Academics and Advising

Clemson University students gain invaluable knowledge and experiences by studying abroad.  All Clemson University students are strongly encouraged to incorporate a study abroad experience in their overall Clemson Experience. Programs are available for all disciplines and interests.  These include faculty-led programs, and programs available through Clemson's partnerships and affiliations with overseas universities and study abroad providers and institutions.

Academic advisors play a crucial role in encouraging students to study abroad and in ensuring that they make the most of their experience.  Students rely on their academic advisors to make sure they stay on track for graduation and complete courses overseas appropriate to their academic career. All students are required to meet with their academic or faculty advisor before studying abroad.  Departmental faculty advisors review the academic merits and course equivalencies of courses taught within study abroad programs. 

The information below is intended to provide academic advisors with crucial information about study abroad at Clemson University.  If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact our office at any time.  We can be reached at (864) 656-2457 or abroad-L@clemson.edu.

Initial Steps

• All students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad 101 information session. These sessions take place every Wednesday from 12-1pm in E-304 Martin Hall. This information can also be viewed online. Attending a Study Abroad 101 session is usually the first step in the study abroad process. During these sessions students are given an overview of available study abroad opportunities and the application process. 
  NOTE: We can tailor Study Abroad 101 presentations to individual classes or groups and welcome the opportunity to do so. Please request a session through abroad-L@clemson.edu.
• After attending a Study Abroad 101 session, students are encouraged to set up an appointment with a study abroad advisor. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor through our online appointment system.
• After initial advising sessions with a study abroad advisor, students are referred to their academic advisors. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors early in the process to discuss academic requirements and to identify potential classes or subjects that they will be able to take while abroad.
• If academic advisors meet with a student who has already applied to an outside study abroad program but has not had an appointment with our office, they should immediately refer the student to our office. Students may make appointments online, by calling 864.656.2457 or sending a message to abroad-L@clemson.edu.  All students must complete a Clemson University study abroad application through our office.

How You Can Help

• Review the student's degree progress report with the student. In order to select a study abroad program that is academically appropriate, students should be aware of their degree progress at Clemson.  
• Help them identify specifically which courses — major/minor, general education, and electives — they still have to complete.  Note that students may meet their general education cross-cultural awareness requirement through an international/study abroad experience. Review the criteria and requirements here.
• Offer advice regarding any courses that may not or should not be taken abroad (if applicable).
• Talk to the student about how their study abroad experience might affect their degree progression or change the sequence of required courses.
• Help the student plan their course schedule for the semester of their return. Students studying abroad in the fall, spring, or full academic year can register from abroad, but it is extremely helpful if they can plan ahead.  The need for an advising number is waived for these students.  
• Don't be surprised to get an email from a student who is studying overseas as the Clemson registration period approaches.
• Students from abroad may also need guidance in course selection once they arrive overseas. For a variety of reasons, courses that they initially selected and had approved may not be offered, or they may find that they need to change courses.

Course Equivalency Process

• All Clemson students (except those participating on Clemson faculty-led or directed programs who are enrolled in CU courses) are required to complete a Request for Approval of Work to be Taken Abroad Form.
• Students must take official descriptions of the courses that they are considering taking overseas along with the Request for Approval of Work to be Taken Abroad Form to the relevant department chairs or faculty advisors to determine the equivalent course at Clemson. See list of departmental faculty advisors.
• Department chairs may request more detail concerning courses taken abroad. In these cases, the student is responsible for obtaining course syllabi from the host institution or program provider.
• We recommend that students get more courses approved and equated than they will need to take while abroad in case of cancellations or scheduling conflicts after they arrive at their study abroad site.  
• Please keep in mind that international universities may not have course descriptions like those typical in the U.S. and in some instances it may be necessary to list general requirements for which credit would be appropriate (e.g. Psychology 300 level/PSYCH 3**) and update the form once students have registered at their host institution and emailed their final schedules to their advisors. 
• The academic advisor must also sign the form.
• If students switch courses after they arrive overseas they may contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance. We also recommend that students get in touch with their academic advisor for guidance.
• After the form is completed, it should be returned to our office in E-307 Martin Hall.
• Students who will be seniors while studying abroad may need to ask for a waiver of the residency policy.  

Registration While Abroad

• Students who are participating in an exchange program with one of our overseas exchange partners are registered in SAP 101 (Study Abroad Program 101). Students who are participating in a study abroad program through a third-party provider or outside organization are registered in TSAP 101 (Transient Study Abroad Program)  Our office registers students in these courses.
• Registration in SAP or TSAP ensures that students maintain their active student status at Clemson and that no application for readmission will be required to return from study abroad. Additionally, students must be registered for SAP or TSAP in order to access scholarships and financial aid. Students must consult with the financial aid office to determine the availability of financial aid for their specific programs.
• Students who are participating in faculty-led or directed programs will be registered in CU courses.  CU study abroad courses must have 600 or higher section numbers. Students are registered in these courses by the appropriate departmental registration coordinator.

Credit Transfer Upon Return

• After a student has completed his or her study abroad program, the host institution or program provider sends a transcript directly to the Office of International Affairs.  Transcripts may take up to six to eight weeks to reach our office.
• Once the transcript reaches our office, the courses listed are matched with those on the Request for Approval of Work to be Taken Abroad Form.  If all courses match, the transcript is taken to the Registrar's Office for posting on the student's transcript.  If there are courses on the transcript which do not appear on the Request for Approval of Work to be Taken Abroad Form, then the student is notified and must obtain approval for those courses.
• No grades are assigned for transfer credit and work completed does not affect the student's Clemson GPR. NOTE: Different policies apply to transfer of graduate credit.  It is the student's responsibility to check with his/her academic advisor and the graduate school regarding transfer of credit for graduate courses and other required forms. See graduate school academic regulations.
• An academic advisor can check on the status of an advisee's transcript at any time by calling the study abroad office. 

We value greatly your assistance to and encouragement of students in the study abroad process.