FAQs
Q: When should I study abroad? A: You should aim to study abroad for either one or two semesters of your junior year. It is also possible to study abroad during the summer and the first semester of your senior year. Study abroad cannot be your final semester at Brandeis.
We strongly encourage you to consider the option of studying abroad for a full academic year. By spending nine or ten months in another country you will become more integrated in the local scene and improve your knowledge of the language and culture.
If you plan to study abroad for one semester, we encourage you to consider the fall semester. Many study abroad programs have fewer students in the fall. Fewer students means less competition for the best internship, research and field placements abroad in the fall. Another thing to consider is that going abroad in the fall means you can be back on campus in the spring which is the prime season to interview for summer internships.
If you plan to study below the equator (i.e. in Australia, South Africa or South America) we encourage you to begin your year or semester away in the spring. That way, your study abroad experience will coincide with the academic calendar of your host country
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<-- back to FAQ list Q: How do I choose a program? A: Choosing a program can sometimes seem like a daunting task as there are many options to pick from. No two programs will meet the same set of needs, so our office aims to provide you with guidance and appropriate suggestions about the many study abroad options that Brandeis approves. Meeting with a member of the study abroad staff can help you begin the process of focusing your academic and personal goals while simultaneously helping you narrow your selection to a few programs. Brandeis has an Approved Program List for off-campus study during the academic year. Information on these programs can be found in the Study Abroad Resource Library and through our linked webpage. If you are seeking a program or country currently not on the list, please schedule an appointment to speak with a member of the study abroad staff about your goals and options.
<-- back to FAQ list Q: Where can I find more information, applications and brochures on study abroad programs? A: In addition to this Web site, you can visit the Study Abroad Resource Library, which contains many applications, brochures, videos, and country information, in Usdan 127 anytime from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. If you still have questions, give us a call at 781-736-3483 or drop us an email at: abroad@brandeis.edu today!
The study abroad office also hosts study abroad fairs each semester (see the calendar of events for details). The fairs are a great opportunity to learn about the many options to study abroad and to meet representatives from overseas institutions and programs.
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View the Study Abroad Volunteer list.
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<-- back to FAQ list Q: Can I go to more than one country? A: Spending a full academic year in one location allows for the greatest integration and maximizes learning opportunities. Splitting two semesters abroad in two separate locations is an extreme logistical challenge. The administrative management of such an arrangement is not possible and thus will not be approved under normal circumstances. However, pairing a summer and semester abroad (in one location or two) is a viable option, and a great method of gaining knowledge of different languages and cultures. Students wishing to discuss study in different locations are encouraged to meet with a member of the study abroad staff to learn about their individual options.
<-- back to FAQ list Q: What if I only speak English? A: In addition to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom, please note that our approved program list includes many programs where the language of instruction is English even if English is not the official state language. For example, you can choose from programs taught in English in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Japan, Kenya, The Netherlands, Vietnam, and many others!
<-- back to FAQ list Q: Do I have to take all of my classes in the host country's language? A: No, but at least one of your classes must always be taken for a letter grade in the host country's language. The course can be a language instruction course (i.e. Foreign Language Level I) or you can take an advanced content-based course (i.e. History of Your Host Country taught in Host Country's Language). Failure to complete this requirement will result in loss of all credit for the year or semester abroad. Prior to leaving campus, all students studying abroad in a French, Italian, German, Spanish or Hebrew speaking country must have completed a minimum of two semesters of college level instruction in the respective languages (or the equivalent). There are no exceptions to the foreign language policy and students who plan to study in these languages are encouraged to take as many courses before they apply to study in that language.
<-- back to FAQ list Q: What G.P.A. do I need to qualify for study abroad? A: Brandeis University requires that all students who wish to study abroad be in good academic standing and have a minimum G.P.A of 3.0/4.0. However, some approved study abroad programs will only consider students with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.2/4.0 or higher.
<-- back to FAQ list Q: Where will I be living overseas? A: Accommodation is a key area to research when you are comparing different programs. Generally, the options range from family homestays, dormitory living, or sharing an apartment with either foreign students or other Americans on your program. We encourage you to talk with students who have experience with the different options in order to decide what housing is best for you.
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