As you research study abroad programs, you may have questions about academics, the application process, cost, or other items. We hope you fill find our information below helpful to answer common study abroad questions.

First of all, it is fun! You will get to see places you have dreamed about your whole life, and meet people from different cultures. Secondly, it's good for you! Students who study abroad, on average, have higher GPAs, go on to graduate, and graduate within 4 years at higher rates than students who do not study abroad. Study abroad gives you a new perspective of the world and yourself. Many employers value the skills you will develop while abroad, which include problem solving, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability.
 

Study abroad is more affordable than you may think! There are a variety of study abroad programs students can choose from. Each program webpage will contain a budget sheet which outlines the program cost. 

There are many affordable semester programs that allow students to replace a semester at Iowa State, with a term abroad. On a semester exchange program, students pay their Iowa State tuition and fees to participate in the program. These programs are often a reasonable option, especially for in-state students. On a direct or flat fee semester program, students would be charged the tuition of the university abroad instead of their Iowa State tuition. Many students can find great value from direct programs, where tuition starts as low as $2500 per semester. In addition, semester programs allow students to use their existing aid and/or scholarships when they study abroad. There are also numerous study abroad scholarships students are encouraged to apply for.

If students are unable to study abroad for a semester, they may find short-term programs to be a good option. Short-term programs are offered during the summer months, as well as during Spring Break and Winter Session. The programs vary in cost based on location, duration, and program activities. Please consult the program page in ISUAbroad to see the budget sheet.

Safety of study abroad participants is our top priority. Safety is discussed thoroughly with students during both general pre-departure orientation and each program’s site-specific orientation. General tips include securing your valuables and travel documents at all times, avoiding being alone late at night, moderating alcohol usage, being aware of your surroundings in a new environment, and using caution when traveling within countries on buses, trains, or taxis. 

All study abroad students are enrolled in travel insurance through On Call International during their time abroad, unless their program includes comparable insurance through another provider. In addition, Iowa State University has an International Risk Manager who is constantly monitoring world news and events. 

Current Iowa State scholarships can be applied to semester study abroad programs since they are automatically applied to your U-Bill each semester. Federal Pell Grants can also be applied to summer, semester, and year-long programs but cannot be used for Spring Break or Thanksgiving break programs. For students receiving loans, the ISU Office of Student Financial Aid can potentially increase your loan capacity for programs during the academic year to help cover costs.

For non-credit programs including some international internships, the Office of Student Financial Aid office can award loans, provided the programs meet Federal requirements.

Students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships to help fund their experience.

Send questions related to study abroad financial aid to: studyabroadaid@iastate.edu

There is a wide range of programs for nearly every major at Iowa State. In addition, many students choose to take courses toward a minor, international perspectives, or electives while abroad. If you want to take courses in your major, you may choose to go on a Study Abroad Center program or one operated by your college:

Agriculture and Life Sciences
Business
Design
Engineering
Human Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Veterinary Medicine

You should work with the coordinator of your program and academic advisor to find classes available at an institution. Your academic advisor can help you find courses which may satisfy degree requirements you could complete while abroad. To view a program's course list, follow the link on the program’s brochure page on ISUAbroad.

Another option is to take Iowa State courses offered through short-term faculty-led programs during a summer, spring break, or winter session.

If you go on a faculty-led program where the course is taught by an ISU professor, your classes likely will count as ISU credit and toward your ISU GPA. You can confirm with your program director or coordinator. 

For Study Abroad Center summer or semester programs, the courses you take abroad will be processed initially as general transfer credit through the Iowa State Office of Admissions. Evaluation of transfer credit is a two-step process: The Office of Admissions reviews your coursework taken at another institution to determine whether the courses are acceptable for transfer. A Transfer Credit Evaluation form will then be completed. You should follow up with your academic advisor after receiving the transfer credit evaluation to discuss how the credits accepted for transfer apply to your degree program. Be aware that each of Iowa State's colleges determines which transfer credits meet requirements for its degrees.

In general, college-level courses in which passing grades have been earned are acceptable for transfer to the University; some departments may require at least a "C" grade for a specific course to be applied to the degree program. It is important to note that grades from other institutions will not factor into your GPA at Iowa State; however, accepted credits will be added to your overall totals. Upon term completion, you will be able to pick up your original transcript or access a digital version for your records. If you plan to apply for a graduate program, you will likely be asked to submit a copy of your courses and grades from abroad. Many schools send the original and do not keep copies so it is recommended that you keep your transcript from abroad in a safe place.

No. If students plan ahead, they can study abroad for a whole semester and not delay graduation. Due to licensure requirements, education majors who study abroad for a semester may delay graduation; these students could consider International Student Teaching programs.  Research consistently demonstrates that students who study abroad graduate at higher rates than other students. 

In some cases, studying abroad during a summer or Winter Session can actually help students graduate earlier than expected.
 

Yes, the majority of Iowa State study abroad programs offer courses taught in English, even in non-English-speaking countries.

However, if you are interested in studying a foreign language, several programs offer classes from beginner to advanced in languages taught at ISU including Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, as well as, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and many others! If you want to take content courses taught in a foreign language, you may be able to as a native speaker or demonstrating advanced language proficiency. 

You can get one! It's not that difficult! 

It is recommended one of the first things you do when considering study abroad is apply for or check the expiration of your passport. This page can help you figure out how to apply for a U.S. passport locally in Ames. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any study abroad staff for assistance.