester here at the University of Arizona. Please see the list of SASE estimated costs to compare costs. There are also many scholarships available to help students study abroad. Please see the list of Independent Scholarships and Grants for scholarships which can be used for study abroad. UA students regularly receive awards such as the SASE Travel Grant, Gilman, NSEP Boren, JASSO, and DAAD scholarships, to name a few.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to finance your study abroad program. Many students take part-time jobs and work extra hours during the summer to pay for their programs. You can also be creative and apply for funding from private companies, organizations and academic departments. The important thing is to start early!
Back to top
What about Financial Aid and Scholarships?
The Financing Study Abroad link is very helpful for information related to scholarships, financial aid, and estimating program costs. If you already receive financial aid (loans or grants) to attend the UA, you probably will be able to apply that aid towards your study abroad program. Unfortunately, many UA tuition waivers/scholarships cannot be used on study abroad programs. Likewise, faculty/staff waivers (QTR) and the UA Payment Plan cannot be used for study abroad or student exchange abroad.
SASE assists students by working directly with the Office of Student Financial Aid to automatically defer UA tuition waivers/scholarships. A deferment means that the waiver/scholarship will be put "on hold" while abroad, and the student will have an extra semester/year to use the waiver once he/she returns to UA. This award does not "double up" on the semester a student returns. Check with the Office of Student Financial Aid to see if your scholarships can be used for study abroad.
To make sure you will have enough money for your studies abroad, you may want to meet with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Aid. You or your family need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year, so that the counselor can look into your loan/grant eligibility. You will also need to submit a revised "Study Abroad Financial Aid Worksheet" to the UA Office of Student Financial Aid. This will allow your finances to be re-evaluated based on your actual expenses rather than the cost of UA attendence in Tucson. You normally receive this worksheet after submitting an application, but you can request a copy from your study abroad advisor earlier.
You may also want to check into scholarship and grant opportunities on the Financing Study Abroad page. The UA Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange offers a limited number of Travel Grants to UA students participating in UA study abroad programs. Applications and deadline information can be obtained through these links. Do I need to speak a foreign language?
Language proficiency is not a prerequisite for many of our programs. Many of them offer courses in English as well as beginning, intermediate, and advanced intensive language instruction. For sites with primary languages other than English, we suggest that students take some language courses prior to studying abroad, but this is not necessarily a requirement. Knowing another language may make the transition to that country easier and your study abroad experience more rewarding and enjoyable. However, there is a list of over 50 programs in countries that do not speak English as a primary language, but which offer many courses in English. Just search for programs by using "English" as a search criteria.
How do I register for classes in a study abroad program?
If you are participating in a UA Study Abroad program, SASE registers you for placeholder units during your studies abroad. When you view your semester schedule on StudentLink you will see that you are registered for a special section called Global Studies (GS 001, Section 801). This means that your status as a continuing UA student is maintained while you are on your study abroad program. This can be very important for financial aid and insurance purposes. Also, it means that you do not have to reapply for admission when you return to the UA campus. This does not mean, however, that you are already registered for classes at the foreign institution you will be attending; you may have to go through the regular registration process upon your arrival during the week(s) preceding classes.
You will generally attend an orientation session at your foreign university and the International Office staff there will assist you in the course registration process. If you have already pre-registered at the UA in Tucson for the semester you will be studying abroad, you will need to drop those courses via WebReg on StudentLink. If you do not, you will be charged regular UA tuition and fees in addition to your study abroad program fees!
What do I need to do in order to apply for a study abroad program?
Once you select the program that best fits your plan of study, financial resources, and personal preferences, please start the application process by registering in the SASE database and selecting a program. Within 24 hours, the application will be emailed to you. As you are completing the application materials, please feel free to contact your study abroad advisor with any questions.
Program applications are individual, so each application is special to the program you select. It is best to only apply to 1 program, so that you do not have to pay multiple application fees. If you would like to know how competitive a program is before you apply, please speak to the regional study abroad advisor. Many programs have a minumum GPA from 2.5-3.5, and some require some foreign language proficiency. Applications also require materials, which take time to obtain (e.g. international insurance verification, statement of good health, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) - so be sure to start the application well in advance of the deadline!
Standard application deadlines:
Some programs have earlier or later application deadlines. Check with your study abroad advisor!
- March 15 - for most summer programs
- April 15 - for most fall and academic year programs
- October 15 - for most spring programs
Back to top
What happens after my classes transfer back from my study abroad?
Typically as long as students receive an equivalent grade of "C" or better for undergraduates or "B" for graduate students, the credits received should transfer toward your degree credits. However, it is up to the academic advisor and departmental regulations to decide if/how the earned units will apply toward the major/minor. Use this link to find your Academic Advisor.
Units will be earned in one of two ways, transfer credit or direct UA credit. Transfer credit classes award credit, but they do not affect your UA GPA. These classes will appear in Section 4 (as Transfer Coursework) of your SAPR. This is the exact same way a transfer class from Pima Community College or the Arizona State University would appear on your final transcript. Direct credit programs do affect your UA GPA. The direct credits you would receive on a UA faculty-led program are the same classes you could take at the UA (e.g. GER 392, CLAS 352, etc.). This makes for familiar curriculum and obvious degree applicability.
Here is an overview of the credit approval and posting process.
For direct credit programs:
- Select the courses you hope to take based on course offerings and UA degree applicability.
- If needed, review the courses with your UA departmental academic advisor to confirm degree applicability.
- After the program, the UA professors or program directors will submit final grades to the SASE. It can take sometimes 1-2 months for direct credit to post on your UA transcript and SAPR.
For tranfer credit programs:
- Pre-select the courses you hope to take based on course offerings and UA degree applicability.
- Review the selected courses with your UA departmental academic advisor to confirm degree articulation. Make sure your academic advisor signs the course selection sheet as a pre-approval of degree compatibility.
- If there are any changes to the course selections, contact your academic advisor to obtain approval of these changes. BE SURE TO SAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR PRE-APPROVALS, INCLUDING COURSE SELECTION SHEETS AND EMAILS.
- After the program, the institution abroad will submit a final transcript to you or to SASE. It is your responsibility to make sure an original copy is given to SASE, so that it can be sent to the Registrar (for domestic transcripts) or International Admissions (for international transcripts). These UA offices will evaluate the credit equivalencies. It can take sometimes 2-4 months for transfer credit to post, so that they are visible on your UA transcript and SAPR.
- Once credit is visible and posted on your SAPR, you will need to meet with your academic advisor again. You need to make sure that those credits are properly applied to your degree credits based on the pre-approvals you received prior to studying abroad.
Please note: All credits will ultimately be reviewed by Graduation Services when you apply to graduate from the UA. It is especially important to be familiar with Graduation Services requirements and restrictions, especially if you will be studying abroad in your last year of studies.
Back to top
Do I need a passport?
Yes. You can start the application process by reading the following information from the U.S. State Department. It can take 8-12 weeks to obtain your passport, so be sure to start the process very early! You can submit a passport at the UA Passport Acceptance Facility at 1128 East Mabel Street, which is 2 blocks north of Speedway, near Mountain. Back to top
What is a visa? Do I need one?
A student visa or residence permit is usually an entry stamp placed in your passport. This allows you entry into a foreign country and reside as a student. A student visa or residence permit is issued by the country's government prior to arrival. Visa requirements vary from country to country depending on the length of time and purpose of your stay. You will need to contact the nearest consulate for the country you will be visiting and ask about the visa requirements. Please check with your SASE Advisor to inquire about whether your program requires a student visa or permit.
Back to top
Who makes the travel arrangements for my program?
The Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange does not arrange travel for the majority of its study abroad programs. If travel is included, it is indicated in the program description. In general, it is fairly easy (and usually cheaper) for students to make their own travel arrangements.
It is important to note the actual dates of your selected program, so that you arrive when your housing is ready and when the orientation begins. Also consider the possibility of traveling either before and after the program. Check with the travel agent or online company regarding ticket restrictions/conditions and change fees before you purchase a ticket.
Sometimes it can be arranged for someone to meet students at the airport upon arrival. Ask the program's study abroad advisor for more information.
Back to top
Where will I live?
Depending on the program, students typically live with a host family, in residence halls or apartments. Some programs offer several options. In most cases, a representative at the host institution organizes the housing for you as part of the application process.
Back to top
Can I work while I am studying abroad?
Some countries will allow you to work part-time on a student visa. However, SASE promotes and expects students to focus on their full-time studies. The labor laws of many countries may not allow you to work while you are in their country on a student visa, so it is important to know the laws and to be realistic about the time and commitment working abroad may take. If you would like to intern abroad for credit, speak to an advisor regarding a list of possible internship options abroad.
Back to top
How do I preregister for my UA courses while I am abroad?
StudentLink works just the same from Morocco to Japan and Moscow to Australia! Like other semesters, all students are notified about their online priority registration period, so that they can select classes for the following semester. It is very important that you inform your academic advisor that you will be gone for a semester and that you may be requesting advising via email. Students should contact their advisors early to get advice on what courses to register for. Then use WebReg during priority registration as you normally would. Don't forget—you will be in a different time zone and WebReg is open to you only during certain times. You may have to get up early or stay up late to register during your designated time. You can also decide to have a friend/parent/guardian register you for classes if internet cafés and times conflict. This can be done by creating a "guest" account on StudentLink.
What steps should I take to protect my health while I’m abroad?
All students participating in a UA study abroad program must complete our Health Information Form, included in our application materials. This form will take you through all of the required steps, outlined below, that will help you protect your health while you're abroad:
- Educate yourself about current health issues where you will be going and regarding available medical services. Please search for information on the country(ies) you will be traveling to using the following websites. As part of the Health Information Form, you will be required to consult with the nurse in UA's Travel Clinic:
- Make an appointment with your primary care physician and/or mental health practitioner to review the Health Information Form and discuss any health needs and services you will require abroad.
- Review your current medical insurance coverage.
- Make an appointment with the Campus Health Service Travel Clinic to consult on the need for medications and immunizations that may be necessary based on the possible health risks associated with your destination.
- Keep a copy of the Health Information Form to take abroad to give to your Resident Director or homestay provider so that they will have this information in the case of an emergency.
- If you are a student with a disability requesting accommodations for your Study Abroad/Exchange experience you will need to register with the sponsoring institution's disability resources. If you are attending a UA sponsored program please contact Disability Resources at (520) 621-3268, uadrc@email.arizona.edu.
Back to top
What if I have a medical emergency abroad?
Being properly prepared will make a medical emergency abroad much easier to manage. What is important is understanding your new environment so that you can quickly and effectively manage a medical emergency. The following points will help ensure that you are prepared:
- While settling in to your new home abroad, make sure to research contact information for local clinics, hospitals, and emergency services. Keep a card in your wallet filled out with all local and international medical and support service contact information.
- Your study abroad program will have on-site staff that you can contact in case of questions. In the case of a medical emergency, it may be helpful to contact your on-site staff for their recommendations.
- Severe emergencies can be reported to the UA by calling the study abroad office at (520) 626-9211. After-hours emergencies can be reported to the UA at (520) 621 - 8273. While the UA cannot manage medical emergencies abroad, you can contact the UA if it is necessary to do so in extreme situations.
- U.S. embassies abroad can direct U.S. citizens to medical care in a foreign country. U.S. embassies may also provide additional assistance in cases of severe emergencies.
Back to top
What services does the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange provide?
Our office is prepared to assist you in the following ways:
-
Advising and resources to select the program most suitable for you
-
Assistance through the application process
-
Assistance prior to meeting with academic advisor(s) to determine what courses to take
-
Advice on how to obtain a passport and/or visa
-
Assistance in working with various UA administrative offices
-
Advising regarding opportunities and pathways for financing study abroad
-
Contact information for study abroad alumni from your program
-
Continued registration as a full-time student at the UA (for SASE programs only)
-
UA waiver/scholarship deferment assistance
-
Pre-departure orientation(s) and program preparations
-
Additional support during your time abroad
-
Credit transfer assistance or direct credit posting
-
Alumni programming upon return from studying abroad
What if I can't find a program to fit my needs through the UA Study Abroad and Student Exchange Office?
While we have programs in about 60 countries offering a wide range of courses, we may not have the perfect fit for you regarding location, course selection, and cost. In that case, you may want to participate in a program offered by another school. If you find another "non-UA" program, we recommend that you pick-up a packet from the SASE front desk called our "Non-UA Program Packet", which outlines the additional steps you will need to complete on your own.
If you are participating in a program not promoted by the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange (non-UA study abroad program) you will need to stay in contact with the institution sponsoring your program. As well, if you are going on a non-UA study abroad program, you must make yourself aware of several important steps in leaving the University of Arizona for a semester or longer. For example, it is important to complete your "Leave of Absence" and "Scholarship Deferment" forms prior to leaving. Please note: Students participating in a program promoted by the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange DO NOT fill out a Leave of Absence form.
Back to top
Important Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
US Department of State Travel Information/Warnings
Universal Currency Converter
World Time Server | 
