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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
Academics
Eligibility
Program Providers
Tuition and Meal Plan
Housing When should I start thinking about studying abroad?It's never too soon! As early as freshman year, you should discuss your interest in studying abroad with your academic advisor and begin to plan your course schedules accordingly. Eligible students can study abroad as early as the spring of your sophomore year or the summer after your freshman year. No matter what point you are at in your college career, stop by the Study Abroad Office in the lower level of the Unistructure (near Faculty Suite J) to learn more about the countries and programs available. I have made the decision to study abroad-- What is the next step?Make an appointment with a Study Abroad Peer Advisor to discuss how to begin the study abroad process. Review the Study Abroad Checklist. This guides you through the necessary steps you need to take to prepare for your study abroad experience. You can view the checklist here. NOTE: You must apply for study abroad no later than the semester prior to your anticipated semester/summer abroad. How can I contact other students who have travelled abroad?The Study Abroad Office has a group called Peer Mentors which is comprised of current Bryant students who have been abroad and who would love to share their experiences and knowledge with you! Contact information for each peer mentor is available on the "Contact Past Participants" page. What do I need to prepare for study abroad?Once you apply to a study abroad program, we will work with you to prepare your pre-departure necessities such as acquiring a passport, supplemental health insurance, etc. Can I only study abroad for a semester or are there shorter/longer programs?You may study abroad for a semester or a full academic year if you wish. If you are interested in a short term program you may choose a summer or winter (commonly referred to as a J-term) program, which range in length from 2 - 10 weeks. You are not required to use a Bryant affiliated program provider to choose a winter or summer study abroad session. How do I prepare academically for my study abroad experience?Along with your academic advisor, you will review your available Bryant courses and integrate these courses with classes offered abroad through the various study abroad program(s). The earlier you discuss your interest in studying abroad with your advisor, the easier it will be to coordinate this process. Earn good grades. Remember that a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required at time of application for a semester or a year of study abroad. Will the classes I take in a foreign country count toward my degree?You can apply the courses you take overseas to your major, minor or general elective credits-- just remember to plan ahead! The academic advisors will help to ensure that the course you take abroad can count towards you Bryant degree requirements. The grade you get abroad will not affect your Bryant GPA, however you do need to get at least a "C" in the class in order for the credit to transfer. The grades you earn abroad will appear on your Bryant transcript but will NOT factor into your cumulative GPA. Can I take business courses at my abroad institution?You can take up to one business course at a non-accredited school and can take multiple business courses at an accredited business school. The Study Abroad Office will help you to find accredited business schools, if you decide you would like to take more than one business course. The average Bryant student decided to take no more than one business course abroad and is able to stay on track towards graduation. What are the steps of the course approval process?Before going abroad you must have your courses approved by Bryant to receive academic credit! After meeting with a study abroad peer advisor to learn the basics about studying abroad you will meet with your academic advisor. During this meeting you will receive a list of your remaining degree requirements and learn how to interpret course equivalencies (e.g. what might a Historical Mode of Thought look like at your chosen institution abroad). You will also be entered into the study abroad blackboard account. From this account you will be able to see courses at institutions abroad which have already been approved by Bryant University; a past study abroad participant has taken these courses and therefore the classes have been approved by Bryant. Next, you will meet with the Study Abroad Assistant Director, Beth Engwall. Bring your degree evaluation (remaining degree requirements as listed by your academic advisor) to this meeting. You will discuss what might be a good academic and personal fit for you abroad and where you are interested in going. You will most likely meet with the the Study Abroad Assistant Director more than once. In your second meeting you will narrow down your selections to one university and/or program. You must choose a program BEFORE submitting your application and getting courses approved. After selecting a university abroad you should begin the application process. Once you have begun applying to your chosen program you will need to meet with your country specific advisor. With the help of your country specific advisor you will submit courses for approval and complete a course agreement. Your course agreement will include the courses that you have selected at the foreign institution and their Bryant equivalencies (i.e. the degree requirement each course meets). Note: The course approval process can take a long time. It is recommended that you begin as soon as possible! Who is my country specific academic advisor at Bryant?To receive credit for the courses you take during your time abroad you must have your chosen classes pre-approved by Bryant University. The Academic Advising Office will help you throughout this process. Each country has a country-specific advisor, their assignments are as follows:
Stephanie Perry: Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales What are the eligibility requirements to go abroad?To go abroad for a semester you must have a 3.0+ GPA. Requirements for summer and winter programs vary by program and typically start as low as a 2.5. Students may go abroad the second semester sophomore year for semester study abroad. Students may go abroad with a summer program starting the summer after their freshman year. Transfer students must have attended Bryant for a minimum of one semester and received a Bryant GPA before applying to any study abroad program. Students must be in good standing with DPS, ResLife and Student Affairs If I fail to meet the GPA requirement to study abroad, what are my options?There is an appeal process for students who have a GPA near but below a 3.0. You must meet with the Study Abroad Assistant Director Beth Engwall to discuss the appeal process. Additionally summer programs and winter programs do not require a 3.0 GPA. The GPA requirements for these programs vary by program provider and tend to be less demanding. I've heard Accounting majors cannot go abroad, is that true?Accounting majors do have the ability to go abroad while staying on track with their degree requirements. The main difference is that accounting majors are required to take 9 courses in their concentration as opposed to the 6 courses required in the majority of business concentrations. By working with your academic advisor to plan ahead it is certainly possible for all majors to study abroad. What if I can't speak a foreign language? Is an English speaking country the only place I can study abroad?There are several countries, in addition to the UK, where the primary language of instruction is English. There are also many additional institutions that offer at least some courses taught in English, even if it is not the primary language of instruction. It is possible to take all courses in English, however it can be beneficial to have some background in the language. Can I study abroad as an athlete?Yes! We have sent many athletes on study abroad programs! The Study Abroad Office will be able to help you find a program that doesn't conflict with your team's athletic schedule. What are program providers and what do they do?A program provider is an intermediary between Bryant and the foreign institution/program and they provide additional services to the students (i.e. airport pick-up, orientation on-site, on-site directors, emergency support, excursions, etc). You can find a list of our office's accepted program providers and the study abroad programs they offer here or go to the Program Overview link in the navigation bar. You should CALL, NOT EMAIL program providers. They are extremely helpful and informative. Must I use a program provider to go abroad?You must use a program provider to apply for a semester abroad. For short term programs (i.e. summer or winter) a program provider is not required. Can I afford to study abroad?You pay no more tuition to study abroad than to attend Bryant University (unless the total charge at the host institution exceeds the comparable charges at Bryant). You can visit the Bursar's web site for more information. Regular tuition, room and board (if applicable), are paid to Bryant. Financial aid is applied to approved study abroad programs. What are the meal plan options abroad?Depending on the program a student has the option to purchase meals on their own or participate in a program at the university at which they are attending abroad. If they participate in the program abroad a fee of $2,439- $2,649.50 will be assessed to their Bryant University account. Homestays: A student will be assessed a meal plan fee of $$2,439- $2,649.50 to their Bryant University account if they are receiving 2-3 meals per day in their home-stay accommodations. What would my housing options be when I study abroad?There are 3 main types of housing abroad: homestays, residence halls, and apartments. Depending on the program you choose, certain housing options will be available. You will know which types of housing are available before you apply for a particular program. You may also choose not to live in any of the housing option offered by your program-- however you will then be responsible to find housing abroad independently. To whom do I pay housing and will the costs differ from Bryant housing costs?Housing costs are paid directly to Bryant University. If a participant is housed in a room that is typical of Bryant on-campus dorm-style living the fee is $3,765. In some instances, students are given the option to upgrade their housing by living alone or in apartments. If the student opts to live in such housing they will be charged a fee comparable to Bryant townhouse-housing, $4,581 (double) or $4,920 (single). Additionally some programs offer housing that is not comparable to Bryant housing options. If a student chooses these living accommodations they may receive a surcharge which will be added to your Bryant University tuition bill. Sometimes these surcharges do not appear on your initial tuition bill, you will be notified via your Bryant University email address that an updated E-Bill is ready for viewing. Are homestays safe?Homestays are extremely safe! Families are chosen carefully by program providers before being approved to host a student. Also, homestays offer a unique setting in which to experience the culture of your host country. If you have any concerns speak your program provider-- they will tell you all you need to know! |
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