Summer FAQs
| Q: Why is the summer a good time to study abroad? | |
| Q: Who is eligible to study abroad in the summer? | |
| Q: What kind of credit can I receive? | |
| Q: I’d like to have a summer internship abroad. Should I speak to the Office of Study Abroad or the Hiatt Career Center? | |
| Q: When should I apply? | |
| Q: How do I choose a program? | |
| Q: Where can I find more information, applications and brochures on study abroad programs | |
| Q: What sorts of fees are there for summer study abroad? | |
| Q: Is there any financial aid available? |
Q: Why is the summer a good time to study abroad?
A: Study abroad in the summer is a great option for students who cannot fit a semester of study abroad into their schedules during the academic year. It can also be a good way to try out studying abroad for a shorter amount of time or to extend a semester study abroad program.
Q: Who is eligible to study abroad in the summer?
A: You can study abroad for Brandeis credit the summer after your first, second or third year. While there is no minimum G.P.A. requirement from Brandeis University, many programs will have minimum G.P.A. requirements. There is no language prerequisite for summer study abroad, but some programs may have specific requirements.
Q: What kind of credit can I receive?
Q: I’d like to have a summer internship abroad. Should I speak to the Office of Study Abroad or the Hiatt Career Center?
A: If you are looking to complete an internship for credit through an approved study abroad program, then please speak to a study abroad staff member. Study abroad internship programs include academic courses and provide assistance with internship placement, housing, orientation and more. However, programs do charge a fee for these services. If you would like to create your own internship or apply for Brandeis internship funding (such as a Louis D. Brandeis or WOW! Fellowship), please visit the Hiatt Career Center’s internship Web page for more information: www.brandeis.edu/internships.
Q: When should I apply?
A: You will need to fill out two applications: a Brandeis study abroad application and the external program application. The Brandeis Summer Study Abroad Application is due in March, so it is a good idea to have completed the program’s application before this date. However, many programs’ summer application deadlines are approximately three to six months before the programs begin. Many students find that investigating program options in the fall and sending out applications early in the spring semester is an ideal timeline.
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 Allyson Goose, Study Abroad Advisor, 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 study abroad during the summer. All of these programs have courses that meet the Brandeis credit requirements of being at least five weeks in length with at least 37 contact hours per course, though not all courses on all programs are eligible for credit. Information on these programs can be found in the Study Abroad Resource Library and on the Web.
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 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 Office of Study Abroad 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.
Q: What sorts of fees are there for summer study abroad?
A: Study abroad program costs vary widely, so check with each program to determine tuition costs as well as expenses for room, board, flights, books, visas and transportation. Brandeis students will also be assessed an Off-Campus Study Fee of $400. This fee covers the administrative costs related to off-campus study program approval and transfer of credit.
Q: Is there any financial aid available?
A: Many institutions will offer grants and scholarships for students studying abroad on their programs. Check with your individual program to see if they offer any merit and/or need-based scholarships.
Brandeis University offers Sachar Scholarships for study abroad. Application materials are posted in the scholarship section of our Web site and are available in Usdan 127. Please note that you must apply for these funds more than a year in advance.
External scholarships are also available: see our scholarship Web page for more information.
Some students choose to take out supplementary loans to finance study abroad. For more information, please make an appointment to speak with your financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services (Usdan 120, 781-736-3700).