Q. When can I study abroad?
Either in the fall or spring of your second year. Only certain programs have a winter/spring semester that will end in time for you to graduate with your class in May. Check the school’s Web site to see the academic calendar.
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Q. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is mid-March, just after spring break, for both the fall and spring terms. We must tell our partner schools how many students we plan to send them.
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Q. What are the selection criteria for study abroad?
Students must be in good standing with the university. This means that all tuition bills must be paid and the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
In most cases, we can send two students in the fall and two in the spring to our partner schools. Selection is made using the highest GPA, with the statement of purpose being the deciding factor in case of a tie.
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Q. Can I apply for more than one exchange program?
Yes, you are encouraged to apply for at least two programs in case you are not selected for your first choice.
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Q. Do I have to speak a foreign language to go abroad?
No; however, all programs will offer you the opportunity to take intensive language classes. Most of our partner schools offer an English-language track, with the exception of some schools in Latin America. The school brochures will indicate which programs have classes in English.
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Q. Where can I get information on the different programs?
The most current information is located on each school’s Web site.
Class schedules will be sent to you by the school a few months before the beginning of the semester you will be going, or you will be able to register online.
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Q. Do I need a passport or visa to go abroad?
Yes, you must have a valid passport that will remain valid at least six months after your return date.
The entry visa is different for each country. Your host university will send you an acceptance letter, which you should send, along with your passport, to the nearest Consular office for the country. They will issue the visa, if necessary. Plan to take care of this at least two months before your departure.
For information about getting a visa, please see . This is an agency that will take care of the formalities for you (for a fee).
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Q. How many classes do I have to take at the host university?
You are required to take whatever is considered a full load of classes at the exchange school, typically four to five classes. This information is contained in each school’s brochure or Web site.
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Q. How much credit do I get for my courses abroad?
All course descriptions (and the number of hours classes meet per week) must be submitted to Kelly Christie, Director of Academic and Student Services, before departure when possible. In the event that you cannot register for classes until you arrive at the host university, you should send your class schedule to Kelly by email or fax as soon as possible thereafter. Be sure you hear from Kelly before finalizing your schedule.
Kelly will determine the number of credit hours that will transfer back to Owen. She will send that information to you. Be sure to keep a copy of this for your records.
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Q. How about the grades?
Owen will use the grading policy of the institution you attend, and your coursework will be transferred to your Owen transcript as Pass or Fail. Remember, if you fail a course, you will not receive credit for it. If you do not have enough hours to graduate, you will not be permitted to receive your diploma.
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Q. What do I do about finding housing abroad?
Each partner university will probably have an office to help you. Some schools have dormitories on campus, others have families who will rent rooms to you, and others will tell you to fend for yourself! The best idea is to talk to students who have gone to your school or to our exchange visitors at Owen.
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Q. What if I change my mind and decide not to go?
Things happen. If you cannot go, please be courteous enough to inform Kelly Christie (so you can register at Owen) as well as the exchange coordinator at the host university. Be aware that if you have already deposited money for housing (or program fees for the summer programs), this money will not be refunded in most cases.
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Q. Won’t I miss out on recruiting activities at Owen?
You will not be here in person, but you will still be able to drop your résumé through E-recruiter and will be kept apprised of job postings through the CMC newsletter. Also, you may be able to use the services of the Career Center at the host university. If there is a particular company you want to interview with, consider contacting them to find out who their representative is and then schedule the interview there.
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