iCharleston FAQ

Find your answers, then pack your bag.

• Do I need to file for a visa?

  iCharleston students will enter the country under a Short-Term Study visa. They will submit their application when they arrive at the port of entry. The host university will provide guidance and support to ensure proper documentation.

• Are there co-curricular programs available for iCharleston students?

  iCharleston Site Directors plan a variety of programs throughout the semester specifically for participants in the iCharleston program. Past programs have included sporting events, theatre productions, day trips and weekend excursions. Costs of these programs are provided by the iCharleston Program.

• Will iCharleston participants have access to a meal plan?

  There are no meal plans offered in Dublin, London, and Rome. Students in these locations will be able to prepare their own food in their residence hall kitchens, and there are an abundance of restaurants in the area.

  The Madrid location includes a two meal per day allotment within the residence hall. Meals will include breakfast and dinner seven days per week as part of the program fee.

• Will I be able to travel during the semester?

  Students are responsible for attending classes Monday-Friday, and there will be some additional programming on select weekends. iCharleston policy does not tolerate absences from class. Participants can lose their study visa if they are not present for class.

• How will my credits transfer to College of Charleston?

  You will receive full credit for all completed courses with a grade of C or higher, but the specific grades from the iCharleston program do not transfer into the College of Charleston in the spring.

• if I don't participate in iCharleston, can I attend the College in the fall?

  Offers to participate in iCharleston require that you study abroad during the fall semester in one of the four locations we've offered. Upon successful completion of the program, acceptance to the College is guaranteed for the following spring semester.

• Will my admission for spring semester be rescinded if I struggle academically?

  While each iCharleston offer comes with an acceptance for spring admission to the College, the Office of Admissions does hold the right to rescind your offer for academic reasons, and all transcripts will be reviewed prior to your arrival. 

  Students must complete the program successfully abroad including achieving a 2.4 GPA and receiving 12 transferable credits.

• What kinds of financial aid or scholarships are available for this program?

  There are no financial aid or scholarships available at any of the iCharleston locations. Full payment of fees is due directly to our partners and College of Charleston does not determine payment deadlines.

• Can I pick which iCharleston location I want to attend?

  Locations are assigned based on a first-response, first-served basis. However, age restrictions, student cohort allowances and secondary admissions processes can alter your top choice. (All locations require students to be 18 years old prior to arrival. These age limitations are set by the host institution in each location.)

• Who will be my classmates? iCharleston students only or integrated with others?

  London is a "closed" program, meaning all classes are specific to iCharleston students. In Dublin, Madrid, and Rome, students are integrated into the partner institution's courses.