FAQ
Where can I study abroad?
[*] There are a large number of places and program options. You can browse available programs and their locations on the programs portion of our website: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs.
I am a [nursing/pre-med/psychology/insert major] student. Can I study abroad?
[*] Yes. No matter your major, you can study abroad! The trick is making sure that you will receive credit for the courses you take abroad. Together with your academic advisor we will find the courses that can work for you to take abroad. It’s important to plan ahead and not wait until junior or senior year to decide you want to go abroad.
When are the application deadlines?
[*] Semester Exchanges - Fall/Year: February 15th. Spring: September 15th.
[*] Short-Term - Summer: mid-March. Winter: mid-October. (Please check our website for this year’s specific dates.)
[*] Affiliated & External - Deadlines for Affiliated and External programs vary by organization and program. The deadline for the application you have to fill out with our Office is not set, though you must first apply and get approval from Hunter before applying directly to your selected program.
When will short-term/faculty-led programs for winter/summer be posted?
[*] We aim to have Summer programs on our website by the start of Spring classes and Winter programs by the start of Fall classes.
When is it too early or too late to study abroad? Can I study abroad my Freshman or Senior Year?
[*] Students must have completed at least 6 credits by the time they apply and 2 semesters by the start of their study abroad term.
[*] It is not recommended that students study abroad in their final semester of study, as it will jeopardize your ability to graduate on time for several reasons.
[*] To see full eligibility requirements, please visit the eligibility section of our website at: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/apply-1/Eligibility%20Requirements
Can I study abroad as an international student?
[*] Yes you can! Though, because you are not a U.S. passport holder, there may be additional steps required. After filling out your application, please get in touch with our office regarding any additional necessary steps and check with your consulate about visa requirements.
Do I have to study abroad for a whole semester?
[*] No! We have several options for study abroad programs that take place during winter and summer breaks. To learn more about our short-term programs, please visit: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs.
Do I have to study another language abroad?
[*] No, you do not have to study another language while you are abroad, as long as you choose a program that does not require it! Many programs have little to no language requirements. Be sure to look carefully at program descriptions and requirements of any program you are interested in for language requirements. If you are unsure, you can always send us an email. To look through our programs, please visit: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs.
Do I have to know the host language before going abroad?
[*] While there are many cases where you may not be required to know the host language, it is strongly encouraged that you become at least a little familiar with the language and acquire knowledge of some basic phrases of the host language. Information regarding the extent to which you are expected to know the host language should be detailed in the study abroad program description of each program you are considering. If you have trouble finding this information for a program that interests you, please email us and we will gladly help you figure it out.
Is there financial aid available for studying abroad?
[*] When it comes to financial aid, every person and program has a unique situation. Check with your financial aid office to get more specifics on what financial aid options are available to you.
[*] We have created a substantial list of scholarship opportunities for study abroad students which you can visit here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/expenses-fees-and-scholarships/scholarships.
Are there scholarships available to study abroad?
[*] Yes! To explore the financial aid opportunities check out the Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Awards section of our website here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/expenses-fees-and-scholarships/scholarships.
Can I use my current financial aid package and/or scholarship for study abroad?
[*] Check with your financial aid office to get more specifics on whether your financial aid and scholarships can be used for studying abroad.
I want to study abroad. Where do I begin?
There are a few ways you can begin:
[*] Explore the study abroad programs available to you to see what might fit with your major. You can explore study abroad program options here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs.
[*] We have a video tutorial about preparing for study abroad that you might find useful. It can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj1KD8SKDo0&t=26s
[*] Another great way to begin exploring opportunities to study abroad and the ins and outs of planning for study abroad is to attend one of our Study Abroad 101 Info Sessions. To sign up, visit the Events and Study Abroad 101 portion of our website, which you can access here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/events-study-abroad-101.
What happens after I submit my application? When can I expect to hear back?
[*] Short-term Programs over winter and summer break and affiliated programs: you will typically hear back within 2 weeks of submitting your application.
[*] Hunter Exchange Programs: Applicants will hear back about 2 weeks after the exchange deadline pending on students completing and submitting all application requirements.
I've been accepted to study abroad. What do I do next?
[*] Congratulations! Your acceptance letter from the Office of Education Abroad, should have included next step instructions. If not, please contact our office and we will happily send you next step instructions.
How far in advance should I begin preparing for study abroad?
[*] It’s never too early to begin planning for studying abroad. Our general advice is the sooner the better! For some tips on how to get started planning for study abroad, check out our Planning for Study Abroad on our website’s homepage or at this link: https://youtu.be/MSlYehEANZw.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary drastically. Here are some general rules of thumb:
[*] Pay close attention to what is included in study abroad program fees. There will probably be other expenses not covered by the fee that you will need to take into account. For example, in most cases, transportation to the country you are studying abroad in is not included in the program fee and is an additional purchase.
[*] Planning ahead and utilizing all the resources available to you, can make studying abroad more affordable. To explore the financial aid opportunities check out the Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Awards section of our website here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/expenses-fees-and-scholarships/scholarships.
How do I make sure that I receive credit for Study Abroad courses?
[*] You must work closely with our office (The Office of Education Abroad) and your academic advisors. You will receive detailed instructions from us after we approve your preliminary application.
[*] Course Approvals for Semester Exchanges, Affiliated, External, and other programs not led by Hunter Faculty
All courses you take abroad need academic department approvals in order for you to receive credit towards your Hunter degree. You will use the course approval form to get the courses you plan to take abroad approved as equivalent Hunter courses.
A. Visit department advisor(s) for course equivalency approval. We highly suggest getting additional/backup courses choices approved.
B. Visit assigned advisor (or MHC or SEEK); assigned advisor indicates if equivalent course(s) fit in your degree plan and signs the course equivalency form.
C. Make a copy of your course equivalency form(s) for yourself and submit the ORIGINAL course equivalency form(s) to the Office of Education Abroad.
**If you're having problems with any of the above steps, inform an advisor in the Education Abroad office right away. DON'T WAIT! We can help you come up with a solution only if we know there's a problem.**
Can I apply for more than one program at the same time?
[*] No. Please apply for the program you are most interested in. If for some reason you do not get into your desired program, we will try to help you get into one of your second choice programs. The good news is that this doesn’t happen that often, so no need to worry about having a backup option!
What if I don't meet the prerequisites for a Hunter Study Abroad Program?
[*] If you do not meet the requirements for one of our Short-term programs, please see the prerequisites section of the program page, where you will find instructions for those who do not meet the requirements. If instructions are not given, the further inquiries section at the very bottom of the page will have contact information for academic inquiries for the person you can reach out to regarding the issue. If no academic contact information is available, please contact our office.
How can I learn more about studying abroad?
[*] First, check out our website: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad and the video at the bottom of the page or at this link: https://youtu.be/MSlYehEANZw.
[*] Attend a Study Abroad 101 Information Session. To learn more about our 101 Sessions and to reserve your spot, please go here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/events-study-abroad-101.
When will my study abroad credits appear on my transcript?
[*] If on a short-term faculty-led program, grades will be posted following the general grade-posting schedule.
[*] If courses taken abroad are transferring (ie anything using the course approval form), the time it takes for the credits to appear on your transcript vary based on when we receive transcripts. Once the transcript is received, we submit the transcript/course approval form to the Registrar’s office. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for the equivalent course(s) to be posted upon receipt at Registrar’s. The best way to ensure prompt processing is to have all course approvals done beforehand.
Do you have study abroad opportunities for Graduate Students?
[*] While most of our programs focus on undergraduates, some of our faculty-led short-term programs are open to Graduate Students. Browse our short-term programs here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs/short-term-hunter-college-programs. Other opportunities for studying abroad can be found through other affiliated or external programs, which can be found here: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/educationabroad/programs/other-opportunities.