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Study Abroad Requirements

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Requirements to Study Abroad

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.

To study abroad during the Fall or Spring academic terms, you must meet the following:

  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA
  • At least junior when starting the program
  • A completed Semester Spelman Study Abroad Application beginning with a Preliminary Application
  • Deadline: February 1 (for Junior year travel Fall, Spring and Academic Year)
  • If your major requires a semester abroad, you may submit an application by October 1.

If you are classified as a junior or senior by credit, but your Department Chair confirms that participating will not delay your graduation, they must send an email to Dr. Karen Clay, director for Semester Study Abroad and Cultural Orientation (kclay2@spelman.edu), stating their approval and the specific semester you plan to study abroad.

To study abroad over the summer (non-Gordon-Zeto Center two-week/Department-led study abroad) you must meet the following:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, based on at least two completed semesters prior to applying
  • At least a sophomore when starting the program
  • A completed Spelman Semester Spelman Study Abroad Application and Program
  • Provider Application:
  • Summer; Spelman Preliminary Application and Study Abroad Application
  • Deadline: February 1

To study abroad over the J-Term, you must meet the following:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, based on at least two completed semesters prior to applying
  • At least a sophomore when starting the program
  • A completed Spelman Semester Spelman Study Abroad Application and Program
  • Provider Application:
  • J-Term; Study Abroad Application
  • Deadline: November 1

Related Links:
Pre-Departure Assessment for Study Abroad Students
Evaluation for Returning Study Abroad Students

Contact Info

Study Abroad

350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Milligan Building, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30314

404-270-4685
kclay2@spelman.edu

Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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:

  • 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.

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