Study Abroad FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the study abroad process? Find your answers here! If you don't see the answer to your question, be sure to reach out to the Office of International Education (OIE).
Students Preparing to Go Abroad
Why should I study abroad?
When should I study abroad?
When should I start planning to study abroad?
Where can I study abroad?
Can I study abroad more than once?
What is the required GPA to study abroad?
I don’t speak a foreign language. Is it still possible to study abroad?
Is it possible to study abroad on a program that is not in the SUNY system?
Will my major allow me to study abroad?
How much does study abroad cost?
Is financial aid or scholarships available for my study abroad program?
How do I apply to study abroad?
Can I apply for more than one program?
How do I apply for a US passport?
Will I need a visa to study abroad?
How do study abroad credits and grades transfer back to Fredonia?
Will I know what courses I am taking before I go abroad?
Students Currently Abroad
What if I change my course schedule while abroad?
How do I register for classes for next semester while I'm abroad?
I've decided to stay another semester abroad, what do I do?
How do I apply for Fredonia on-campus housing while abroad?
I'm graduating when I return from study abroad, what do I need to do?
Students Preparing to Go Abroad
Why should I study abroad?
Studying abroad provides students with the chance to live in a new country and culture for an extended period of time-- something that is very difficult to do after graduation. From your study abroad program, you can gain necessary professional skills from their experiences outside of the classroom. Plus, you can travel, improve language skills, and make new friends!
When should I study abroad?
The 'ideal' time to study abroad really depends on the student, their major, and their degree progress. You should work with their academic advisor(s) and the Office of International Education (OIE) to determine the best time and place to go.
When should I start planning to study abroad?
The earlier, the better-- this allows you to save money and take the appropriate classes and prerequisites. While the application process usually takes place the semester before you intend to go abroad, it is a good idea to meet with your major/minor advisor and the OIE to be sure that you understand all aspects of the process. You can read more about the study abroad process (from start to finish) here.
Where can I study abroad?
Fredonia students have the opportunity to study abroad on any SUNY program. The SUNY system offers over 600 programs in 70 different countries! So basically, if you can think of a place that you want to go, we can help get you there. To explore all program options, students should visit the SUNY study abroad database.
Can I study abroad more than once?
In the past, students have been able to study abroad more than once. Again, this comes down to good planning with your advisor and the OIE.
What is the required GPA to study abroad?
Most programs have a GPA requirement of 2.5, but requirements could be more strict or more flexible depending on the program. If you have a GPA lower than the program requirements, you should address why in your personal statement.
I don’t speak a foreign language. Is it still possible to study abroad?
Absolutely! There are plenty of programs in English speaking countries that can work for you, and many students are able to take English courses in countries where they do not speak the language. If you want to study in a country where English is not the primary language, don't let that discourage you-- there are likely many options for you!
Is it possible to study abroad on a program that is not in the SUNY system?
Yes, though participating in such programs does require a few extra steps for students. If you are interested in a non-SUNY program, you should speak with the Office of International Education right away!
Will my major allow me to study abroad?
Any major can study overseas, it just takes good planning! Many SUNY programs are offered at large, comprehensive universities that allow students to take coursework in a wide variety of fields. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in internships abroad, which can often count as major credit. If a semester is not an option for your major, winter and summer programs still allow students to go abroad and graduate on time.
How much does study abroad cost?
The cost of study abroad varies greatly between programs. Some programs can be less than a semester at Fredonia, while others are more costly. With more than 600 programs to choose from, there is not a standard cost for students. Students can be sure, however, that they can find a program that fits in their budget and time frame.
Is financial aid or scholarships available for my study abroad program?
Students participating in full time study abroad programs (12+ credits for a semester, 6+ credits for a summer or winter program) are able to use their financial aid toward their program. In many cases, students are eligible for more loan money and students are always encouraged to apply for scholarships. You can find out more information on scholarships on OIE's scholarship webpage.
How do I apply to study abroad?
Once again, application processes vary by SUNY program. Additionally, different SUNY study abroad offices have different application procedures and methods (online vs. written). In most cases, students will need an official transcript, study abroad essay, and two faculty references for the SUNY application, though other documents may be needed. For students participating in semester programs will need to first apply to the Study Abroad Office at the SUNY administering campus and will apply to the university abroad after their acceptance through the administering campus.
If you are applying to a non-Fredonia program, you must meet with the Office of International Education.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, we encourage you to apply to a few programs to increase your choices.
How do I apply for or renew a US Passport?
You can find detailed information on applying for a US Passport here.
Will I need a visa to study abroad?
Visa requirements very from country to country and program-to-program. In any case you will need a valid passport for entry into any country. Visa application usually occurs after your acceptance into the university abroad. For visa information pertaining to a specific country visit the US State Department travel site.
How do study abroad credits and grades transfer back to Fredonia?
If you are attending a SUNY program, grades do count toward your GPA and your courses can be counted toward your degree. Once OIE receives your transcript from your university abroad or the SUNY administering campus, we convert and average them. The grade then appears on your transcript as INED4XX, the course you applied for here at Fredonia. If you are hoping to take courses toward major, minor, or CCC requirements, you must complete the Course Approval process prior to leaving Fredonia to determine course equivalencies. For more information on this process, visit OIE's course approval process page.
If you are studying on a non-SUNY program, your credits will come in as transfer credit and will not effect your GPA.
Will I know what courses I am taking before I go abroad?
In most cases, students know what courses they are taking before they go abroad. Sometimes, however, course schedules are not released until very late or registration does not occur until student arrival. If that is the case, students should correspond with their Department Chairs and the Office of International Education about course selection via email.
Students Currently Abroad
What if I change my course schedule while abroad?
Students that change their course schedule while abroad should be in touch with their Department Chair(s) and the Office of International Education immediately. Through email correspondence, students should provide course descriptions or syllabi so that Department Chairs may work to quickly determine course equivalency. Once courses have been approved, OIE will update the Course Approval Form and keep email correspondence in student files.
How do I register for classes for next semester while I'm abroad?
During Advising Week, you should reach out to your Academic Advisor and ask that they give you your registration PIN via email. You may then register abroad as you would normally through Fredonia's Your Connection during your scheduled registration time. Please take note of time differences, as your registration time follows EST.
I've decided to stay another semester abroad, what do I do?
Contact the Office of International Education and find out what steps you need to take to continue your education abroad
How do I apply for Fredonia on-campus housing while abroad?
You can apply for housing through Your Connection. If you have any issues or questions, you can contact the Office of Residence Life.
I'm graduating when I return from study abroad, what do I need to do?
The first step is to determine with your Academic Advisor that you have or will fulfill all of the requirements for your degree. Be sure to apply for your degree and notify the Registrar's Office that you intend to graduate. Following the completion of your semester abroad, the Office of International Education will submit your grades to the Registrar so that they can issue your degree.