Frequently Asked Questions

We strive to make study abroad accessible for all students! You've got questions, we've got answers! Don't see your question here? Email us at studyabroad@cofc.edu.

Preparing to Study Abroad

Learn more about how you can make your study abroad dreams a reality!
  • What is the first step when preparing to study abroad?

    First, students should self enroll in our Study Abroad 101 OAKS Course. You can find the self-enroll instructions for the Study Abroad 101 Course here. This course will help students that are exploring or undecided about which program type suits them best. Students who know they are interested in an Affiliate program should self-enroll in the Affiliate Study Abroad OAKS Course. Completion of the Affiliate Study Abroad OAKS Course quiz is mandatory prior to meeting with an advisor for Affiliate programs. You can find the self-enroll instructions for the Affiliate Study Abroad OAKS Course here.

  • What are the three types of study abroad programs and how do they differ?
    CofC-Sponsored Programs
    • Offered during spring break, summer or semester.  Students pay CofC tuition plus a program fee and receive CofC credit. Grades are calculated in the student’s GPA. Out-of-state students receive a tuition discount for summer programs. 

    Exchange programs offer students the opportunity to pay their CofC tuition and study at one of CofC’s partner institutions abroad. Students work with the Center for International Education prior to departure to determine course equivalencies and must earn a C or better to receive credit. Out-of-state students receive a tuition discount for summer programs. 

    Affiliate programs give students the opportunity to take courses not normally offered at CofC and study in locations not available through CofC faculty-led or exchange programs.  Students can choose from a variety of affiliate program providers.  Students pay a program fee to the affiliate program instead of CofC tuition. Students work with the Center for International Education prior to departure to determine course equivalencies and must earn a C or better to receive credit.

    You can learn more by watching our Program Type Overview Video!

  • Where can I study abroad?

    The College of Charleston offers a variety of study abroad opportunities all over the world including various locations in Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania through our different program types.

  • When can I study abroad?

    Students can study abroad during spring-break or for a summer, semester, or academic year. For some programs, students must have completed an academic year at the College in order to be eligible. Review eligibility requirements on the ViaTRM program pages. 

     

  • Can any CofC student study abroad no matter their major, class standing, etc.?

    Students in any major may study abroad. Some freshmen choose to participate in a First Year Experience (FYE) course that allows them to spend time abroad during spring-break of their freshman year. 

     

  • What are the eligibility requirements for study abroad?

    The general minimum GPA requirement for participation in study abroad programs for CofC is 2.5; some exchange partners and affiliate programs may require a higher GPA. Eligibility requirements are listed on ViaTRM.

    Students must also be in good disciplinary standing with the College. 

     

  • How do I apply for study abroad?

    All students, regardless of program type, must apply to the College of Charleston Center for International Education (CIE) through our application protal, ViaTRM.  Affiliate programs and exchange programs require an additional application to be filled out for the host program.

  • What are the application deadlines for study abroad?

    The most up-to-date deadlines and program requirements can be found on individual program or Important Dates pages.

     

  • Do students have to go through the CIE if they are planning on studying abroad?

    Yes, students must apply to the CIE in order to participate in any program abroad, including affiliate programs.

  • Do I have to know a language to study abroad?

    No! Many students study abroad without knowledge of the native language because we offer programs where courses are taught in English. However, if you're looking to learn a new language or brush up on your already acquired skills, we have programs for that, too!

Financing Study Abroad

Learn more about financing your study abroad experience.
  • Can students use their financial aid for study abroad?

    To learn more about financial aid and study abroad, visit Financing Your Study Abroad.

  • How much does it cost to study abroad?

    Just as programs vary in coursework, duration, and location, costs range across the board. The CIE works with students individually to find the best program for their academic, financial, and personal needs. And while we're often asked to quote an average cost, we just aren't able to provide one. We offer so many programs that this figure is difficult to calculate and does not take into consideration what a student receives in support services, academics, and experience.

  • What will be charged on my CofC eBill?

    For CofC-sponsored programs, students pay CofC tuition/fees and the program fee as listed on the ViaTRM page, which includes the $150 study abroad fee.

    For Exchange programs, students pay CofC tuition/ fees, international health insurance, and a $150 study abroad fee to CofC. Students are responsible for housing, airfare, meals, and any other expenses incurred abroad.

    For Affiliate programs, students pay a $150 study abroad fee. All other expenses are paid directly to the affiliate provider.

  • How do I apply for scholarships?

    Students apply for CofC scholarships through Academic Works.

    Additional scholarship opportunitites can be found online through our Financing Study Abroad page, linked below. 

    Financing Study Abroad

Academics and Study Abroad

Learn more about earning academic credits while studying abroad.
  • What courses can I take while abroad?

    Students are not limited by their major and can study an assortment of subjects. We work with students to select the most appropriate program for their academic, financial, and personal needs.

  • What is the Course Approval Process

    The course approval process must be completed by all students studying abroad through Exchange and Affiliate programs.  The courses students take abroad must be approved, using an online inventory or online form, in order to receive transfer credit at the College of Charleston. 

    Learn more on the HUB
  • How do courses appear on the CofC transcript?

    For CofC-sponsored programs, the courses and grades appear as normal. 

    For Exchange and Affiliate programs, courses that were passed with the US equivalent of a letter grade of C or higher will appear on the CofC transcript as transfer credits but will not include the grade. Grades will appear as TR and will not be calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA.