Study Abroad FAQs

Almost anyone who meets the requirements can study abroad. Auburn requires students to: be 19 years of age at start of program (under 19 requires a completed parent authorization form); have a 2.25 AU Institutional GPA for undergraduates and a 3.0 AU Institutional GPA for graduate students; and have no disciplinary convictions as established by university policy. Auburn has faculty-led and exchange study abroad options, and there are thousands of programs organized by other global institutions and universities catering to all majors and minors.

A student cannot be denied admittance into an Auburn University program because of a disability. However, several months of prior preparation is necessary to determine if an international program site and available housing can accommodate a student's needs. The extra cost of the accommodations will also be reviewed and will be the financial responsibility of the student. Students with disabilities can check with AU Office of Accessibility and Mobility International USA. To determine whether accommodations can be made for a student's needs in any non-Auburn University program, the student must contact the program director abroad for that particular program.

Generally speaking, you can go as early as the summer after freshman year to the end of your enrollment at Auburn University. Choose the term that works best for you. Programs vary in length depending on the term you choose to go abroad. There are specific programs that may last through the winter or spring break programs that last one to two weeks. However, most choices range from a short summer program (four to six weeks) to a semester program or an academic year abroad.

Housing options vary by country, program and duration of program. Some of the options include: dorms (on campus), apartments (on or off campus), residencies (group housing) or home stays. Regardless of which option you choose, you must remain in one of the program housing options for the duration of the program.

Yes. Most countries have universities that offer courses taught in English. Foreign language classes do not have to be incorporated into your study abroad program. However, some knowledge of the local language and customs will make your stay in country more enjoyable.

There are many considerations when selecting a program for study abroad, and the search process can become overwhelming. It is important to ask the right questions in order to establish guidelines for program selection. To get started:

1. Speak with an academic advisor and outline your graduation requirements.
2. Consider your personal and family interests.
3. Check out the Program Types section as well as Program Search.
4. Narrow down your choices by your key criteria: location, costs, courses, timing, etc.

Yes. You can go on their programs as a transient student, while we maintain your full-time status at Auburn by registering you for a placeholder course during the term you are abroad. You can also choose to participate on a program that is hosted through a third-party provider or by directly enrolling into a university abroad. Your application process will vary depending on the program you select, and you will need to complete requirements for the program as well as Auburn Abroad.

All Auburn programs provide Auburn credit, and grades will be counted toward your GPA. All non-Auburn programs provide transfer credit, and grades for these programs will not count toward your GPA.

1. Print course descriptions of classes you want/need to take abroad.
2. Ask your program provider. The program provider issues your transcript. Also, ask how you will be assessed (letter grades, pass/fail, certificate of completion, etc.).
3. Meet with department heads. They must approve courses for Auburn equivalency using course descriptions and information you provide them.
4. Complete a Course Approval Form or Transfer Credit Form along with the rest of your Auburn Abroad Online Application.
5. Students interested in internships and service-learning projects for Auburn credit will also need to work with a faculty supervisor to review their work abroad and assign a grade for their experience.

No. With proper planning, you will be able to select courses that fit directly into your plan of study.

You will maintain your full-time status as an Auburn student only if you are enrolled in a placeholder course during your program abroad. See Program Types section for more information.

Study abroad programs vary dramatically in cost depending on the location and length of duration. Students should expect to pay program fees similar to what they would already pay on campus along with travel and living costs in the host country. Please refer to the Money Matters section for more information.

Financial aid or scholarships can be applied to certain study abroad programs. Students will need to meet with the Financial Aid Office and Office of University Scholarships to determine how their finances will apply toward program costs. Also, check out the Money Matters section for more information.

• Attend one of the orientation sessions held every week (Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m.) throughout the year in 242 Foy Hall.
• Browse through the information on our website www.auburn.edu/studyabroad.