Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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

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!

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

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.

Students apply for CofC scholarships through Academic Works.

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

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. 

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.