Financial Information > Financial FAQ's
1. Why did Brandeis adopt the Study Abroad Home School Tuition policy?
Under the current policy, students approved to study abroad will pay Brandeis tuition and certain fees, thereby maintaining their status as currently enrolled students, and as such, the Brandeis financial aid for which they are eligible is portable.
This policy has been adopted by many of our peer institutions in recent years and makes the study abroad experience more accessible to all Brandeis students, regardless of their or their families' financial circumstances and ability to pay. Nearly half of all Brandeis students receive Brandeis grants and we provide this financial aid to ensure that the educational opportunity is distributed according to merit, not merely the ability to pay. Under the current policy, otherwise qualified students may be unable to participate in study abroad simply because they cannot afford to pay for the experience. The primary reason for the policy change is one of equity and basic fairness, as well as an overall strengthening of the academic component of study abroad.
2. Does this apply to approved U.S. Programs?
The policy includes students who choose to study on one of our U.S. Approved Programs, such as Boston University's Washington Internship Program and Woods Hole.
3. Does this policy apply for summer study abroad?
The new policy will not be applicable for summer study abroad. If you have questions about the process for summer study abroad, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist in researching summer options.
4. Which Brandeis scholarships/grants will be applicable to my study abroad costs under this policy?
Most Brandeis grants and scholarships can be applied towards study abroad. More details can be found on the financial aid page.
If you have further questions about your financial aid, please make an appointment to speak with your financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services (781-736-3700).
5. Will financial aid travel only to particular programs or to all of Brandeis' approved study abroad programs?
Most forms of financial aid will now be portable with ALL approved study abroad programs.
6. Under the Home School Tuition policy, do students have to pay Brandeis tuition and the tuition of their study abroad program?
Students will pay tuition and a study abroad fee to Brandeis when they are studying abroad and Brandeis will then pay the tuition portion of the study abroad program costs to that institution. Students will not pay tuition twice. Related costs, including housing, board, travel and personal expenses will be the student's responsibility. More information can be found in the Billing section.
7. What happens if the study abroad program tuition is more than Brandeis tuition? Will Brandeis only pay the program up to the cost of Brandeis? Will the student still be responsible for the total amount of Brandeis tuition if the study abroad program tuition is less than Brandeis tuition?
Students will pay full Brandeis tuition for that year as published in the University Bulletin, regardless of the cost of their program. Brandeis will then pay the total amount of the study abroad program tuition.
10. Is it less expensive to attend an overseas university?
Tuition for international universities can be lower than at most American colleges and universities, but that is not always the case. Nearly all Brandeis students who choose to study abroad do so through an American institution or university, the tuition cost of which is generally comparable to the Brandeis tuition. Fewer than 5% of Brandeis students who study abroad do so through a direct connection with the international university.
11. Is Brandeis or the student responsible for paying the program deposit?
The student is responsible for paying any initial program deposits.
Student Behavior Issues
12. During my study abroad program, will I be subject to Brandeis rules and regulations for behavior or the host schools?
Brandeis Rights and Responsibilities describes a student's responsibility to behave appropriately while off campus. With the change in study abroad procedures, Brandeis expects that a student studying abroad will know what the host school expects of its students while studying at their site. Brandeis students will be subject to the host school's rules and procedures, as well as the laws of the host country and local provinces, states and cities. Brandeis also reserves the right to hold its students to Brandeis rules and procedures should it so decide, either at the time of the alleged incident or upon the student's return to Brandeis. Brandeis also reserves the right to call a student home if necessary. Appropriate staff at the host school may communicate with Brandeis staff regarding the alleged behavior of a Brandeis student.
13. Will Brandeis provide legal or other staff support if I am charged with a violation of law in the host country? Or if I am charged with a violation of a rule(s) at the host school?
No. Brandeis cannot provide legal assistance to a student whether at home or abroad. In instances of alleged violations of host school rules, to the extent possible, a Brandeis staff member may be of some assistance in discussing the situation with host school officials or with the student's parents.
14. Can I be held responsible for the same behavior both abroad and at Brandeis?
Brandeis reserves the right to invoke University procedures to address any alleged student behavior which, if after appropriate review, are found to have violated Brandeis policies as outlined in 'Rights and Responsibilities'. Similarly, University proceedings will not negate any actions taken by the host institution or country.