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Study Abroad Requirements

Semester Study Abroad Requirements

Spelman College actively encourages you to enrich your educational experience by studying abroad in your junior year. Check in early with the study abroad office for assistance in finding the right program to suit your academic needs.


Requirements to Study Abroad

To study abroad you must meet the following:

If you know in the spring of your sophomore year that you plan to go abroad the following spring, you are urged to file the Spelman application by the March deadline.

Other Considerations

  • Your selected study abroad program must be university based either in the United States or a designated foreign country, preferably both. Select from one of our approved program providers.
  • Study abroad is part of the curriculum for the degree and should not delay graduation with your class. 
  • In order to get credit as well as use financial aid, you must go through the study abroad office. All applications and approvals for study abroad come through the study abroad office and its faculty committee.  Only Spelman approved programs will be considered.
  • Once you have been selected as a Study Abroad participant, you must obtain and receive major and/or minor departmental approval for your course selections and equivalency with the Study Abroad Course Approval Form.

Among the criteria upon which study abroad applicants are generally judged are the following:

  • Academic credentials
  • Emotional maturity
  • Adaptability to overseas environment
  • Sincere commitment and interest in the host country (as reflected perhaps by past experiences such as hobbies, readings, or course work) 
  • Relevance of the overseas program to your academic and career goals

Study abroad will be approved if you meet the requirements and demonstrate you are enriching your educational experience in your major, or in some way studying areas or subjects that we cannot meet on campus.


Requirements Met ...Next Steps


SOPHOMORES

Fall Semester

  • Review Semester Study Abroad Requirements for study abroad eligibility and program advisement.
  • Schedule a meeting with the assistant director for Study Abroad, and complete the online Preliminary Application.
  • Receive department chair approval to study abroad
  • Submit: (1) Online Spelman Study Abroad Application and (2) Online Spelman Scholarship Application
  • Attend a Program Provider Info Session
  • Apply to ONE program provider (when available)
  • Schedule an interview with the Study Abroad Scholarship Committee (for Spring 2023 students only).

Spring Semester

  • Meet application deadlines
  • Schedule an interview with the Study Abroad Scholarship Committee
  • Register and complete GIS100 Study-Travel Seminar
  • If traveling in the Fall
    • Submit the Study Abroad Course Approval Form
    • Official fall semester transcript by March 1
    • Attend mandatory Spring Study Abroad Orientation during Reading Period
  • If traveling in the Spring
    •  Submit the Study Abroad Course Approval Form
    • Official spring semester transcript by Oct. 5
    • Attend mandatory Fall Study Abroad Orientation during Reading Period

JUNIORS

Fall Semester

  • Open for spring travel only
    Meet the application deadline - Oct. 5 or provider date, if earlier (Spelman and Program Provider)
  • Schedule a meeting with the assistant director for Study Abroad and complete the online Preliminary Application
  • Receive department chair approval to study abroad
  • Submit online Spelman Study Abroad Application
  • Attend a Program Provider Info Session
  • Apply to ONE program provider (when available)
  • Register and complete STS100 Study-Travel Seminar
  • Submit the Study Abroad Course Approval Form
  • Official spring semester transcript by Oct. 5
  • Attend mandatory Fall Study Abroad Orientation during Reading Period

Returning Semester Study Abroad Scholars