For Parents
For Students
For Parents
Are the students supervised while abroad?
Most programs operate as if your student was living in Clemson. We assume they will act as responsible adults and allow them to live as such. Each program is evaluated for safety and undergoes a risk assessment before students are authorized to attend. Many programs have professors-in-residence or resident directors who are on call 24/7 to assist students. The College of Architecture, Arts & Humanities (AAH) provides students with comprehensive emergency contact information, including an emergency cell phone number. Students and parents may also contact our office at any time.
How does the quality of instruction in study abroad programs compare to courses taught on Clemson’s campus?
Courses are approved for transfer before the students depart to ensure that they meet Clemson’s high standards. Students often have the added benefit of taking courses not offered at the Clemson campus, expanding the scope and breadth of the student’s education.
How does the cost of study abroad compare to staying on campus?
Costs vary by program and depend somewhat on the cost of living in the destination country. In most cases, costs are comparable to a semester on campus, although there are some additional expenses for travel to and from the destination.
Are the parents allowed to visit the students while abroad?
Parents and families are welcome to visit students as long as they maintain respect for the academic calendar and program requirements to ensure that students stay focused and complete coursework. We recommend planning to travel with your student either before the program begins, or after it ends.
Are there emergency procedures in place in case of tragic events or political unrest in a foreign country?
The College of AAH has a specific emergency response plan in case of tragic events abroad. For more detailed information, click here:
The U.S. State Department also issues travel warnings for countries that U.S. citizens should avoid. For current information, go to:
We also recommend that you read the consular information sheet for any country your student may travel to, click on:
What about health insurance coverage and medical needs?
Clemson students pay $31 per month (usually included in their program fees) for coverage from CISI, an insurance provider that offers students comprehensive, multi-lingual assistance with any possible medical problem or emergency. The coverage also covers repatriation in the event of a tragedy. For more information, the policy can be found here:
For Students
Where can I study?
You can study almost anywhere in the world. If there is not a Clemson-sponsored program to your selected destination, we may be able to find a program through a partnership with a third party provider.
When is the best time to study abroad?
After you have completed 30 credits at Clemson, you are eligible for study abroad. Many majors require you to complete your final semester on the Clemson campus, so we suggest sophomore or junior year and the summers in between as the best times to study abroad. You can study for one semester, a full academic year, or a summer session.
When should I start thinking about studying abroad?
It is never too early to plan for a semester, year or summer abroad. Include the program(s) that interest you in the four year academic plan that you will develop beginning in your first year at Clemson. Most programs accept applications 1-2 semesters before expected participation. Planning ahead will also help you to prepare by taking language courses.
Can I only participate in one study abroad program?
You are welcome to study abroad as often as you like (or as often as your budget and academic plan allow!) However, we encourage students to stick as closely to their four year plans as possible.
Are courses taught in English?
This depends on the program. In countries where English is the native or national language, like Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and India, the full curriculum of courses will be taught in English. Some programs offer certain courses in English, even when English is not the native language. Other programs are taught in the native language for foreign language credits. Having a background in the native language of your destination country will enhance your study abroad experience.
What is a Clemson University sponsored study abroad program?
These programs are created and often led by Clemson faculty and staff. In these cases, Clemson has a direct agreement with a foreign institution that may also include a direct exchange program. You simply enroll and pay your tuition and fees at Clemson.
What if there isn’t a Clemson study abroad program for my major?
We have a number of partnerships with third party providers and private organizations that specialize in study abroad experiences that fulfill the requirements of most majors. We will work with you to find a program that fits your needs. We also suggest considering programs that fulfill general education and/or minor requirements.
Is there anywhere I can’t go?
Students are welcome to study anywhere in the world where there is a program that meets their requirements and fits their schedules, but we can not allow students to study in countries where the US State Department has recently issued travel warnings. For current information, go to:
We also recommend that you read the consular information sheet for any country to plan to travel within, click on:
Do I still get to keep my scholarships and loans?
Clemson sponsored study abroad programs are treated as if you were enrolled at the Clemson campus. Increased financial aid may also be available upon application to cover additional program fees. Direct enrollment at another university or enrollment through a third party provider may make you ineligible for some scholarships, but such funding is often carried over to the following semester.
How does GPA factor into the application process?
You will need a minimum GPA of 2.75 to participate in most study abroad programs. Having a high GPA will increase your chances for acceptance into many programs, but is not the only criteria used to determine your eligibility for study abroad. Applications are processed by GPA, however, so those with higher grades receive their first choice of programs. We feel that students with GPAs lower than 2.0 will not succeed away from campus and without the support and resources available to students in the U.S. Students with low GPAs are sometimes denied acceptance into study abroad programs.
Where will I live during my study abroad program?
Study abroad programs offer a range of housing options. Some programs provide housing in university dorms, others offer apartment-style living, and many have home-stay options if you prefer to live with a family in your host country.
What should I do about housing for the semesters before and after I study abroad, since I may only be gone for one semester?
Some students chose to live on-campus during the semester before and/or after their return from a study abroad program since campus housing is available on a semester by semester basis. Other students choose to sublet their apartments or houses. We can help you work with University Housing to find a place to live on-campus, but students living in off-campus housing will have to make their own arrangements.
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