STUDY ABROAD GUIDELINES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many semesters can I study abroad?
 Of the eight semesters of full-time study required for graduation from Tufts, up to two semesters after matriculation at Tufts may be spent at other approved institutions or on approved foreign study programs.

When do most students study abroad?
 Most Tufts students choose their junior year for study abroad. The Office of Programs Abroad regards this time to be the optimum choice since it is preferred that students be well established in their major before embarking on foreign study. On occasion, particularly well-qualified students study abroad during the second semester of their sophomore year. All students are expected to be in residence at Tufts full-time for their final two semesters before graduation. (Tufts Programs Abroad are considered to be "in residence," non-Tufts programs are not.) It is possible to apply for an exemption to the senior-year residency requirement in order to study on a non-Tufts program in the fall of the senior year.

If I want to study abroad for just one semester, should I choose the fall or the spring semester? 

Historically, more students have chosen to spend spring semester abroad, however, there are some reasons why you might opt for fall semester.

What type of preparation is required to study abroad?
 1. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing* in order to study abroad. Transfer credit toward the Tufts degree will be accepted only from students who are in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of enrollment in the study abroad program.

2. Students must declare their academic major before they study abroad.

3. Students must discuss with a faculty adviser in the department in which they intend to major how the proposed program will fit into their overall degree program at Tufts.

* Good standing means the student is not on academic probation level 3 or higher or disciplinary probation level 2 or higher. See the Tufts Bulletin for an explanation of the levels of academic probation. See "Tufts University Student Disciplinary System" for an explanation of levels of disciplinary probation.

How do I transfer credit from a non-Tufts program?
 The procedure of transferring credit from a non-Tufts program is explained in the Study Abroad Guidelines booklet on pages 7-10 or on-line at: Tufts Administrative Procedures and Transfer of Credit Details.

How do I find out about financial aid resources for non-Tufts programs?

The Institute of International Education has gathered a wealth of information about a variety of scholarships and grants available for study abroad programs. Because students attending non-Tufts programs are not eligible to receive a full financial aid award from Tufts, this is a great resource for finding alternative funding sources.

What if I have special needs?
 Students needing accommodation for physical or learning differences should contact the program(s) to which they are applying.

What if I have a medical issue?
 Students with certain medical issues should think carefully about the advisability of studying abroad. Having a mental health or medical issue is nothing to be ashamed of! However, it is important to fully understand the implications of foreign study for your condition. Psychiatric conditions can be especially difficult to handle during a study-abroad semester or year. Cultural differences in mental health care can limit resources available to students. Access to counseling services and psychiatric medication can be limited in many countries. The use of psychiatric medication in particular is less common in countries outside the United States. Students should consult early on with their medical and mental health providers about the advisability of studying abroad if they have, or have had, depression, an eating disorder, or other psychiatric condition. Eating disorders can be difficult to handle abroad. Travel and culture shock can dangerously exacerbate an eating disorder. Adjusting to different food and having limited food choices when living with a host family can be extremely stressful. Students need to be willing to embrace the cultural differences around food in order to have a successful study-abroad experience. Once you and your medical clinician have made the decision that study abroad is a reasonable option for you, we urge you to consult confidentially with the resident director of the program you have chosen. The resident director can guide you to resources, and discuss whether the resources you need will be available. The more the resident director knows about your medical issues and needs, the better he or she can help you—from picking the best host family match, to helping you find a clinician, or accessing needed medication. Students taking regular medication need to be proactive in developing a plan for obtaining refills while abroad. Many countries limit the amount of medication that can be taken through customs. Can you get refills mailed to you? Can family or friends who are visiting bring refills? Or will you need to consult with the resident director to see if there is a clinician where you are studying who could prescribe refills? Is the medication you are taking even available in the country you are going to? All this must be researched and planned well ahead of time.

 

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Staff
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Updated 8/2007