Frequently Asked Questions about Study Abroad
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.
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 you are in this situation, you should contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss your specific circumstances.
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 program, 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.
Can I use my financial aid or scholarships?
In general, financial aid and scholarships can be used for study abroad. You should work with the Clemson University 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?
Yes. However, at this time the Clemson University Study Abroad Office has very limited scholarship money available. You should check on scholarships available outside of Clemson University or within your individual College.
What's the difference between an exchange program and a non-exchange program?
Exchange programs involve the exchange of students between Clemson and an overseas university; 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 a year. Each student pays normal tuition and trades places. Non-exchange programs do not involve international students coming to the U.S. -- you simply go abroad and pay the cost of that program to either the program sponsor or the international university. Non-exchange programs typically (but not always) cost more than exchange programs.
What is ISEP?
ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) is one type of Clemson exchange program. You pay normal Clemson tuition. ISEP is an organization of over 100 institutions which have agreed to participate in student exchanges. Clemson's participation in ISEP allows you to attend universities in 39 countries worldwide.
Do I have to be a junior to study abroad?
No. Students may study abroad any time after completing their freshman year, but some programs require junior standing to participate. Transfer students may study abroad at any time after their first semester at Clemson.
Do I need to be a Clemson student to apply to a program?
No. You do not need to be a student to apply for a Clemson program. You can probably participate in one of our programs as a transient student. Contact our office for may details.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No. Although programs are available in many foreign languages for students who have studied those languages, there are English language programs in Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. If you do wish to spend a semester or year abroad on a non-English program, the requirement is usually that you have taken 200 level or the equivalent of that language.
Will I get any help preparing to go?
Yes. In addition to the mandatory orientation program each semester, our office can help you by putting you in contact with former participants or international students from the country in which you will be studying. We will work to make sure YOU feel prepared.
When I get back how do I talk about my study abroad experience in my resume or in interviews?
Click How to Integrate Study Abroad Into Your Resume & Interview brochure for some guidelines and ideas. [This brochure is under development; please check back later this month.]