FAQs

Getting Started

1. What is the process to go abroad?
     a. Study abroad requires careful planning and getting an early start certainly helps. Meet with your academic advisor to determine which classes you have  left to take. General education and elective courses are typically easier to find abroad, but major and minor courses are often available abroad too. Each student has different needs and we try to tailor your study abroad experience based on what classes you need. Utilize walk-in advising offered Monday through Friday to meet with a Peer Ambassador. The PA, an undergraduate study abroad alumni, will demonstrate how to research your options and detail how to choose the right program provider.
2. When can I study abroad?
     a. Study abroad programs are available during the fall, spring, winter break, and summer terms. Incoming freshmen and transfer students must spend two semesters at UofL before being able to study abroad in order to obtain a UofL GPA. Students whose major falls within the College of Arts & Sciences may study abroad their senior year as the College of Arts & Sciences has permanently waived the requirement to spend the final 30 hours on campus. These students should be aware of potential delays in the arrival of their international transcript to UofL which may affect graduation.
3. How long can I go abroad?
     a. Programs are as short as 10 days during winter break, 4 – 12 weeks during summer, one semester, or a full academic year.
4. Where can I study abroad?
     a. Study abroad programs are available all over the world! 70 countries to be exact. Discover your options here. However, students may not study abroad in a country that is currently listed as having a Travel Advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State. If a student wishes to travel to a country under a Travel Advisory, they may submit an appeal by following the procedures listed under Section I: Undergraduate Student Travel on our Travel Warning Policy page.
5. Can I study abroad only once?
     a. You can go abroad as many times as you'd like! Remember, the ultimate goal is to take classes that apply to your degree.
6. I don't speak a foreign language, can I still study abroad?
     a. YES! Many programs do not require knowledge of a foreign language and offer classes entirely in English. Students can take a mixture of classes in English and a foreign language abroad if desired.
7. How can I learn more about my options?
     a. Easy – contact us! Schedule an appointment to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor using our appointment request form.
8. How early should I begin applying?
     a. The earlier the better! Program deadlines vary. Even if you are not planning on studying abroad for two years – come see us! Students begin planning, on average, 6 months in advance. Note that scholarship deadlines are earlier than program deadlines.
9. Do I have to be a certain major to study abroad?
     a. Not at all! All majors are welcome to study abroad. We cannot guarantee that major specific classes will be offered in every country; options are available.
10. How do I apply for a passport?
     a. Check out the U.S. Department of State's website detailing exactly how.