FAQ
Programs
What is a faculty-led/Clemson sponsored program?
Faculty-led and Clemson sponsored programs provide you with the unique experience to travel and study abroad with Clemson's outstanding faculty members. With programs across the globe, you can study from short term (usually 10-14 days) to a full semester. On these programs, you will be enrolled in Clemson University courses and will pay in-state tuition and program fees to Clemson. View Clemson's faculty-led programs.
What is an exchange program?
Clemson has agreements with universities throughout the world that allow our students to study abroad while paying in-state tuition and fees. On an exchange program, you go to an institution overseas for a semester or year, and a student from abroad comes to study in the U.S. for a semester or year. Each student pays tuition to their home institution. Students participating in an exchange program study side-by-side with local students and are fully integrated into the foreign university. Many institutions offer classes in English as well as the local language.
In addition to Clemson's one-to-one exchanges, students can also participate in an exchange program through ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). ISEP is an organization of over 100 institutions, and Clemson's participation in ISEP allows students to attend universities in 39 countries worldwide while paying in-state Clemson tuition.
Global Engineering Education Exchange (Global E3) is another exchange option available specifically for engineering majors. Internship opportunities are also availalbe. View Clemson's exchange programs.
What is a third-party program?
Third-party programs are run by other universities and various study abroad organizations. These programs further expand the study abroad opportunities that are available for Clemson students. Clemson screens these programs, and we work with you to find the right fit for your academic and personal goals. You can receive credit for courses taken abroad, and fees are paid to the third-party organization. View third-party programs.
Can I take courses in my major abroad?
Yes. Any major can be studied overseas, although not every major is available at every study site. You will need to do some research to see what courses are available in the program you are interested in.
Requirements
What are the GPR requirements to study abroad?
A 2.75 GPR is preferred, a 2.5 is the minimum. Some programs may have higher GPR requirements. In some cases exceptions are possible. If your GPR does not meet the minimum, you should contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss your specific circumstances.
When can I study abroad?
Study abroad programs are available during the fall, spring and summer and can last from two weeks to a full academic year. There are also short term programs available during fall and spring break.
Students may study abroad any time after completing their freshman year, beginning the summer after freshman year. Some programs require junior standing to participate. Transfer students may study abroad at any time after their first semester at Clemson. Students who are completing their senior year may also participate in a study abroad experience. These students should be aware of potential delays in the arrival of their internantional transcript to Clemson which may affect graduation. Contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss your specific circumstances.
Where can I study abroad?
Study abroad programs are available all over the world! However, students may not study abroad in a country that is currently listed as having a Travel Warning issued by the US Department of State.
Do I need to be a Clemson student to apply to a program?
No. You do not need to be a Clemson student to apply for a Clemson program. You can participate in one of our programs as a transient student. Contact our office for more details.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No. There are programs throughout the world where students can take their entire courseload in English. In addition, there are programs available in many foreign languages for students who wish to take classes in that language while abroad. Students can also take a combination of courses in English and a foreign language if desired.
Application Process
How do I get started with the study abroad process?
Study abroad requires careful planning, and getting an early start is always a good idea. Attend a Study Abroad 101 session to learn more about program options and how to get started. Meet with your academic advisor and start planning your academic classes. Then, make an appointment to meet with a study abroad advisor to choose a program and start the process. Click here to schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor. We look forward to working with you on your study abroad plans.
Will the credit transfer?
Yes. Credit taken overseas is transferable, with approval by your department. During Clemson faculty-led summer programs (and some semester programs) you will be registered for Clemson courses, and these courses will be recorded on your Clemson transcript with both Clemson grades and credit hours. As part of the application for most other semester or year programs, you will work with your advisor to complete the Request for Approval of Work to be Taken Abroad form. This form will determine how the courses you plan to take abroad will transfer back to Clemson.
Finances/Financial Aid
What is the study abroad fee and what does it cover?
The Clemson study abroad fee is 10% of in-state tuition and is paid by students who study abroad on both Clemson programs and non-Clemson programs. The study abroad fee contributes to the provision of services offered by the Office of Global Engagement and covers study abroad advising, registration, financial aid services, transfer of credit, pre-departure orientations, contact while abroad, cross-cultural awareness registration, etc.
Can I use my financial aid or scholarships abroad?
In general, financial aid and scholarships can be used for study abroad. You should work with the Clemson Financial Aid Office as early as possible in the process. Students planning to participate in a summer study abroad program should be aware that financial aid resources for summer school are normally very limited.
Are there scholarships available specifically for study abroad?
Yes. However, at this time the Clemson University Study Abroad Office has very limited scholarship money available. Visit our Scholarships and Finances page to view study abroad scholarships that are outside of Clemson University. It is also a good idea to inquire about study abroad scholarships through your individual college.
Preparing to Go/While Abroad
How do I prepare to go abroad?
All students who are studying abroad are required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation session (offered each semester). In addition, our office can put you in contact with former participants or international students from the country in which you will be studying. We will work with you to make sure you feel prepared.
What is study abroad insurance?
Clemson University study abroad insurance is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Enrollment in CISI insurance is mandatory for all students who are participating in a study abroad program. Our insurance policy covers basic medical expenses, medical evacuation, medical reunion, repatriation, and a security evacuation rider. Students participating in a study abroad program must complete the study abroad insurance enrollment form and return the completed form to the Study Abroad Office before departure. The student will then be enrolled in Clemson's study abroad insurance policy at a rate of $36 per month. Insurance costs are separate from academic fees and will not be listed on the student account. Invoices are to be paid to Clemson University Accounts Receivable. Visit our insurance page for more information on Clemson University study abroad insurance.
Is Clemson study abroad insurance mandatory?
Yes. All students who are studying abroad are required to have insurance coverage while abroad. Clemson's insurance policy is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). All Clemson University students who are participating in a study abroad program will be enrolled in Clemson's insurance plan for the duration of their study abroad program unless they can show documentation of other insurance coverage that meets or exceeds Clemson's minimum benefit requirements.
Will I still be enrolled at Clemson while I am studying abroad?
Yes. The Clemson Study Abroad Office ensures that all students who are studying abroad are considered full-time Clemson students. Students who are participating in a Clemson faculty-led program will be enrolled in Clemson University courses while abroad. Students who are participating in an exchange or a third-party program will be enrolled in a zero-credit hour placeholder course while abroad (SAP 101 or TSAP 101). This course will maintain the student's full-time status at Clemson University while participating in a study abroad program.
How do I register for classes while I am abroad?
Students participating in a study abroad program will register through the online TigerWeb system for courses to take a Clemson the semester they return. Students who are abroad have priority registration and will not need a registration number. Refer to the phase-in times link to ensure that you know what day and time to register for classes. If you need advice on what courses to register for, contact your academic advisor.
How do I vote while abroad?
Students who would like to vote while overseas should register to vote and request an absentee ballot to be completed before going abroad. This can be done through the Youth Vote Overseas website.
Where can I get more information about subleasing my apartment while I am abroad or finding a place to live when I return?
Visit the Off-Campus Student Services website for more information about subleasing an apartment, finding roommates, and securing off-campus accommodations at Clemson upon your return from study abroad. In addition, you can visit the Cooperative Education Program's housing bulletin board for additional information on posting or searching for available apartments.
When I get back how do I talk about my study abroad experience in my resume or in interviews?
For information on utilizing your study abroad experience in your future career, check out the AIFS Student Guide to Study Abroad and Career Development. This guide, written by Mark Tillman of Global Career Compass and published by AIFS, aims to provide students with a framework to understand the impact and added value of study abroad for their career development. The paper makes the case that employers value study abroad and offers students strategies to pursue "purposeful" study abroad that contributes to career goals. In addition, visit the Clemson University Michelin Career Center to learn more about upcoming workshops or to set up an appointment with a career counselor.
The Clemson Study Abroad Peer Ambassador program is another great way to share your experience abroad! Study Abroad Ambassadors are recently returned students who work one-on-one with prospective students who are considering going abroad. Applications to apply to become a Study Abroad Ambassador are available in March preceding the following academic year.