Education abroad is an academic experience in another country. The venue and method of instruction will vary depending on the program and country, but it is a process that aims to complement and deepen a student’s collegiate experience. Studying abroad is not "time off" from your undergraduate degree or just traveling for pleasure, although the latter can be a part of it.

 

There are countless reasons to study abroad, but most importantly, it offers a chance to engage with other cultures, gain new perspectives, and cultivate humane instincts. Students who study abroad develop skills that are frequently sought by selection committees, such as intercultural competence, awareness of international issues, communication skills, foreign language capabilities, creative problem solving, and more.

 

Students who are in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing are eligible to study abroad. This means a student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, no balances on their student account, and no current conduct sanctions. Some programs will have additional eligibility requirements, such as a higher GPA or previous study in a certain subject.

 

Not necessarily. Some programs on the approved list require 1-4 semesters of foreign language study, but many programs offer courses in English. If the native language in a student’s host country is not English, we strongly recommend that students take an introductory language course when they are abroad as it will encourage deeper cultural immersion and make day-to-day living easier.

 

Students from any major can find a program that will work with their academic goals. Courses may count toward major, minor, or Ways of Knowing credit. As part of the application process, students must complete a Preauthorization to Transfer Credit form and submit it to the Registrar's Office prior to departure to determine how their courses could count toward their Davidson degree.

 

Yes, students studying abroad may continue to apply merit scholarships or need-based financial aid towards approved academic year and semester programs (both Davidson and partner programs).  Aid is calculated based on the full cost of attendance in the study abroad program and therefore may differ from the amount of aid for a semester on campus.  Davidson financial aid is not available for summer programs, although some scholarships or grants may be able to be used towards program fees. 

Refer to the Financial Planning page and the Office of Financial Aid's Study Abroad & Away page for more details, or contact an Education Abroad Advisor.

 

Students are eligible to study abroad beginning the summer after their first year at Davidson up until the summer after their junior year. Under certain circumstances, with advance approval, it may also be possible for first-semester seniors to study abroad. Semester, academic year, summer, and winter break programs allow students to find an option that works best in their schedule. Many students even participate on multiple programs.

 

All students who plan to study abroad during the academic year must select a program from the approved programs list. The list is generous and spans across all disciplines and most of the globe. Programs led by Davidson faculty are popular, but there are over 140 additional options in more than 50 countries around the world. The options reflect different locations, course offerings, GPA requirements, and costs.
 
We also have a list of recommended programs for summer and winter break.

 

With advanced planning, it is possible to find a program with accommodations to meet specific needs. Education Abroad Advisors are equipped to help students explore resources available to them and assist with searching for a suitable program. Partner providers also seek to make programs as accessible as possible, and their coordinators can provide additional details and support during the application process..

We encourage students to discuss specific needs as early as possible when they are considering studying abroad, and students can review helpful resources on accessibility and dietary restrictions. Additionally, we encourage students to discuss concerns with the Office of Academic Access and Disability Resources.

 

Fall, academic year, and summer applications are due February 1.
Spring and winter break applications are due October 1.

Please note that partner provider deadlines may differ from the Davidson deadline. Students must submit all application materials, including transcripts, recommendations, and any supporting documents to the approved partner provider program by the Davidson deadline. If students do not submit all of the materials by the Davidson College deadline, approval to study abroad may be revoked.

A few partner programs have deadlines earlier than the Davidson deadline, and in those cases, the partner program deadline supersedes Davidson’s deadline.

 

Students should start planning early. Schedule an appointment or come to walk-in hours to chat with an Education Abroad Advisor about interests, available program options, program requirements, and applicable deadlines. Students may also want to sit down with their academic or major adviser to discuss where and how study abroad fits in their academic plan.