Factors to Consider

• It’s important to understand which graduation requirements you need to fulfill. 
• Meet with your faculty or academic advisor to identify your options. Because it takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks for your transcript from the host university to be received and processed, students cannot study abroad during their final semester at AUC. 

• Your academic advisor is not designated to “approve” or provide the AUC course equivalency of the courses you’d like to take abroad. 
• Their role is to help you identify which courses are remaining, which ones do you need for prerequisites for later courses, and any other specific degree requirements related to your major.

• After you’ve applied and been accepted at your host university, you will research courses for the term of your study abroad, and then you’ll submit a Course Approval Form to the Registrar’s office before your departure. 
• Because you will enroll in courses at another university, it’s important to keep your options flexible. 

Do you want to go to an English speaking country? Or do you wish to improve your foreign language skills or learn a new one?

When researching program locations you should factor your physical health, mental health, and/or any disability you may have—as accommodations can vary by location.

Consider your personal identity (e.g. background, ethnicity, gender, religion, and beliefs) when researching program locations to find the best fit. What are the cultural norms and customs of the countries that interest you?

• How do you want your experience abroad to shape your future goals? 
• How do you want to grow from this experience? 
• What’s your comfort level in living on your own and in a different city? 

• Carefully explore the cost of your host university and host city: Is budget a concern? Many aspects can affect the cost of a program such as the location and length of time in country. 
• Budget Planning: Use the budget planning form to help you identify the total cost of a study abroad program and compare it to AUC expenses. 
• When determining how you’ll budget your experience, remember these important rules:
  • Students participating in an exchange cannot pay their AUC tuition in installments; they must pay the total tuition + fees by AUC’s regular deadline
  • The AUC exchange scholarships will not be released until you have paid your AUC tuition.

Students participating in a fall or spring semester exchange program are eligible. View scholarship opportunities on this webpage here.