Financing Your Study Abroad

Once students are conditionally accepted to the program, they will be sent a financial agreement form on ViaTRM. This form must be reviewed, signed, and submitted. When students submit the financial agreement, they commit to participating in the program and become financially liable. 

The financial agreement outlines the program fee, withdrawal policy, and more. This is a legally binding document and students are encouraged to review it with a trusted parent/guardian. 

Program Fee

Each program has an associated program fee that typically includes the $150 study abroad fee, accommodations, international health insurance, excursions, on-site orientation, pre-departure advising, and group expenses. Students should review the "What's Included" tab on ViaTRM to fully understand what expenses are included in the program fee for their desired program. 

Tuition and Fees

Students are also charged tuition and fees. More information can be found on the Treasurer's website.

Out-of-state students will pay a discounted tuition rate for summer programs. It is the in-state rate plus 30% plus the associated fees (library, technology, etc.).

Additional Costs

While the fees listed above will be the only ones shown on your CofC eBill, there are additional costs to consider. Please review some of these potential expenses in the next section "Additional Costs"

Students may need to budget for additional costs. 

Consider the following: 

• Books/ supplies
• Passport application expenses
• Airfare
• Checked Bag Fees
• Meals
• Cell Phone
• Personal Expenses
• Personal Travel
• Souvenirs
• Travel or Cancel for Any Reason Insurance

This is not an exhaustive list. Students should consider their personal needs and habits when determining potential additional expenses. 

Students who wish to withdraw from a CofC-sponsored program after their application status has been updated to committed should contact the CIE as soon as possible to minimize potential withdrawal fees. Based on the withdrawal policy outlined below, students could owe thousands of dollars if withdrawing after the application deadline.

1. Students must submit a written statement of withdrawal to Center for International Education by emailing studyabroad@cofc.edu or submitting a request to withdraw on ViaTRM. 
2. If the deadline has passed for a refund from the third-party study abroad provider, then no refund shall be provided to the student by the College of Charleston.  
3. There are non-refundable, non-transferable expenditures related to participation in this program as well as penalties for withdrawing from this program. Students acknowledge and accept full liability for all expenses made on their behalf, including but not limited to their portion of the group expenses and all penalties assessed. Students are fully responsible for all fees and expenses even if they withdraw from the program. Depending on when the student files a written statement of withdrawal from the program with the Centerfor International Education the following schedule applies: 

• Sixty (60) days prior to departure or earlier: portion of group expenses and any expenses incurred on my behalf, plus $150 
• Thirty (30) to fifty-nine (59) days before departure: portion of group expenses and any expenses incurred on my behalf, plus $500 
• Twenty-nine (29) days to departure date: No refund 

Students must comply with the College’s Code of Student Conduct and other College regulations regarding conduct, comportment, and academic integrity during my participation in the Program.

If a student is excused from the Program due to conduct, they are responsible for all expenses incurred in returning to the United States and forfeit all fees and tuition for the remainder of the Program. 

If students damage property while participating on a CofC program, they will be held financially responsible for the damage.  

Students participating in exchange programs pay CofC tuition and fees, the $150 study abroad fee, and international health insurance on their CofC eBill. 

Depending on the program selected, the cost of housing may be paid directly to the host university or housing agency. 

Students can look under the resources tab on the ViaTRM program page to see an estimated program cost sheet. 

Out-of-state students will pay a discounted tuition rate for summer programs. It is the in-state rate plus 30% plus the associated fees (library, technology, etc.).

Students may need to budget for additional costs. 

Consider the following: 

• Books/ supplies
• Passport application expenses
• Visa application expenses
• Airfare
• Checked Bag Fees
• Meals
• Cell Phone
• Personal Expenses
• Personal Travel
• Souvenirs
• Travel or Cancel for Any Reason Insurance

This is not an exhaustive list. Students should consider their personal needs and habits when determining potential additional expenses. 

Students participating in Affiliate programs pay the $150 study abroad fee through their CofC eBill during the term they are studying abroad. All other fees are paid directly to the Affiliate provider.

Affiliate programs will list what is included in the program fee on their websites. Students should review this closely and budget for additional costs. 

Consider the following: 

• Books/ supplies
• Passport application expenses
• Visa application expenses
• Airfare
• Checked Bag Fees
• Meals
• Cell Phone
• Personal Expenses
• Personal Travel
• Souvenirs
• Travel or Cancel for Any Reason Insurance

This is not an exhaustive list. Students should consider their personal needs and habits when determining potential additional expenses.