Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Program & Application Process
Why should I study overseas?
When should I go?
Can I go abroad for more than one semester? Is there a maximum?
Am I required to go to a location where I can get major/minor credit?
How early can I start applying?
Can I apply to more than one program?
What is the "Two-Step Application Process"?
Where can I get passport photos taken for my application?
Is the study abroad application process competitive?
Eligibility
Is there a minimum required GPA?
Can only certain majors study abroad?
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
My program requires two semesters of a college-level language — what does this mean?
Credit
Where can I find a list of the courses that count for my major/minor abroad?
Will all the courses that I take be awarded CUI credit?
Can I take General Education courses abroad?
Overseas Travel and Housing
Does CUI arrange my travel?
What kind of travel documents will I need?
What are the overseas living arrangements?
Costs & Financial Aid
Can I afford to study abroad?
Can I use my financial aid to go overseas?
Are there any scholarships available? What about working abroad?
Contacts
May I talk to an alumnus of the program?
I still have a lot of questions. What should I do next?
Why should I study overseas?
There are numerous benefits to studying abroad, both academic and personal. On an academic level, you will become a more well-rounded student by taking courses not offered on campus, or those similar to on-campus courses with a different academic context. You can also develop new intellectual pursuits, improve both your foreign language and English communication skills, or begin a new language. You will become more self-reliant and resourceful, make new friends, learn about your heritage or gain new perspectives on your identity, and delve into local arts, culture, cuisine, and sports. You will also make your resume more attractive to future employers because you will improve your interpersonal skills, and you can even gain international internship or volunteer experience.
When should I go?
Most programs require students to have at least sophomore standing upon commencement of the program; some programs require junior status. Transfer students may study overseas upon completion of two semesters at CUI. Most programs are open for both semester and year-long study, but some are only available in the spring or require attendance for a full year. Think about your degree plan and speak to your advisor when deciding what would be the best time for you.
Can I go abroad for more than one semester? Is there a maximum?
Yes! Many students choose this option. Some go to the same program for a full year to really immerse themselves deeply in their host country's culture. Others go to two different locations to have two different experiences. While we encourage students to decide whether they want to go for a semester or year when they apply, most programs allow you to apply for a semester and then extend if you want to stay. You may study abroad for a maximum of two semesters on programs through our office.
Am I required to go to a location where I can get major/minor credit?
No. While there are some programs that are only open to certain majors and some that require you to take courses for major credit, you can go abroad for elective credit if you choose.
How early can I start applying?
Applications are due the semester prior to studying and are available at the Office of Global Programs at the beginning of the semester in which they are due. For some programs, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted prior to the deadline. In the case of all other programs, applications will not be processed until after the deadline and early submission will not affect chances of admission.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, but only if one of the programs is competitive. If you can't decide between several programs, the Office of Global Programs is happy to meet with you to help you narrow down your choice.
What is the "Two-Step Application Process"?
Approval for participation in one of CUI’s study abroad programs or exchange programs is a two-step process. Most programs require both a CUI application and a secondary program specific application. All applicants are reviewed by the Office of Global Programs and, if approved, their application is sent to the respective study abroad program. The criteria for selection differ from program to program. Being accepted by the Office of Global Programs does not guarantee acceptance to a program and the competitiveness of some programs may vary depending on the number of applicants from colleges outside of CUI.
Where can I get passport photos taken?
Passport photos can be obtained at any of the following locations:
- Walgreen's
- Kinko's
- CVS
- US Post Office
Are the study abroad programs competitive?
Some programs are more competitive than others, due to higher GPA requirements or enrollment limits. While it is rare that students are not able to participate in the program of their choice, we do advise students applying to competitive programs to choose a backup as well.
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Eligibility
Is there a minimum required GPA?
Yes. Students need at least a 3.0 cumulative CUI GPA to study abroad through the Office of Global Programs. Some programs have a higher GPA requirement due their academic rigor.
Can only certain majors study abroad?
No. All programs are open to all students regardless of major, with the following exceptions:
- ESELSCA – Dual Degree Program – you are able to study in Paris for a semester without getting the dual degree
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
No. The Office of Global Programs administers some programs with no language requirement whatsoever. In addition, many other programs have language requirements of as few as two semesters. Check with the individual program for information regarding specific requirements.
My program requires two semesters of a college-level language - what does this mean?
Two semesters of college-level language is equivalent to having completed the second semester course in that language. You can also meet this requirement by taking the placement test and placing out of second semester.
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Credit
Where can I find a list of the courses that count for my major/minor abroad?
The Office of Global Program does not keep a list of CUI equivalents for all courses offered on every study abroad program. Instead, students must look at the online course catalog for their chosen program and ask their academic advisor whether major/ minor credit will be granted for individual courses. Many departments keep lists of courses that have been pre-approved. If a course you want to take has not been pre-approved, your advisor may ask for a syllabus or course description to evaluate the content. Syllabi and course descriptions can often be found online; if you cannot find them contact the Office of Global Programs.
Will all the courses that I take be awarded CUI credit?
Usually. All courses taken through an Office of Global Programs program that are in an undergraduate area of study offered at CUI will be granted CUI credit and will count toward the 64-unit residency requirement. Examples of courses that would not be granted CUI credit would be Global Tourism or Gaming Industry Management, which are areas of study not offered at CUI.
Can I take General Education courses abroad?
Students are not allowed to fulfill GE requirements on a study abroad program.
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Overseas Travel and Housing
Does CUI arrange my travel?
No. Some programs are operated in cooperation with other universities or organizations, and group flights may be available. Many of the programs offer excursions with pre-arranged transportation during the term.
What kind of travel documents will I need?
All students studying abroad must have a passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of their program. Before departing the US, you will also need to obtain a student visa from your host country's consulate. Visa procedures are different for each country, and processing times can take as little as one day or as long as three months. Note that most consulates keep your passport while processing your visa, so you will not be able to travel outside of the US during that time. International students should keep in mind that visa procedures may differ from those of their US-citizen counterparts. Once you have decided on a destination, look at the country's consular website and familiarize yourself with student visa requirements.
What are the overseas living arrangements?
Living arrangements vary between programs. Housing options include dormitories (either with dining halls or cooking facilities), homestays, apartments (with other Americans, native citizens, or other foreign students).
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Costs & Financial Aid
Can I afford to study abroad?
Yes! Many students fear that studying abroad will be too expensive. But there are programs for a wide range of budgets. The key is to be flexible about where you study abroad. If you would like to find out estimated program costs, please see the Programs pages on this website.
Can I use my financial aid to go overseas?
Yes. CUI financial aid including loans, grants, and scholarships (excluding athletic or program scholarships) are applicable to CUI-sponsored overseas studies programs and exchanges. Financial aid packages are reevaluated in consideration of the cost of a specific program, and aid packages are adjusted according to the modified cost of attendance.
In cases where the semester overseas is projected to be less expensive than an on-campus semester, the estimated family contribution (EFC) will be maintained and the aid package will be reduced. If a program is projected to be more than an on-campus semester, the student and family may be eligible for additional loans in the amount of the price differential.
Are there any scholarships available? What about working abroad?
Scholarships are available for certain overseas programs. Detailed financial aid and scholarship information is available on the Office of Global Programs general information section on the web page under costs. Generally, there are many more scholarships available for study abroad in non-Western or developing countries. Scholarships for study in Europe and Australia are quite limited. Students can work part time in the UK and Australia only.
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Contacts
May I talk to an alumnus of the program?
The Office of Global Programs will have a list of students who have studied previously on CUI programs who can be contacted.
I still have a lot of questions. What should I do next?
If you've narrowed down your study abroad options to a few programs, stop by our office to learn more about each program individually. You can also set up an appointment with us and we can help assess your individual needs and decide which program is best for you. Please call us at (949) 214-3471 for more information.
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